Fish Oil

Fish oil, which contains Omega-3 fatty acids, is one of the supplements that can provide us with a number of benefits. Its benefits on the heart have been proven by the Eskimos, whose diet comprises largely of the fatty fish found in their Arctic habitat. It has been found that heart disease and cholesterol problems are practically non-existent amongst the Eskimos, a fact that has been attributed to their Omega-3 fatty acid rich diet.

Apart from being beneficial for the heart, fish oil also protects the body from various other ailments such as some types of cancers, arthritis, and high blood pressure. Plus, it also has beneficial effects on eyesight, the nervous system, and brain development. This is because fish oil contains the two essential fatty acids, EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid. These are referred to as essential fatty acids, or EFA, since they are not produced in the human body; therefore we have to get them from either from food or supplements. Although it is usually preferable to get our nutrition from food, in this case oily fish, rather than supplements, however, as far as EPA and DHA are concerned, it is advisable to get them from fish oil, in liquid or capsule form, since it is purified from the organic toxins and mercury that most fish are contaminated with these days.

Most people just do not consume adequate amounts of EPA and DHA in order to maintain their health at its best. Apart from oily fish or fish oil, some of the other dietary sources of Omega-3 are flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans, vegetable oils, and other such vegetarian sources. However, these do not contain EPA and DHA, but a precursor, known as alpha linolenic acid, or ALA, that the body has to convert, which it does inefficiently and is usually hindered by the high consumption of fats contained in fast food and processed food. This is the reason it is recommended that 1-2 grams of fish oil be consumed per day in order to maintain optimal health. Of course, before incorporating any food supplement or making any dietary change, it is advisable to consult with your doctor first.

Here are some of the main benefits of fish oil:

Fish Oil Improves the Cardiovascular System: The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help in lowering the bad cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and blood pressure, while also increasing the good cholesterol, HDL. This is how it is beneficial for the heart and the veins and arteries that make up the cardiovascular system.

Fish Oil Prevents Clotting: When there is a build up of plaques on the walls of the arteries, which then break loose, it can cause thrombosis, or a clot of coagulated blood in a blood vessel. When this occurs in the brain, it results in a stroke, when it occurs in an artery of the heart; it results in a heart attack. According to research, it has been found that Omega-3 fatty acids help in breaking up clots before they cause damage.

Fish Oil helps in Reducing Inflammation and Pain: The Omega-3 fatty acids of fish oil, especially EPA, have a very beneficial effect on the inflammatory response of the body, thus relieving and even preventing conditions such as various types of arthritis, cystitis, prostatitis, and so on. Research has shown that inflammation of the joints experienced by the people afflicted with arthritis, which causes stiffness in the morning and pain, can often be eliminated with the consumption of fish oil. This is because Omega-3 helps in cartilage renewal and lubrication of the joints.

Fish Oil helps in Improving Brain Function: It has been found that Omega-3 fatty acids help in improving reasoning, recalling, memory, and concentration in adults. As a matter of fact, according to clinical trials, it has been found that fish oil helps in learning skill and language development in children afflicted with Asperger’s syndrome, attention deficit disorders and autism.

Fish Oil helps in Preventing Cancer: It has been shown that the Omega 3 in fish oil helps in preventing prostate, breast, and colon cancer, three of the most common types. Research has found that it does this in three ways: It helps in preventing healthy cells from changing into cancerous ones, inhibiting abnormal growth of cells, and promoting the death of cancerous cells.