When I got this email from last month's Green Pasture giveaway winner, I knew I had to share it with you all. I think most of us feel some hesitation about investing in a bottle of quality cod liver oil if you fear your kids will never consent to taking it every day. But a lot of parents are surprised when they realize it's often not the battle they expected! Here's what this email said:
I got my cod liver oil/butter oil blend yesterday (cinnamon tingle flavor). I was really doubtful I could get the kids to take it. But they really surprised me!
My 2 year old swallowed hers without any problem and even licked the lid! My 9 year old, who I had raised on convenience food (before our traditional food awakening) took hers with no argument and said it wasn't so bad. My 7 yr old "healthy eater" had the most difficulty--mostly because she held it in her mouth too long. But eventually she swallowed and didn't give me any fuss today. Our 8 month old didn't know what hit him and I followed his teaspoon with some applesauce before he could spit any out. So all in all, a very good experience.
Thank you for providing our family the opportunity to try the fermented cod liver oil. We are also sure to be Green Pasture customers from now on!
Isn't that cool? I love hearing success stories like this!
Do your kids take cod liver oil? Has it been a battle or do you have a secret for getting your kids to take it without a fight? Share in the comments below!
Once upon a time a man went on a quest that touched every corner of the earth: a quest to find out what made folks healthy. The man was Weston A. Price and he came back from his journey with a clear idea of how nutrition can affect our health. He put these ideas into print in his book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration. Price is known for recommending grass-fed butter, real whole milk, offal and fresh seafood. But perhaps he's most well known for recommending daily doses of high vitamin cod liver oil.
There are many folks who tout the benefits of quality cod liver oil, but today I thought we could hear a little straight from Price himself, courtesy of Nutrition and Physical Degeneration.
Cod Liver Oil, Fertility and Fetal Development
Price emphasizes that prenatal nutrition does have an impact on fetal development and beyond. He first demonstrates just how tremendous this impact can be on fertility by referencing an interesting study done on pigs:
"Swine did not reproduce when fed barley and salt, but did so when cod liver oil was added to this food."
It's humbling that such a simple therapy could yield such a drastic result. Price also spoke of pigs whose diets were deficient in Vitamin A giving birth to litters with severe deformities, but cod liver oil wasn't specifically mentioned (the good news was that the deformed pigs were able to give birth to healthy young once fed a nutritious diet with adequate vitamin A).
And while pigs aren't humans, Price makes a good point in saying this:
"If pigs need several months of special feeding in order that the mothers-to-be may be prepared for adequate carrying forward of all of the inheritance factors in a high state of perfection, surely human mothers-to-be deserve as much consideration."
I would think so.
In Chapter 21, Price then describes a case where a mother ate a deficient diet during the pregnancy of her first child and a nutritious diet during the second. The first child was currently ten years old and was clearly less healthy than her younger, more robust sister. Price notes the striking differences in the two pregnancies and births as well:
"The history of these pregnancies is of interest. The duration of labor for the first child was fifty-three hours and for the second three hours. Following the birth of the first child the mother was a partial invalid for several months. Following that of the second child the experience of childbirth made but slight impression on the strength and health of the mother."
Why the dramatic difference? Price has an explanation:
"During the first pregnancy no special effort was made to reinforce the nutrition of the mother. During the second pregnancy the selection of foods was made on the basis of nutrition of the successful primitives. This included the use of milk, green vegetables, sea foods, organs of animals andthe reinforcement of the fat-soluble vitamins by very high vitamin butter and high vitamin natural cod liver oil."
Was this a fluke? Perhaps... or perhaps not. But Price certainly didn't think so. He implies this is a common experience when he next says:
"It is a usual experience that the difficulties of labor are greatly decreased and the strength and vitality of the child enhanced where the mother has adequately reinforced nutrition along these lines during the formative period of the child."
Cod Liver Oil for Treating Tooth Decay
While Price certainly recommended a nutrient-dense diet to patients who needed to fight tooth decay, he also considered high vitamin cod liver oil to be a crucial supplement to this diet. From Chapter 16 on curing tooth decay:
"The program that I have found most efficient has been one which includes the use of small quantities of very high vitamin butter oil mixed in equal parts with a very high vitamin cod liver oil."
But how much is needed? For treating tooth decay, Price says:
"The quantity of the mixture of butter oil and cod liver oil required is quite small, half a teaspoonful three times a day with meals is sufficient to control wide-spread tooth decay when used with a diet that is low in sugar and starches and high in foods providing the minerals, particularly phosphorus."
If you don't have active tooth decay and simply want to take preventative measure, Price noted that even less is needed:
"A teaspoonful a day divided between two or three meals is usually adequate to prevent dental caries and maintain a high immunity; it will also maintain freedom from colds and a high level of health in general."
Sounds good to me! Bear in mind this is a teaspoonful of the mixture of equal parts high vitamin cod liver oil and butter oil. So basically a total of one half teaspoon of each for preventative care.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Even Price understood the implication of having too much of a good thing. He knew from experience that more is not always better when it comes to cod liver oil. Here is what he says on page 267:
"It is important that I emphasize here some dangers that are usually not recognized or properly emphasized in the literature. When fish oils including cod liver oil are given in too large doses to some patients they experience quite definite symptoms of depression."
Interesting. Price goes on to explain:
"The available evidence indicates that fish oils that have been exposed to the air may develop toxic substances. My work and that of others with experimental animals has demonstrated that paralysis can be produced readily by over-dosing. Serious structural damage can be done to heart and kidneys. I have reported this in considerable detail."
Fortunately, Price explains that smaller doses much safer and can still yield fantastic results. He notes:
"My investigations have shown that when a high vitamin natural cod liver oil is used in conjunction with a high-vitamin butter oil the mixture is much more efficient than either alone. This makes it possible to use very small doses."
And so the mantra of moderation in all things prevails once again.
Final Thoughts on Weston A. Price and Cod Liver Oil
One thing is clear from reading Nutrition and Physical Degeneration: though Price certainly recommended supplementing with cod liver oil and butter oil, he obviously believed the foundation of health is made with nutrient-rich food. And he meant for these to be used in conjunction with each other to reap the real benefits.
Let's face it: most of us are strapped for time in the morning. Cereal may be convenient, but--despite what the commercials say--it's not part of a healthy breakfast. Kelly's course devotes an entire lesson to quick and easy breakfast ideas that are loaded with the nutrients your family needs. The class includes an incredible audio segment with Sally Fallon Morell about what's wrong with modern breakfast cereals. Trust me, after hearing this you'll know why health will never be found at the bottom of a cereal bowl.
#2 Ingredient Labels Confound You
Learn exactly which ingredients are causing health problems like headaches, hyperactivity, depression and more. You'll know just which ingredients to look for and avoid the next time you go shopping. Plus: the downloadable Kitchen Kop Real Food Ingredient Guide comes free as part of the course!
#3 There's a Container of Soy Milk or Tofu in Your Refrigerator
Still under the impression that soy products are healthy? Hear Dr. Kaayla Daniel (author of The Whole Soy Story) reveal the truth about how this food affects our thyroid, our digestion and our hormones.
#4 You're Using Butter Substitutes
If there's a tub of margarine in your kitchen, you'll want to listen close during the second class in Kelly's e-course. Learn which fats are really bad for your heart (it may not be what you think!), and why the right fats are really good for you!
#5 You Think All Sugar is Created Equal
Learn about the most dangerous sugar you could eat and what your alternatives are. Plus get great tips for which natural sweeteners work best in which recipes (something you must know unless you're looking to make a common real foodie mistake!).
#6 You've Never Tried Batch Baking
Baking nutritious snacks and treats at home does not mean spending hours in the kitchen every week. You can save time and money by learning to bake in bulk. Kelly provides not one but two great videos with tips for batch baking your family's favorites!
#7 You Think All Beef Cattle Are Raised on Rolling Green Hills
Learn everything the meat industry doesn't want you to find out! But don't worry, we're not trying to convert you to vegetarianism. In fact, Kelly explains exactly how to find nourishing meat from cows raised the right way. Plus she shares a great video of her farmer explaining what to look for when you go shopping for meat from local farms.
#8 You Think Buying Grass Fed Meat is Too Expensive
Kelly busts right through this myth with a video tutorial on how to save money when you buy local meat.
You won't be intimidated to go buy local produce from the farmer's market once you learn the right questions to ask (and why farmers are okay when you ask them!).
#10 You're Not Sure What to Do About Pesticides on Your Fruits and Veggies
No problem! Kelly explains exactly how to wash your fresh produce to reduce pesticide residue. You also get to hear a revealing audio segment with Jane Hersey on why we need to be concerned about pesticides.
#11 You Think Fresh Produce is Too Expensive
Just like with local meat, there's a way to save money on high-quality fruits and vegetables. Kelly shares an excellent video on how to stretch your dollars when shopping for produce, and also some very important tips for freezing produce.
#12 You've Never Tried Growing Your Own
Turn your backyard into a fresh food paradise by learning from Kelly's experience with home gardening. You can't get more local than your own backyard!
#13 You Give Your Children Low-Fat Milk
I know, doctors keep telling us to give our children low-fat foods earlier and earlier. Learn why this is a terrible mistake and why dairy fats from the right sources are crucial for our children's development.
#14 You're Drinking Low-Fat Milk
Whole milk ain't just for the youngin's! If you think low-fat dairy is good for your health or your waistline, think again.
#15 You Drink Grocery Store Milk to Prevent Osteoporosis
Conventional milk is missing some key components for bone health. Learn how to get the best milk for your family (and your bones!).
#16 You Fork Up the Money for Organic Milk Because It's Better For You
Learn why organic milk from the grocery store may be the worst kind!
#17 You're Not Sure How to Find Good Quality Milk
Kelly's farmer shares his thoughts on how to find safe, nutritious milk from a local farm.
Kelly teaches you how to master bread baking so your family can enjoy the most nutritious bread on the planet (while you save $60 a month!).
#19 You Rely on School Lunches to Feed Your Children
Kelly knows what it's like to feed school age children, and she shares her thoughts on cafeteria lunches and easy, healthy alternatives.
#20 You're Too Busy to Cook Nourishing Dinners
Do you call in for take out a little too often? Learn how to cook nourishing fast food at home! Including tips on meal planning, how to keep your kitchen stocked, and a great video recipe for homemade pizza.
#21 You Don't Know How to Use Your Crock Pot
Don't let your crock pot collect dust! Kelly shows you how to get the most out of this invaluable kitchen appliance so you can prepare easy nutrient-dense meals for your family with as little hands-on time as possible.
#22 You Avoid Cod Liver Oil Because of the Taste
Learn why you should be taking cod liver oil and how to get everyone in your family to take it!
#23 Liver Scares You
It's easy to shy away from foods we aren't used to cooking, but let Kelly take the lead as she shares how she learned to serve up delicious liver dishes that even her kids will gladly eat. Plus, learn why getting your family to eat liver is so important for their health.
#24 You're Still Downing Soft Drinks on a Regular Basis
Learn how to finally kick the soda habit by serving up fermented beverages instead. Kelly explains why these probiotic-packed drinks are so good for you and provides clear instructions for making these bubbly treats (trust me, they taste awesome!).
#25 You're Strapped for Cash
Real food doesn't have to be for the rich and famous! Kelly shares how you can afford to eat nourishing food. (This alone is worth the cost of the e-course--which, by the way, isonly $10 per class if you use the discount code REALFOOD at checkout! Plus there's a payment plan available if you'd rather pay in installments. But hurry--the coupon off expires on May 1!)
#26 You've Changed Your Diet But Aren't Sure What to Do Next
Kelly doesn't leave you hanging after you've become a real food expert. She also shares about safe cookware, the vaccine controversy, antibacterial soaps and much more in her final lesson: "Beyond Real Food."
#27 You Know All of This, But Someone You Love Doesn't
Maybe you're not such a real food rookie, and you don't need much help with the topics mentioned above. But do you know someone who does? If someone you know is still following SAD (the Standard American Diet), giving them this e-course can change their life. You know the old saying, "Teach a man to fish..." That's where Kelly's class comes in! Imagine giving someone the power to change their health with real food. At the risk of repeating an overdone cliche, this really is the gift that keeps on giving.
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Certain superfoods - like cod liver oil - are so powerful they were recognized for their incredible healing abilities throughout many traditional societies around the world. This ancient wisdom was passed down to preserve the health and longevity of each new generation. Yet in recent decades we have managed to squander this wisdom, replacing traditional health foods like cod liver oil with synthetic supplements that can't come close to providing the healing power of a true superfood.
Cod liver oil is a unique package of important nutrients which work together to prevent and even cure numerous modern diseases and conditions. Weston A. Price considered cod liver oil (especially combined with butter oil) to be one of the most important superfoods around, and for good reason:
Vitamin D. It's hard to ignore the striking evidence that vitamin D is indispensable for good health. Cod liver oil is the richest source of natural vitamin D - a single teaspoon of high-vitamin oil contains nearly 2000 IU.
Vitamin A. Cod liver oil is hand-down the richest natural source of bioavailable vitamin A, with about 10,000 IU per teaspoon of high-vitamin cod liver oil. This nutrient is vital for a healthy immune system and healthy vision, and is especially important for proper development in children. It also aids in protein utilization, testosterone production and prostate health.
For information about vitamin A, see below.
EPA and DHA.Cod liver oil supplies important omega-3 fatty acids EPA, which is anti-inflammatory and necessary for prostaglandin production, and DHA, a nutrient absolutely vital for a healthy brain and nervous system. Cod liver oil is a better source of these important nutrients than regular fish oil.
Specifically, cod liver oil has been used as an alternative health measure to improve general health while preventing and treating numerous modern illnesses:
Heart Disease. For protecting the heart, you can't beat cod liver oil. It can fight inflammation associated with heart disease, heal the lining of the arteries, reduce the size of atheromas clogging arteries, and improve blood vessel function. Cod liver oil can also lower blood pressure associated with high levels of stress. This makes cod liver oil a must both for preventing heart disease and for healing damage that has already been done.
Diabetes and Insulin Resistance. The high vitamin D in cod liver oil improves insulin function, while low levels of this vitamin are associated with high insulin levels. Getting plenty of natural vitamin D is important for balancing blood sugar. In addition, the vitamin A in cod liver oil aids vision health and injury recovery, which are often weakened by diabetes.
Cancer and Other Diseases. Studies have shown cod liver oil can protect against diseases like cancer and leukemia. It is a powerful component of alternative treatment for many chronic and degenerative conditions.
Children`s Health. From conception through adolescence, cod liver oil can provide developing children with what they need to thrive. Mothers who take cod liver oil during pregnancy and nursing protect their children from disease while providing them with important nutrients and fatty acids. For growing children, cod liver oil is important for healthy bones and teeth, as well as preventing common problems like ADHD.
Healthy Skin and Hair. The vitamins and essential fatty acids in cod liver oil can greatly improve the health of skin and hair. Cod liver oil can even be topically applied to speed wound healing.
Common Questions About Cod Liver Oil
If cod liver oil is so miraculous, why don't we hear more about it?
The answer to this question is simple: scientific research is no longer focused on the healing power of real food. For the most part, science today focuses on trying to prove the validity of pharmaceutical drugs which can be patented and sold for high profit. There is little interest in inexpensive natural treatments that can't be patented. When you look into communities which focus on healing through traditional, whole-food methods, you will find cod liver oil receives the attention it deserves.
What about vitamin A toxicity, especially regarding pregnant and nursing mothers?
There are two common misconceptions associated with vitamin A. One is that adequate levels of this vitamin can be obtained through fruits and vegetables, but these sources contain only carotenes which must be converted into retinol in the body. Many factors can interfere with this conversion, including diabetes, thyroid problems, stress, and infancy.
The second confusion results from studies indicating vitamin A is highly toxic. This only pertains to synthetic vitamin A; natural vitamin A consumed through natural foods like cod liver oil can be beneficial even at high doses. (This article contains a wealth of information about vitamin A.)
The vitamin A and D in cod liver oil are particularly important for pregnant women and developing babies. Vitamin A deficiency has been linked to birth defects. It's important for mother and baby that plenty of vitamin A is obtained through food. Cod liver oil is ideal because its vitamin A is in a highly usable form compared to the beta-carotene in produce. There have been studies that show that a maximum of 30,000 IU of vitamin A is safe during pregnancy, if the vitamin A is from natural food sources. Plus, the natural vitamin D in cod liver oil also works to prevent vitamin A toxicity. There's a reason nature packaged them together.
But doesn't fish oil contain heavy metal contaminants?
Heavy metals and other contaminants are a common concern when it comes to ocean fish, but cod liver sold in the United States is tested for these kinds of substances. A high-quality cod liver oil from a reputable manufacturer should cause no worries.
Are some cod liver oils better than others?
Absolutely. Like any other superfood, cod liver oil can be refined in a way that depletes it of valuable nutrients. Some manufacturers add inferior synthetic vitamins back in after processing (this information may not be on the label). Other manufacturers carefully preserve the vitamins in cod liver oil. It's important to find a good supplier of cod liver oil that takes pride in preserving the oil's natural goodness. Also, fermented cod liver oil is superior because its nutrients are highly bioavailable. See my resources page for the brand I personally recommend because of its superior quality.
Ick! How do you stand the taste?
Okay, I'm not one who spreads berry-flavored cod liver oil on toast. To me, this stuff doesn't taste good and it never will. I find the easiest way to take it is to down your dose and chase it with some milk, juice or lemon water (or tequila--I'm sure it will get rid of the taste but I doubt it's gonna do your health any good).
My kids abhorred cod liver oil at first, but honestly after a week or two they got used to taking it. They still put up a small fuss some mornings, but generally it's not a big deal anymore. Plus, I'm not too anal about it and some mornings we skip it. They typically end up taking a half-teaspoon of high vitamin cod liver oil about 3-5 times per week.
. Price is known for recommending grass-fed butter, real whole milk, offal and fresh seafood. But perhaps he's most well known for recommending daily doses 
of 
) reveal the truth about how this food affects our thyroid, our digestion and our hormones. 
collect dust! Kelly shows you how to get the most out of this invaluable kitchen
appliance so you can prepare easy nutrient-dense meals for your family with as little hands-on time as possible.
abilities throughout many traditional societies around the world. This ancient wisdom was passed down to preserve the health and longevity of each new generation. Yet in recent decades we have managed to squander this wisdom, replacing traditional health foods like cod liver oil with synthetic supplements that can't come close to providing the healing power of a true superfood.