Fish oil supplements are derived from the oil found in the tissues of oily fish. They are recommended as part of a healthy diet due to the high level of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid.
Studies show that including a fish oil supplement in your diet can reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer, by slowing the growth of cancerous cells and enhancing the risk of survival. Fish Oils: Protection for Arthritis – Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Cardiovascular benefits from taking a fish oil supplement include lowering of blood triglyceride levels, reducing the possibility of heart attacks and strokes, and lowering of blood pressure. It also helps the body due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Fish oil can also slow the arteries’ hardening, referred to as atherosclerotic plaques.
Fish oil supplementation also plays another vital role in the human body: the development and well-being of your mental health. It has been shown that deficiencies in omega-3 fats has been linked to such mental disorders as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, ADD, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. Increasing your omega-3 fatty acid intake through the use of diet or supplementation can help improve these mental conditions vastly. Even if you don’t suffer from any disorders, consistent usage of fish oil supplements can aid in memory, focus and concentration.
Now, recently many companies supplying fish oil supplements have come under scrutiny due to high levels of contaminants in their pills such as mercury, PCBs, and other toxic substances. However, you must understand that, like any industry, you will find companies that detoxify their supplements much better than others. Be sure to do research on what omega-3 supplement is going to work the best for you and has the highest level of purification. A personal recommendation would be Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega supplement or Carlson Super Omega-3 Fish Oil Concentrate.
- Go to any dentists locally in the South East and they will tell you that fish oil has several oral health benefits. Fish oil works to help reverse receding gums when combined with aspirin, or you can either eat oily fish or take supplements
The standard dose should be less than 3 grams daily, ideally around 1.5 – 2.4 g. If you go any higher for your intake, you increase the risk of bleeding. This is virtually the only side effect of taking (too much) omega-3 fatty acids, but as long as you keep the dosage below the maximum, you will only reap the positive benefits.
