Fish oil is the oil derived from the tissues of fish. This oil contains various ingredients, most notably, omega 3 fatty acids. There are actually several types of acids contained in fish oil but the most important fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA has special properties and thus is considered the most important fatty acid to ingest, particularly for mental benefits.
It should be noted that fish do not actually create the fatty acids, but gather them when they eat microalgae that contains these omega 3 fats. There are also vegetarian sources of omega 3 apart from fish oil, namely in ALA or alpha lipoic acid, which can be converted into EPA and DHA. Fish is not only a good source for omega 3 but also an excellent source of protein. It is low in saturated fat and without any trans fat. The recommendation that people eat more fish for healthy nutrients and lower fat has made for quite some time.
In fact, many Americans today are believed to have an omega 3 or fish oil deficiency. A good healthy diet of fish is recommended along with additional supplement of fish oil. A lot of research has been done on fish oil over the years, including the effects of the essential fatty acids fish oil contains.
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Fish Oil Benefits There are numerous physical and mental advantages to consuming omega 3 on a regular basis. People who consume omega 3 regularly report that they feel better, remember more, have more energy and experience a mental and physical revitalization. Alzheimer's: Reported... more
Fish Oil Benefits
There are numerous physical and mental advantages to consuming omega 3 on a regular basis. People who consume omega 3 regularly report that they feel better, remember more, have more energy and experience a mental and physical revitalization.
There is also some evidence (albeit not conclusive) that suggests that omega 3 may help prevent the formation of cancer and slow the natural aging process (by increasing the lifespan of cells and protecting chromosomes from damage). There are more significant reports that state that omega 3 fish oil fats can help treat dry eye and macular generation (partial blindness).
There is sufficient evidence that support the theory that omega 3 fatty acids can prevent inflammation, which could include inflammation related diseases like arthritis, heart disease and cancer. Fatty acids can prevent the production of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. Lastly, fish oil is completely safe and beneficial for pregnant women and unborn babies, who are rapidly developing new cells and organs.
Some health organizations conclude that taking two to three thousand milligrams (2-3 grams) per day is safe, and practically required to see any noticeable benefit. However, the best way to consume fish oil is by eating some cooked fish and then supplementing the rest of your omega 3 intake.
Thus, if you are aiming for 1,000 grams a day (commonly recommended for pregnant women or new users of high omega 3 dosages) you might want to split the total in grams between fish meals (fish entrees a few times a week) and omega 3 fish oil in supplement form.
When buying a bottle of this oil, make sure that you buy purified fish oil, because this oil has been cleaned and refined via molecular distillation. In general, try to sample a variety of fish dinners, and avoid larger fish which have an increased chance of contaminated ingredients like mercury.
One of the most interesting points about fish oil is its debatable health necessity. Fish oil is an ingredient that we need, but not one that we should be excessively consuming. We are not naturally omega 3 deficient. Rather, because so many Americans get poor nutrition (full of processed foods and fast food) they actually have a surplus of omega 6 fats, which are not as nutritional as omega 3.
Because of this diet, our bodies become imbalanced with less wholesome fats. Adding omega 3 to our systems can counteract some of the negative physical and mental affects associated with eating too much unhealthy fat. Overall, aim for a healthy portion of omega 3 a day and strive to eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Omega 3 can be taken in very high dosage. Researchers and nutritionists now believe that we should be eating five times more omega 3 fatty acids than normal so as to counteract the negative effects of too many omega 6 fats. In any event, increasing your supplementation and fish diet is considered very low risk and will do your body far more good than harm.
There is a slight risk of bleeding, and of medication interaction, particularly if you take blood thinning medications or have any other preexisting conditions. It is wise to consult a doctor before drastically increasing omega 3 intake. In the meantime, slightly or more than slightly increasing your omega 3 intake from fish oil or plant sources will not hurt you.
It is far likelier you are not eating enough fish to counteract the heavy amounts of omega 6 fats and trans fats that you currently eat with the standard everyman’s diet. Make an effort to eat healthier, well balanced meals so that you can decrease pain and lengthen your life. Use the supplement finder provided to fill the gap between what you need, and what you are getting, right now!
Interaction With Other Medications |
Bleeding |
docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid |
Alzheimer's |
Arthritis |
Cancer |
Depression |
Dry Eye |
Energy |
Heart Disease |
Inflammation |
Lower Blood Pressure |
Lowering Cholesterol |
Lower Triglycerides |
Macular Degeneration |
Memory |
Muscle Builder |
Performance Enhancement |