0 commentaires
In the world of Omega 3 fatty acids, there is one technical term that is often overlooked, yet crucial: the Totox Index. This indicator plays a fundamental role in determining the quality and freshness of fish oils, a popular source of Omega 3.
It is necessary to learn about the meaning of the Totox index, its importance in the selection of food supplements and how it can impact your health.
What is the Totox index?
The Totox index stands for “Total Oxidation” and plays a crucial role in assessing the quality of fish oils, which are known for their high content of beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
The Totox index is an indicator that allows you to know the freshness level of an oil. More precisely, it allows you to indicate the level of oxidation of these oils, thus providing a clear indication of their freshness level and, by extension, their overall quality.
The freshness of the oil is therefore a key indicator of its nutritional value. A low Totox index value indicates that the oil has been well preserved and maintains a large part of its health benefits , while a high value may signal deterioration and a reduction in the effectiveness of the oil.
This makes the Totox index a valuable tool for consumers and manufacturers concerned with ensuring the quality of Omega 3 supplements.
The importance of the Totox index
The Totox index has a direct impact on health.
The higher the Totox index, the greater the oxidation of the oil. An oxidized oil loses a significant part of its nutritional and therapeutic properties and eventually becomes toxic and unfit for consumption.
For example, an oil that is heated for too long in a pan sees its Totox index skyrocket.
Conversely, less oxidized fish oil better preserves valuable Omega 3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA , and minimizes the presence of potentially harmful compounds formed during the oxidation process.
For consumers turning to fish oils as a source of Omega 3, choosing products with a low Totox index becomes an essential criterion. This not only ensures the maximization of the health benefits associated with Omega 3 consumption, but also contributes to the reduction of risks associated with the consumption of oxidized oils.
The Totox index is therefore a crucial factor to consider when selecting Omega 3 supplements, to guarantee the effectiveness and safety of these products.
How to measure the Totox index in Omega 3?
Measuring the Totox index, a crucial step in ensuring the quality of Omega 3 oils, is done through laboratory tests. These analyses assess the amount of oxidation products present in the oil, providing a clear indication of its freshness and quality. Carried out by food supplement manufacturers, this procedure is essential to ensure that fish oils meet purity and efficacy standards before being made available to consumers.
Storage and handling of Omega 3
Preserving Omega 3 rich fish oils is essential to maintain their quality and effectiveness. How these oils are stored and handled has a direct impact on their Totox index and, therefore, their nutritional value. To best preserve these oils, a few storage practices are recommended:
Low temperature storage:
Storing fish oils in a cool place, ideally in a refrigerator, helps slow down the oxidation process. Low temperatures stabilize the oil and extend its shelf life.
Protection against air and light:
Exposure to air and light can accelerate the oxidation of oils. Therefore, it is advisable to store fish oils in airtight, opaque or dark-colored containers to protect them from exposure to these elements.
By following these simple preservation measures, one can effectively minimize the oxidation of fish oils and maintain a low Totox index, thereby ensuring the preservation of their integrity and health benefits.
