No one wants to throw away money. Let’s face it, during these times we have to ask ourselves with each purchase, “Is it worth it?” When it comes to living a healthy & organic lifestyle, there are a lot of unknowns about the products on the shelves and we’re tempted by price alone. But, is it wise to go cheap for supplements? Are you throwing your precious paycheck away?
I recently compared 2 products in a popular category: Fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplies necessary Omega-3′s, DHA and good fats that your body and brain need. These oils have been shown to prevent coronary heart disease, increase good cholesterol, reduce inflammation, reduce pains associated with arthritis, reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration, help prevent Alzheimer’s, help develop health brains, better sleep and so much more. So, I have 2 questions for you. 1. Why would you NOT add fish oil to your diet? 2. Why would you skimp on the quality of the product?

The 2 products I compared both make similar claims on the label. Heart healthy, immune support, great taste and fish from a purified source. The price difference? About $25-$30 dollars per bottle. What’s the difference? I’ll let you decide. Please, as I always ask, if you don’t understand some of the words below, take a minute to research them.

Product 1: $12.99 (approx)
Provides (in 2 softgels):
Omega-3 (EPA) 488 mg
Omega-3 (DHA) 178 mg
Other Omega-3 fatty acids 54 mg
Ingredients: Fish (Anchovy, Sardine) and Soy. May also contain (so I’m sure it does) Methacrylic Acid Copolymer, Triethyl Citrate, Polysorbate 80, Propylene Glycol, Ethylcellulose, Ammonium Hydroxide, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Oleic Acid, Sodium Alginate, Stearic Acid, Talc.

Product 2: $39.99 (approx)
Provides (in 2 softgels):
Omega-3 (EPA) 650 mg
Omega-3 (DHA) 450 mg
Other Omega-3s 180 mg
Ingredients: Purified Deep Sea Fish Oil (from anchovies and sardines) natural lemon oil, d-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract.

They both are in a gelatin capsule, I did not list those ingredients.
Obviously, if you like more “stuff” in your product, (you think you’re getting a bargain by paying less for more?) then you’d opt for product one. If you don’t know what you spend your money on, it may seem like a great deal. Again, I ask you to check out that ingredient list in a dictionary. If, however, you want a pure, clean product that contains more of what you are paying for (the fish oil), then it seems wise to go ahead and spend the $27.00 and avoid the not-so-healthy ingredients product one.

As a consumer, it’s up to you to read the labels. I know it’s hard to decipher some of those words and compounds, but when you are spending money on the health of yourself, your child or family member, it’s worth the time to get educated and essentially stop throwing your money in the trash can for a product with big claims, and, big misconceptions.