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Fish Oil

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Fish Oil and What it Can Do for YOU

Medicinal treatments by holistic practitioners almost always include fish oil as part of a healthy body maintenance program. Today doctors and other health practitioners are recommending using fish oil or fish oil supplements to improve your health and to treat specific health problems. A centuries old treatment has been Cod Liver Oil and the benefits have been proven over time and through research. Other fish oils have been purified and distilled and are standardized so that the dosage amounts can be controlled.

As with all health supplements, use fish oil in moderation and with the advice of a health specialist. There can be some adverse effects if not taken properly or if pre-existing health problems are present. Always seek the advice of your doctor before self-treating if you are already being treated for a health problem.

Fish used for supplements are high in Omega 3s, a-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and cocosahexaenoic acid. These are essential, non-saturated fatty acids that your body does not create, but they are necessary for good health. One way to get these needed nutrients is through diet. Unfortunately, many people for one reason or another are not able to eat a diet that contains enough of these nutrients and therefore need to supplement their diet with prepared fish oil supplements.

Some of the additional health benefits they believe fish oil can produce are:

  • Reduce risk of stroke
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Lowering blood triglyceride levels
  • Mood elevator
  • Improved cognitive ability
  • Treat mild depression effects
  • Boost immune functions in infants and children
  • Lessen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Provide anti-inflammatory properties to ease neck, back and joint pain
  • Anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or neck, back and joint pain
  • Improvements in circulation

Scientists have discovered that the health benefits of the healthy fats from fish oil have protective qualities for the body and help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Manufacturers have tried different methods of producing purified and distilled fish oil in order to produce a diet supplement that is easy to take and quite simply, does not taste like fish. By placing the oil into a capsule form it is relatively easy to control the dose and does not have the taste that a teaspoon of cod liver oil has.

The initial focus of scientific research concerning Omega 3s was towards reducing the risk of heart disease. Through this research they have discovered possible additional health benefits by eating fish or taking fish oil supplements. These benefits affect many more individuals than just cardio patients.

As you can see, there are many ways fish oil can benefit the body and improve your quality of life. Including fish oil in your diet, either naturally or by supplement, has great benefits to already existing conditions as well as providing preventative measures to stop or lessen the severity of conditions that develop if you do not have the essential fatty acids in your diet. Check with your health care provider to find out exactly what benefits you can receive by taking or eating fish oils and keep your body as strong as you can for as long as you can.

Omega-3

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While Omega-3 might sound like something from a cheesy intergalactic movie, it is actually an essential ingredient for your body’s maximum health. Discovered almost 30 years ago, this fatty acid was identified as a key component of fish oil. Fisherman often used oils extracted from fish livers to thwart cold symptoms and to treat sunburn.

As time progressed, science was better able to isolate Omega-3 and establish its purpose within the body. Research concluded that Omega-3 was crucial for proper brain function as well as the health of body cell membranes. Without delay, Omega-3 was quickly proclaimed as one of nature’s super nutrients.

Since its finding, science has continued to uncover many important uses for Omega-3. Besides its primary function of aiding in the maintenance of body processes, Omega-3 is also utilized in the prevention and treatment of many common medical conditions.

ARTHRITIS: As the fisherman found, Omega-3 is an excellent anti-inflammatory. Arthritis patients benefit from its use as it reduces inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

HEART HEALTH: Omega-3 is proven to improve heart healthiness by helping to lower triglycerides and reduce the risk of stroke.

MENTAL CONDITIONS: Individuals who suffer from ADHD, depression, and anorexia nervosa have all responded favorably when their diets were supplemented with Omega-3.

CANCERS: Although research is inconclusive, it is believed that Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of contracting certain types of cancers.

Amazingly, despite our great need for Omega-3, the human body cannot produce it. In order to get this critical nutrient, it must be taken from outside sources. While sources vary in concentration of Omega-3, there are many foods from which to obtain the fatty acid.

FISH OILS: Salmon and Cod liver oil are the earliest known source for acquiring Omega-3. They are also considered to hold the highest concentrate of the fatty acid.

SUPPLEMENTS: Dietary supplements for Omega-3 generally use fish oil and flax oil. Supplements are considered superior to whole fish oils due to the fact that Mercury and other unwanted chemicals are removed.

NUT OIL: Oils derived from walnuts, flaxseeds, and soybeans are considered to be high in Omega-3.

PLANT OILS: Among plant oils, the best sources for Omega-3 are canola, corn and Perilla.

VEGETABLES: Cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and tofu are also good sources.

As with all medications, supplementing with Omega-3 has its risks. There have been numerous known cases of Mercury poisoning associated with the use of fish oils. Mercury is a heavy metal found largely in the ocean. As fish consume organic material, high levels of Mercury are deposited in the liver where the Omega-3’s are stored.

To diminish the possibilities of poisoning, it is best to buy only premium fish oil that has been refined to remove most traces of Mercury or to consume alternative sources of Omega-3.

It is estimated that over half of the world is deficient in Omega-3. With the importance of fatty acids and ease of attaining them, there is no reason anyone should fall behind in this vital nutrient. Omega-3 fatty acids are readily available at most health stores or online for a reasonable price.