5 scientifically proven health benefits of fishes oil
Globally, people commonly consume fish oil as one of the most frequently used food supplements. It is particularly rich in vitamin A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients play an integral role in our overall health and wellbeing.
Even though oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines, naturally contain the oil. However, it is very difficult to obtain optimal amounts of it from our diet alone .For that reason, health specialists recommend regular intake in the form of dietary supplements. Examples include fish oil from shark liver or cod liver oil.
What is fish oil?
Fish oil refers to the fatty tissue extracted from various types of fish, such as tuna, herring, mackerel, or shark. Other fish, including their liver, serve as common sources from which fish oils is derived, as observed with fermented cod liver oil.
The two main types of omega-3’s found in fish oil are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), both belonging to the essential fatty acids family, which means our bodies cannot naturally produce them.
What are the health benefits of fish oil?
Heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids make up approximately a third of the fishes oil, while the remaining 70% consists of other types of fats. According to scientific evidence, the oil is important for the maintenance of stronger bones, healthy heart, and normal vision.
Below, we present 5 scientifically proven health benefits of fish oil:
1. Reduces chronic inflammation
Fish oils, with their anti-inflammatory properties, have been found to reduce the symptoms of various chronic conditions, such as joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic inflammation.
2. Supports heart health
Regularly supplementing with fish oils, such as cod liver oil or shark liver oil, has been linked to decreased triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels.
3. Prevents mental decline
According to scientific data, individuals who regularly supplement with fishes oil’s experience a slower mental decline and improved memory. Additionally, they have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Strengthens bones
Scientists have found that along with calcium and vitamin D, omega-3’s are also beneficial when it comes to optimal bone health and reduction of pathologies, such as osteoporosis.
5. Improves eye health
Our eyes rely heavily on omega-3 fatty acids in order to function normally. Taking an adequate amount of fish’s oil has shown a link to a lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
How to supplement with fish oil?
For the majority of adults, the World Health Organization recommends a daily intake of 1,100–1,600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Those of you who are pregnant, nursing, or suffer from a higher risk of developing heart disease, may need to increase the daily dosage.
Depending on the fish oil’s supplement, these recommendations translate into 2 – 3 capsules a day. For best results read carefully the recommended daily dosage by the manufacturer.
Final thoughts
Omega-3 fatty acids represent an integral part of our wellbeing. Regularly taking fish oil is associated with benefits such as improved heart health, stronger bones, and decreased mental decline.
Studies have found that fish oils ranks among the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids.. Since our diet alone is not enough to provide optimal amounts of fish oils, scientists recommend the daily intake of fish oil’s supplements. Always buy from a reputed distributor, such as Natural Herbs Market, and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.