In the modern world, more adults worldwide are starting to think more about their health, and what supplements to take in order to keep our bodies working well. In recent years, a more popular form of supplement has been fish oils, that are used in order to gain benefits from omega-3 fatty acids.

What are fish oils? And why do we need omega-3? According to the Mayo Clinic, “Fish oil is a dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids. Your body needs omega-3 fatty acids for many functions, from muscle activity to cell growth.”^[1] Omega-3 fatty acids are not made by the body, and are only provided through food. These fatty acids can be found in a variety of fish which manufacturers extract for these coveted oils.

The problem with this is the way we harvest fish oils is incredibly harmful to our planet. “even at current levels of fish consumption, fisheries globally have reached a state of severe crisis.”^[2]

In his book The Omega Principle, Author Paul Greenberg argues against the use of fish oils because of the ripple effect it causes, damaging the oceans and wildlife. In the beginning of his book, he suggest a different alternative.“The ultimate creators of omega-3s, are not fish but phytoplankton, the creatures that underlie the entire oceanic foodweb”^[3]

Greenberg mentions phytoplankton, the sea plant that Karen Phytoplankton has been advocating for for years. Unlike common fish oils, Karen® Phytoplankton is a 100% natural vegetable product. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are derived from the phytoplankton that they are eating. Therefore, it makes sense to go right to the source. Along with omega-3 fatty acids, it also contains “essential minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorous, iodine, magnesium and potassium. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids, high levels of beta-carotene, and vitamin C and E. Furthermore, it is a plentiful source of antioxidants. Karen® Phytoplankton is safe for consumption for coeliacs, vegans, vegetarians and even those with fish allergies.”^[4]

Knowing this, there is a clear solution, giving our bodies this important nutrient while also keeping environmentally sustainable. Karen Phytoplankton is harvested in a sustainable facility, grown on land rather than from the ocean. We want what is best for the planet, and our bodies.

Discover More: Here’s how changes in your nutrition benefit your overall health.

^[1] Mayo Clinic, “Fish Oil” Published 2020 https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-fish-oil/art-20364810

^[2] Jenkins, J.A David MD et al, “Are dietary recommendations for the use of fish oils sustainable?” Published 2009 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2653584/

^[3] Greenberg, Paul. The Omega Principle, Penguin Publishing Group, 2018.

^[4]Karen Phytoplankton, ”The Benefits of Karen”