Fish oil has high contents of Omega-3, an essential fatty acid (EFA) that promotes overall health and prevents diseases. Pure fish oil also contains Vitamins A and D and other EFAs like Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Over the centuries and until the present, Fish oil and fish oil supplements are being used to prevent and treat hypertension, heart diseases, high cholesterol levels, inflammatory problems, eye problems, diabetes, compromised immunity, ulcers and arthritis. Additional health wonders of fish oil are weight loss and skin care, specifically acne and psoriasis. Fish oil capsules are the most widely used fish oil product in the health market and are prescribed by doctors along with other medications to ease symptoms of their patients.
Not all fish are good sources of quality fish oil and some fishes aren’t sources at all. However, the excellent sources of fish oil are salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, rainbow trout, halibut, lake trout, sea bass, herring, swordfish, sardines, oysters, blue fin tuna, turbot, yellow fin tuna, anchovies, and pilchards. These fishes follow strict quality standards to become fish oil sources.
There is no average recommended intake of fish oil. The needed dosage of fish oil supplements varies depending on age, sex, and special needs.
Fish Oil Benefits
- The omega-3 fatty acid in fish oils can prevent cardiovascular diseases like cardiac dysrythmias, heart attack, atherosclerosis, coronary artery diseases and many more. This is because it can lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, tryglycerides, and Low Density Lipoproteins which causes these disorders.
- Fish oil makes weight loss faster and easier because it enhances the effects of exercise to the body.
- Regular use of fish oil supplements boosts the immune system. It offers higher resistance against colds, coughs, flu, and other common respiratory infections.
- Fish oil is very helpful to pregnant women and their fetus. According to studies, women who are taking fish oil during their pregnancy period have lesser tendencies of complications and miscarriages. It also helps in the growth and development of the eyes and brain of their babies.
- Fish oil is very helpful in easing the symptoms of gastric ulcers like abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, indigestion, heartburn, and weight loss.
- Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a good remedy for many inflammatory conditions of the blood and tissues. Those with chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis are greatly advised to take fish oil supplements. It can also decrease the side effects of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) commonly used by these patients.
- Fish oil supports mental health as it can treat the symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, decreased libido, suicidal tendencies, and sadness. It can also alleviate stress.
- Habitual fish oil consumption greatly improves vision and prevents eye disorders like age-related macular degeneration.
- Fish oil promotes healthy skin by giving the skin a more shiny and youthful glow. It can prevent skin dryness and other skin problems. Fish oil is also used to treat skin problems like acne, eczema, rashes, psoriasis, skin redness, and allergies.
- Fish oil can give you a healthier and faster growing hair as it nourishes hair follicles. It also prevents hair loss, hair fall, and coarse and brittle hair texture.
- Fertility can be greatly improved by fish oil as it can enhance the quality of the sperm, increasing the chances for conception.
Fish oil is regarded as generally safe, but it also has side effects, especially if its use is not guided by a doctor. Fish oil side effects ranges from mild to serious conditions like bad breath, nausea, rash, allergies, heartburn, loose stools, bleeding episodes, metal poisoning, and hypotension.
