If you haven’t incorporated fish oil to your diet yet, we have the reasons why you should. When we talk about fish oil do not confuse it with the regular oils that you use for cooking. This particular oil not only gives you unlimited health benefits but also cures many illnesses. It provides your body with all the essential acids and minerals that you can’t get from other sources. Fish oil is obtained from the tissues of fatty oil-rich fishes such as sardines, tuna, salmon, mackerel and blue fish. The oil found from their fatty tissues is not created by the fishes themselves instead
it is produced by the algae that are consumed by them; this is the case of herbivorous fishes. The
carnivorous fishes like tuna, swordfish and shark consuming these algae eating fishes become a source of fish oil as well. Though shark and swordfish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids but as these fishes lie on the top position of the food chain there are higher chances of them being contaminated by PCBs, Mercury and other environmental toxics. For this reason FDA, Food and Drug Association has prescribed to limit the consumption of oil prepared by the carnivorous fish.
Fish oil provides you with several types of omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), alpha-linolenic acid ALA and gamma-linolenic acid GLA, all of them are essential for maintaining a healthy body. The antioxidants that you can find in fish oil are selenium and iodide. So how do these nutrients help you with your health? Let’s find out!
Improves your Heart Health
According to a study by the American Heart Association, omega 3 fatty acids provide protection against cardiovascular diseases. Fish oil can serve as the best source of these omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase the HDL(good cholesterol) levels.
High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart diseases and even contribute to develop metabolic syndrome. Fish oil halts the accumulation of excessive triglycerides. Some preliminary researches also claim its effectiveness for reducing stokes and preventing arthrosclerosis (hardening of arteries).
Aids in Weight Loss
A research conducted at the University of South Australia by Professor Peter Howe proved fish oil effectiveness for reduction in weight. The volunteers of the research were given a diet including fish oil, which showed massive reduction in weight.
Improves Immunity
For a more effective immune system, regular consumption of fish oil can prove to be very beneficial. It strengthens your immune system and enables your body to fight against diseases like cough, flu and common cold.
Some studies conducted on of pigs showed that fish oil aided in their growth. Fish oil is very beneficial in curing lupus disease and also helps in the relief of its symptoms such as fever, joint pains and skin rashes.
Beneficial for AIDS patient
Preliminary research conducted in Lexington by the Nutritional Science Program has proven fish oil benefits for treating AIDS patients.
Effective as an Anti-inflammatory
Chronic inflammatory disease can be effectively treated with the help of regular consumption of fish oil. It has a cure for intestinal disorders such as sprue, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), ulcerative colitis, short bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders. People with Crohn’s disease have difficulty in the absorption of essential vitamins and other nutrients. For patients with this disease fish oil can be very beneficial, as it supplements their bodies with vital nutrients.
Treats Arthritis
According to a research conducted by the Royal Adelaide Hospital and University of Newcastle, Australia, consuming fish oil in adequate quantities can be very helpful in treating arthritis. It also halts the destructive effect of enzymes on the cartilages, in the conditions of osteoarthritis. However, some researchers claim that patients with arthritis may encounter some side effects with the use of fish oil.
Cure for Depression
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for treating depression and related symptoms like suicidal tendencies, sadness, anxiety, mental fatigue, lack of sexual desire and restlessness. A research conducted at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Ohio, showed that fish oil is good for stabilizing mood and also treats bipolar disorders. Another interesting research conducted on prisoners who were fed with sea food showed a decrease in homicide rate.
Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
The Alzheimer’s Association suggests that fish with higher omega-3 contents should be consumed in large quantities by patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The benefits of fish oil have also been proven by the studies conducted at Louisiana State University and University of California at Los Angeles. The key components found in fish oil that provides protection against these diseases are EPA and DHA.
Effective for ADHD
Dyslexia, hyperactivity, dyspraxia, emotional instability, poor coordination, wavering attitude, low concentration, low IQ, learning disorder, impetuosity or short term memory, if your child faces any of these symptoms then fish oil can be a very healthy option to treat them. Fish oil is essential for the development of the brain and its proper functioning. According to a research conducted at the University of South Australia, significant improvement was observed in children with ADHD using fish oil. Even toddlers born to mothers using fish oil during pregnancy, showed improved hand eye coordination.
Improves vision
Fish oil can protect you from macular degeneration and also helps to improve your vision. The National Eye Institute at the National Institute of Health, US, plans on conducting further researches that could help them declare fish oil benefits for macular degeneration. This research would enable them to spread nationwide awareness regarding the benefits of fish oil for the eyes.
Good for Healthy Skin and Hair
It can protect your skin from getting dry and help it glow. Fish oil is an effective treatment for skin related problems such as rashes, itchiness, and eczema. It is most suitable for people with acne.
Fish oil also takes care of your hair and makes it look lustrous. It also increases the volume of the hair and nourishes the follicles.
Effective for Type 2 Diabetes
Fish oil aids the diabetic patients by reducing the triglyceride levels and therefore protects them from cardio vascular diseases.
Good for Pregnant Women
The DHA found in fish oil supports the development of organs of the baby such as brain and the eyes. Good news for ladies with a history of miscarriages; fish oil provides protection against miscarriages, premature births and low birth weight.
According to a research conducted in Denmark, involving 8,729 expecting women revealed that those women who consumed insufficient amounts of DHA and EPA had a higher risk of preterm babies and also developed after birth depression. So for a healthy and happy pregnancy consume fish oil. However, avoid taking oils extracted from the liver of the fish such as cod liver oil as it contains vitamin A which could prove to be harmful for your pregnancy.
Now that you are convinced to incorporate fish oil to your diet, it is suggested that you should consume a balanced amount of it. Too much consumption of fish oil can upset your stomach and may also cause weight gain and increase blood sugar levels.
Before purchasing fish oil always ensure its purity and choose the company that meets the quality standards, because fish oil made from fishes contaminated with toxic can be harmful for you. Fish oil supplements are also available in the market in the form of capsule, tablet, pills or soft gels. It is suggested that you consult a doctor who could provide you more information regarding its consumption and which supplement will be most suitable for you.
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