Fish Oil

Fish oil seems to be the new cod liver oil (which, incidentally, is type of fish oil) - a relative cure-all. But do you need to take it? Why should you take it? First and foremost, realize that for the most part it is better to get the nutrients that you need by eating a healthy and well-rounded diet. It is better to eat fish than to take a fish oil supplement.

Of course, this is not always completely reasonable - you may not want to eat fish every single day. Another thing to consider is the fact that some fish may contain mercury, and this is not good for humans, especially pregnant women. Also, realize that fattier fishes like salmon have a higher percentage of omega-3 fatty acids than other fish, like canned tuna.

That being said, let’s find out why other people take fish oil:

Fish oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids. Yes, the word “fatty” may throw you off, but omega-3 fatty acids are actually very good for your heart. That is why many people take fish oil as a preventative measure against heart disease. People who have a history of heart attacks in their family are likely to want to take fish oil as a supplement.

In fact, fish oil is a great supplement for anyone who already has coronary artery disease (even those who have not yet had a heart attack).

People who have auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis should also consider taking a fish oil supplement on days that they do not eat fish. About 3 grams of omega-3s a day are recommended. Clinical studies suggest that fish oil can help with joint pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3s can suppress the immune response.

People who have high triglycerides may also benefit from fish oil, as well.

Other, possible benefits of fish oil supplements (not all of these are accepted benefits by the medical society at large):

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Fish oil supplements are an important dietary supplement, because they provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, which the majority of people in the Western world are deficient in.

Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for the maintenance and function of the brain. They may help prevent heart disease and may ensure a normal heart rate and coronary blood flow. A daily fish oil supplement may also have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and can lower blood triglyceride levels. High levels of triglyceride and cholesterol in the blood stream may lead to the development of atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke.

Studies by the National Institutes of Health concluded that daily fish oil supplements can reduce joint tenderness in arthritis patients.

The body uses omega-3 fatty acids to produce eicosanoids. Eicosanoids regulate cell division and growth. They regulate muscle activity and blood clotting. They allow the cells to absorb calcium and other needed substances. A daily fish oil supplement, which provides omega-3s, is important to many bodily functions. Years ago, cod liver oil was taken in liquid form as a dietary supplement. Cod liver oil tastes and smells awfu;, today’s fish oil supplements are generally in capsule form and are odorless and tasteless.

Fish oil supplements are particularly important to the average American diet, because most Americans do not eat enough fish. Even when a person eats fish three to five times per week, many doctors still recommend a fish oil supplement. The body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids and so they must be obtained from a food source. Leafy green vegetables and flaxseed oil, other sources of omega-3s, do not compose a large portion of the American diet either, so a fish oil supplement is the best option.

It is still advisable to try to eat more fish and leafy greens, but busy people do not always eat what they should. Fish oil supplements provide a small safety net, especially since eating fish can introduce mercury, PCB’s, and other toxins into the system because most fish is tainted due to pollution. A high quality fish oil should be molecularly distilled to remove contaminants, leaving you with the benefits of fish without the drawbacks.

A fish oil supplement may also relieve constipation without using a laxative, which can have unwanted side effects. The only known side effect associated with fish oil supplements is diarrhea, which can be relieved by reducing the dosage. However, since fish oil is a blood thinner, you should consult with your doctor if you are already taking any blood thinners like aspirin, etc.

Consumers should look for pharmaceutical grade fish oil or another indication that the fish oil is purified when purchasing a fish oil supplement. We absorb enough impurities through our skin, the food we eat and the air we breathe. We do not need them in our fish oil supplements.

Find out the fish oil supplements we take ourselves after doing extensive research on products. A pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled fish oil naturally high in DHA and EPA can be found at: http://www.omega-3-fish-oil-guide.com

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Fish oil benefits? You bet! Fish oil health benefits are important and wide-ranging. Proven by numerous clinical studies, fish oil benefits range from brain health to heart health to pregnancy health.

Fish oil health benefits come primarily from the two Omega 3 essential fatty acids in fish oil — DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and to a lesser extent EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). While plant sources such as flax seed will provide the body with Omega 3 oil, the body must convert it into DHA and EFA, and that conversion can be difficult for some people or for elderly people. However, fish oil provides the body with DHA and EPA in a natural form that can easily be assimilated.

Here are seven major fish oil benefits:

1. Lowers blood triglycerides - high levels of triglycerides are known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

2. Helps reduce likelihood of blood clots - fish oil benefits include the prevention of blood platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots.

3. Lowers mild high blood pressure - fish oil helps lower blood pressure when it is due to high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.

4. Reduces inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and gout - fish oil health benefits come from the DHA and EPA that reduce the amount of inflammation-causing substances.

5. Lowers risk of developing Altzheimer’s Disease - studies have found that fish oil seems to help protect the nervous system.

6. Reduces depression rates - the lack of DHA has been linked to higher incidence rates of depression.

7. Improves immune system function - fish oil benefits and studies have linked lowered risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer to the consumption of fish oil.

And there are even more fish oil benefits! From lowered risk of age-related macular degeneration to reducing the risk of osteoporosis to benefits for Type II diabetics, fish oil health benefits are truly spectacular.

However, there are some precautions that you should be aware of when considering your sources for fish oils. Some fish oils can contain:

* Contaminants such as PCB’s and heavy metals like mercury

* Additional additives to keep the fish oil from becoming rancid during the transporting and encapsulating process

* Low DHA levels

Inferior and contaminated fish oil products do exist, while at the same time fish oils are available that are harvested from pristine ocean waters. Be sure the fish oils you consume to enjoy fish oil health benefits contain high levels of DHA and EPA and are free from the heavy metals. Read as much as you can about even more fish oil benefits that provide an amazing array of health benefits.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Find reliable sources of concentrated fish oil and read more about fish oil benefits and clinical studies proving the benefits. David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of natural health articles and resources.

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