After the physical exercise, usage of fish or fish oil capsules is the second most important thing you can do for your health. It’s getting fame as the scientific community discovers more and more of the many extraordinary fish oil benefits.

Most of these health benefits of fish oil can be endorsed to the presence of Omega 3 essential fatty acids such as Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Other useful essential fatty acids include Alpha-linolenic acid or ALA and Gamma-linolenic acid or GLA.

The various kinds of fish which can be a rich source of fish oil are mackerel, rainbow trout, lake trout, halibut, herring, sardines, oysters, albacore tuna, tuna, turbot, pilchards, anchovies and salmon. The most famous names among these for obtaining fish oil are albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, sardines, lake trout and salmon.

The American Heart Association and some other groups recommend Omega-3s, the main fat found in fish and fish oil capsules, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Fish oil not only reduces heart diseases but it also has number of beneficial effects on different organs of the human body which are as follows.

Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), clinical trials have proved that omega 3 is helpful in reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Fish oil, which contain abundant omega 3, therefore, reduces the risk of heart diseases and maintain heart’s rhythm. It lowers the levels of lowdensitylipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol, and increases the highdensitylipoprotein (HDL) levels, which is the good one. Fish oil not only prevents accumulation of triglycerides (TG) but also reduces the level of surplus TG. Preliminary research has shown that fish oil can also be used for the prevention of atherosclerosis in the patients of coronary heart diseases (CHD). Thus fish oil is effective for the treatment of strokes and regular usage of fish oil can be helpful to avoid several sudden cardiac arrests.

Weight Loss

Fish oil also aids in the process of weight loss. Research has shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of physical exertion in reducing weight. Participants who were given fish oil diet manifest grater loss of weight as compared to those who did not consume fish oil diet. Exercise in combination with fish oil had a synergistic effect on the body shape and composition of the patients.

Blood Circulation

It has been proven, that fish oil is capable of improving blood circulation along with reduction in TG and serum cholesterol levels.

Immunity

It is believed that, with regular use of fish oil immunity can be increased thereby enabling you to oppose against common diseases such as cold, cough and flu. Omega three fatty acids present in fish oil benefit the immune system by effecting cytokines and eicosanoids present in our body. Researchers have also studied the effect of fish meal and fish oil on the immune system of pigs and found that, fish oil aided in the growth of the animals. Fish oil is also helpful to patients of lupus, a disease characterized by the attacks of immune system of the body on various organs and tissues. Fish oil reduced the pain and inflammation that may occur in joints, eyes, kidney, heart, blood vessels, lungs, nerves, etc. It also protects against associated fever, skin rashes and fatigue.

Inflammation

Fish oil has an anti-inflammatory property, that’s why it is successful in reducing inflammation in blood and tissues. Patients of chronic inflammatory diseases can take the advantage of fish oil. It is effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, sprue, short bowel syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, which are typical associated with intestine disorder. Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease have difficulty in absorption of vitamins, fats and essential supplements. In ulcerative colitis, fish oil inhibits the accretion of leukotriene on the colon. It should be noted that the anti inflammatory characteristic of fish oil is limited to reducing inflammation. Fish oil provides mild to moderate effect in preventing inflammation.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Research conducted at the Louisiana State University has proven that fatty acids are efficient in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Since fish oil is one of the best sources of essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA, it helps in Alzheimer disease. Researcher said that, fish provide higher content of omega three fatty acids to patients as it acts as a protective diet during Alzheimer disease and dementia.

Eye Disorders

It is well known that fish oil is good for its ability to improve vision as it contains vitamin A and E. It also helps in avoiding age related macular degeneration.

Skin Care

Fish oil improves the condition of poor and dry skin by making it shinny and glowing. It is useful in treating skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, itching, skin lesions, rashes and redness of skin. In case of psoriasis, the EPA in fish oil restricts the growth of pro-inflammatory agents by producing arachidonic acid. Fish oil can also be applied topically to obtain relief from psoriasis. Regular intake of fish oil capsules helps to retain the moisture of skin.

Pregnancy

Fish oil is highly useful for pregnant women as DHA present in it helps in the development of the eyes and brain of the baby. It may avoid premature births, low birth weight and miscarriage. Research conducted in Denmark, concluded that diet with poor amount of fish resulted in higher risk of premature or preterm babies. Moreover, when pregnant women use fish oil, the born offspring show better coordination between eye and hand. Thus it is essential to consume fish oil in any form during pregnancy for the overall development of the child and well being of the mother. However, cod liver oil, should not be used during pregnancy as it is rich in retinol and vitamin A.

Use with caution

Although fish oil can provide the same benefit as far as Omega-3 fats is concerned. If you do not have any heart disease, 2 or 3 portions of fish a week will fulfill the needed omega-3s, 2 grams a week. If you already have had a cardiovascular episode, you can add some capsules of fish oil to your diet but do not exceed 1 gram a day of Omega-3s.

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