Perhaps you've had this experience before: you are trying to describe to someone why you take fermented cod liver oil, and despite your sincerity and conviction just can't seem to get that raised eyebrow, crinkled-nose look of confusion off of their faces. "So why exactly does your family take that stinky liquid if you could have sugar-encrusted gummy vitamins instead?" Some days, you might even start to wonder yourself. But instead of launching into a detailed scientific analysis about the fatty acid profile, sending out a list of articles about the nuances of the fish oil industry or smacking the entirety of Weston A Price's Nutrition and Physical Degeneration onto the desk, sometimes a neat and tidy video clip can be all you need to help put your sentiments into words. Here is quick list of the helpful nutrients in fermented cod liver oil and a 5 minute segment from our friends over at Healing Quest, that explores why this superfood is making a big comeback and how it can be incorporated into the modern diet.
Benefits of Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Vitamin A
This important nutrient is crucial for vision, growth, development, cellular communication, immune function and reproduction. Fermented cod liver oil contains the enriching active form of vitamin A, not to be confused with the precursor found in carotenoids like beta-carotene (1, 2).
Vitamin D
Known for its powerful ability to reduce inflammation, Vitamin D is also required for healthy bones, cell growth, neuromuscular function and immune response. It is found in very few foods, and fermented cod liver oil contains the highest concentration of all (1, 3).
EPA/DHA
(Eicosapentaenoic acid/Docosahexaenoic acid) are long chain omega-3 fatty acids. They ensure the fluidity of the cell membrane and are also necessary for the proper function of the neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinepherine). Essential to brain and nervous system function, they can be manufactured by the body under ideal conditions, yet many people do not produce enough and thus must consume them from outside sources (4).
Natural Balance of Nutrients
The purifying and high heat refining processes that typical fish oils undergo completely destroy these precious nutrients. Thus, oftentimes manufacturers are adding artificial vitamins back into their final product. These synthetic vitamins are not recognized in the body and thus do not often function appropriately. What's more, the natural balance of Vitamins A and D, which naturally resides at about a 10:1 ratio, is not often honored, causing all sorts of issues with overload and toxicity (5, 6, 7).
No Additives or Fillers
Fermented cod liver oil contains just one ingredient- cod liver oil! Unless of course you try for a flavored variety, which contains the extracts of chocolate, cinnamon or orange to soften the taste slightly. Because of the careful way it has been prepared and packaged in dark bottles, this powerful superfood is very stable and requires no additional preservatives or fillers to stay potent once arriving in your home (8).
Healing Quest: Cod Liver Oil Segment
