Like its name suggests, this buzzy oil is gotten from fat or oil that’s extracted from fish tissue and obtained by taking fish oil supplements. Mackerel, salmon, code liver, herring, and tuna are some kinds of fish that are especially rich in the good oils like omega-3 fatty acids–eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
What are the benefits of fish oil?
Fish oil is helpful for treating and managing a lot of health conditions.
Supports weight loss
It is plausible that many gained the most weight during the last holiday season, and you know what they say about it taking up to five months to lose!
Well, fish oil can boost the potency of your normal exercise routines, especially in relation to weight loss. This oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, and when you take it, shedding extra body fat happens reasonably faster.
Relieves depression and anxiety
Due to some reasons, some people feel depleted, depressed, anxious, and uncomfortable. But thankfully, it has been proven that Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are effective in relieving anxiety, depression, restlessness, sadness, mental fatigue, stress, decreased sexual desire, suicidal tendencies, and other nervous problems.
Boosts immunity
If you suffer persistent colds, flu and cough, studies have proven that a consistent intake of fish oil may help in boosting your immune system.
For instance, omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil helps to strengthen the immune system by controlling the activity and amount of cytokines and eicosanoids in our body.
Alleviates inflammation
Do you want to alleviate inflammation in the blood and tissues? Fish oil is what you need. A regular consumption of fish oil supplements, tablets, pills, and capsules can prove helpful for people who suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases.
Treats AIDS
According to a research carried out by the Nutritional Sciences Program in Lexington, fish oil has proven to be an effective treatment for AIDS. This is, however, not absolute as a lot more research still needs to be done in this regard.
Improves eye care
Many people are unaware of the fact that fish oil improves vision. Yes, not only does it do that, it also helps in preventing age-induced macular degeneration. In fact, the National Eye Institute in the United States plans to provide strong scientific evidence proving the many benefits of fish oil for eye care.
Enhances heart health
In clinical trials conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), results have found that omega-3 can lower the risk of heart-related health issues. This is because omega-3 is sourced from fish oil and therefore, can reduce the risk of bad cholesterol (LDL).
Helps in ADHD Treatment
Due to its high concentration of fatty acids, fish oil has been touted as having the ability to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Fish oil has proven to be a good remedy for children suffering from hyperactivity, dyspraxia, difficulty in completing tasks, dyslexia, emotional instability, unstable attitude, poor coordination, short attention span, short-term memory loss, poor concentration, likelihood to interrupt others, learning disorders or low IQ.
Treats Arthritis
Arthritis, Raynaud’s symptoms and rheumatism are conditions that can be effectively treated using fish oil. Fish oil can help in reducing the need for large dosages of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Interestingly, many studies have reported that fish oil has positive effects in the treatment of arthritis. In cases of osteoarthritis, fish oil can also be helpful in reducing the effect of enzymes that destroy cartilage.
Treats dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
One research conducted at the Louisiana State University found that fatty acids are possibly good for treating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Since fish oil is one of the best sources of essential fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, it helps in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Did you also know that the Alzheimer’s Association recommends fish containing a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids to patients? Well, it does because omega-3 acids act as good defense mechanisms.
Side effects
Of course, the benefits of fish oil are numerous, but if taken excessively, may lead to allergies like hives and inflammation of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
Other side effects are bad breath, stomach upset, loose stools, belching, nausea, uneven heartbeat, and chronic illness in this case.
If you have certain health conditions, it is important that you consume fish oil supplements cautiously.
Bottom line
Since fish oil contains a lot of omega-3s, a lot of people can benefit from taking it. We all know that eating whole foods is almost always better than taking supplements.
However, when buying a fish oil supplement, ensure to read the label to check for purity, concentration, form and sustainability.
