There are so many fish oil benefits, it might make more sense to discuss what it does not do, rather than what it does. Although fish oil may seem nothing short of miraculous, this is for good reason. Fish oil gives your body what it needs for proper functioning.
When it comes to fish oil, not all fish are created equal. The oil needs to be from cold water oily fish such as salmon, cod, mackerel and herring, to name a few. The deeper and fresher the water, the better for your health as the fish will be less likely to contain mercury.
The particular substance that fish oil provides is Omega 3 fatty acids. Our body needs these to perform several functions but we cannot synthesize what we require. Therefore, we must get them from our diet or from supplementation. But most of us do not have enough fish in our daily food intake to supply what our bodies need.
These fish oil fatty acids are necessary for many systems in the body but one of the most important is the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that they have an effect on the cholesterol levels in the body, increasing the good cholesterol and decreasing the bad. They inhibit production of artery plaques, therefore helping to protect from strokes and heart attacks. In addition, they help to lower blood pressure.
Mental health is also impacted by Omega 3 acids from fish oil. These acids affect both cognitive and behavioral aspects of the brain. Furthermore, a correlation is being seen between Omega 3 deficiencies and various types of illnesses and diseases of the brain such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Schizophrenia. Supplementation with fish oil is also being noted as showing improvements in ADD and ADHD.
These fatty acids in fish oil are also important for the proper development of the brain and nervous system, so it is very important that pregnant women have a proper amount in their diets for fetal development. Studies have also shown that pregnant women are less likely to deliver prematurely when taking fish oil supplements.
Omega 3s in fish oil also act as anti-inflammatories and can be used for reducing inflammation and pain in any such condition in the body. Examples of these conditions include lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and prostatitis. The anti-inflammatory aspect of fish oil can also work on reduction of wrinkles in the skin. The acids also increase collagen production, which is a further aid in more youthful skin.
Fish oil has also been found to help prevent cancer, specifically that of the breast, prostate and colon. The Omega 3s do this by keeping the normal cell from mutating into a cancerous one, stopping abnormal cell growth and killing off cancer cells.
One more benefit of fish oil is that it can promote the production of serotonin which, to put it simply, is the hormone that makes us feel good emotionally. It may also help to reduce levels of hormones that increase stress. So, between the two functions, the result is feeling calmer, less stressed and happier. All of which benefit the immune system as well.
The list actually does go on. Hard as it may be to believe, there are even more fish oil benefits than these. If you are looking for a supplement, just be sure to look for a good quality one that is 100% deep-sea fish oil with no fillers or preservatives.
When it comes to fish oil, not all fish are created equal. The oil needs to be from cold water oily fish such as salmon, cod, mackerel and herring, to name a few. The deeper and fresher the water, the better for your health as the fish will be less likely to contain mercury.
The particular substance that fish oil provides is Omega 3 fatty acids. Our body needs these to perform several functions but we cannot synthesize what we require. Therefore, we must get them from our diet or from supplementation. But most of us do not have enough fish in our daily food intake to supply what our bodies need.
These fish oil fatty acids are necessary for many systems in the body but one of the most important is the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that they have an effect on the cholesterol levels in the body, increasing the good cholesterol and decreasing the bad. They inhibit production of artery plaques, therefore helping to protect from strokes and heart attacks. In addition, they help to lower blood pressure.
Mental health is also impacted by Omega 3 acids from fish oil. These acids affect both cognitive and behavioral aspects of the brain. Furthermore, a correlation is being seen between Omega 3 deficiencies and various types of illnesses and diseases of the brain such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Schizophrenia. Supplementation with fish oil is also being noted as showing improvements in ADD and ADHD.
These fatty acids in fish oil are also important for the proper development of the brain and nervous system, so it is very important that pregnant women have a proper amount in their diets for fetal development. Studies have also shown that pregnant women are less likely to deliver prematurely when taking fish oil supplements.
Omega 3s in fish oil also act as anti-inflammatories and can be used for reducing inflammation and pain in any such condition in the body. Examples of these conditions include lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and prostatitis. The anti-inflammatory aspect of fish oil can also work on reduction of wrinkles in the skin. The acids also increase collagen production, which is a further aid in more youthful skin.
Fish oil has also been found to help prevent cancer, specifically that of the breast, prostate and colon. The Omega 3s do this by keeping the normal cell from mutating into a cancerous one, stopping abnormal cell growth and killing off cancer cells.
One more benefit of fish oil is that it can promote the production of serotonin which, to put it simply, is the hormone that makes us feel good emotionally. It may also help to reduce levels of hormones that increase stress. So, between the two functions, the result is feeling calmer, less stressed and happier. All of which benefit the immune system as well.
The list actually does go on. Hard as it may be to believe, there are even more fish oil benefits than these. If you are looking for a supplement, just be sure to look for a good quality one that is 100% deep-sea fish oil with no fillers or preservatives.
About the Author:
Daniel runs a website dedicated to the benefits of fish oil where you can find information about omega-3 benefits and other fish oil related information.
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