116: Cod liver oil controversy

116: Cod liver oil controversy

Author: Weston A. Price Foundation January 29, 2018 Duration: 28:32

Cod liver oil is one of the main foods that the Weston A. Price Foundation recommends for a healthy diet. It abounds in nutrients that are sadly lacking in our diets today. Cod liver oil provides fat-soluble vitamins A and D, which Dr. Price found present in the diet of traditional people groups in amounts ten times higher than those in "modernized" diets!

Unfortunately, in recent years, there has been some controversy around the subject of fermented cod liver oil, which has caused some concern about its safety and health benefits. In today's episode, Sally Fallon Morell, the head of the Weston A. Price Foundation, dispels the confusion and answers the questions that have been posed about it. She explains the value of cod liver oil in detail. She describes the results Dr. Price saw when he introduced it into American diets. She goes through the cod liver oil extraction process, how fermentation allows us to get oils without compromising the nutrient content of the livers, and more. 

Most importantly she addresses head-on questions of rancidity and the motivation of those who have leveled accusations against a specific cod liver oil company and the Weston A. Price Foundation itself. In the end, you will gain clarity on the cod liver oil controversy and you will learn more about why cod liver oil is so critical for our health today.

For more on cod liver oil, visit our website: westonaprice.org.

And check out our sponsors: Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund and Kraut Pounder.


Hosted by the Weston A. Price Foundation, Wise Traditions explores a path to well-being rooted in the diets and lifestyles of ancestral cultures. This podcast operates from a simple premise: that the secrets to robust health aren't found in the latest trends or synthetic supplements, but in the time-tested traditions of our ancestors. Each episode delves into practical wisdom, from preparing nutrient-dense foods and understanding the role of animal fats to exploring holistic approaches to fitness and mental wellness. You'll hear from researchers, farmers, doctors, and practitioners who are applying these principles today, offering conversations that challenge conventional health narratives. The discussions are grounded in the work of Dr. Weston A. Price, whose famous observation that "Life in all its fullness is mother nature obeyed" serves as a guiding light. Tuning in provides a deep dive into how traditional foods, regenerative agriculture, and a respectful approach to nature's design can fundamentally reshape your health. It's for anyone feeling disconnected from natural ways of living and curious about how the wisdom of the past can inform a healthier, more vibrant present. The Wise Traditions podcast is a resource for those ready to look beyond the mainstream and consider how ancestral knowledge holds critical answers for modern life.
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