Fish Oil Benefits and Side Effects

The omega-3 essential fatty acids are also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids. Human body is not capable of creating these fatty acids, which are essential for human health. The omega-3 fatty acids are found only in certain fish like tuna, salmon and halibut. It is also found in certain marine plants and sea algae and krill. So, intake of fish oil by either eating these fish or supplements is necessary, but studies show there are side effects related to the intake of fish oil, from the fish or fish oil supplements. Read the below benefits and side effects of fish oil, and decide for yourself.

Fish Oil Benefits
Listed below are the known fish oil health benefits.

• The omega-3 fatty acids contains essential nutrients, Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA). These essential nutrients boost the brain, which results in better concentration, better creativity and improved memory.
• One of the fish oil benefits is that it prevents depression. Deficiency of EPA and DHA leads to mental disorders like schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
• Studies show that intake of fish oil supplement provides health benefits for women during pregnancy and, and their babies. Intake of fish oil lowers the risk of premature delivery and promotes the development of the fetus.
• Omega-3 oil induces serotonin production; this hormone makes people happy and one can deal with emotional issues effectively.
• People suffering from inflammatory diseases like gastritis, cystitis, arthritis, etc. specially benefit from the intake of fish oil as it help in relieving the inflammatory pain.
• There are many fish oil benefits for skin. As fish oil keeps the skin young and reduces wrinkles, by enhancing the production of collagen and elastin.
• Other benefits of fish oil include, reducing the risk of breast cancer, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels which prevents heart attacks and aids in weight loss.

Fish Oil Side Effects
After looking at the bright side, consider these side effects of fish oil before you decide to use fish oil.

• Fish oil supplements are recommended in a dosage of 1 capsule twice in a day. However, if fish oil supplements are taken in large doses there can be bleeding, in the form of nosebleeds, blood in the urine and strokes.
• Many times the fish are contaminated with chemicals like mercury and dioxins. So, eating such fish is like allowing pollutants in your body.
• Some people complain of stomach upset due to intake of fish oil supplements.
• One of the fish oil side effects is that diarrhea may occur if large doses of fish oil supplements are taken.
• People suffer from gastrointestinal-related fish oil side effects like nausea, heartburn, fishy aftertaste, etc.
• One needs to monitor the intake of omega-3 fish oil dosage, when treating blood pressure problems as overdose might lead to unwanted reduction of blood pressure.
• Vitamin E is sometimes added to fish oil supplements and this vitamin can increase the levels of vitamin D and A toxicity.

Yes, there are side effects associated to the intake of fish oil or fish oil supplements. However, there are more health benefits of fish oil and it is specially a great supplement for pregnant women. But, before taking any supplements of omega-3, consult a doctor and take the supplements in the recommended doses. You can always start with small doses, and check for some time if the supplement suits your body or has any side effects.

One can see that the benefits of fish oil outshine the side effects, but it is important that you take the right doses so that you can prevent any side effects from overdose.