Fish oil is one way to supplement your diet to make sure you’re getting enough omega-3 fatty acids. Since it’s not always practical to eat foods that contain it, supplementing makes sense.
Here is a sampling of the benefits you can expect from taking fish oil, including tips on how to choose the best fish oil supplement. Always confer with your doctor before supplementing with any natural or synthetic product.
Amazing Benefits of Fish Oil – Why You Should Not to Skip
1. Slows the Aging Process
One of the most highly publicized benefits of fish oil is that it can help slow the aging process. It does this in a few distinct ways, by being an anti-inflammatory agent it helps protect against conditions caused by excessive inflammation.
It also has been shown to directly affect the lifespan of cells, literally slowing down how fast cells age, which provides plenty of benefit to the body as a whole.
Anti-aging foods and supplements are your best bet when trying to live longer, and also to fight the signs of aging while you’re alive.
2. Speeds Up Your Metabolism
Fish oil has also been proven to rev up the body’s metabolism, which typically helps bring a person to a more natural body weight.
That’s why you’ll often see fish listed on diet programs because it not only supplies protein, but the omega-3s it contains helps the body’s metabolism naturally.
This could be responsible for helping you burn a few hundred calories per day or more, which can make a significant difference to your dieting efforts.
The bonus of using fish oil rather than fish is that it’s easier to take on a daily basis.
3. Helps with Rheumatoid Arthritis
One of the conditions that fish oil is typically recommended for is Rheumatoid Arthritis, since it is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Arthritis is one of those conditions that there currently is no cure for, so it’s all about trying to treat it from several different angles. One of those is to adhere to an anti-inflammatory diet, and fish oil can play a part in that.
Your doctor can give you additional tips on how to best treat the condition, including steps to try and increase your mobility and decrease your pain.
4. Helps with Exercise-Induced Asthma
If you’ve noticed that you get asthmatic symptoms when you exercise, taking fish oil supplements may be a way to treat the condition without using drugs.
Clinical studies have shown that those taking fish oil experience increased lung function, while those not taking it experienced the symptoms of exercise-induced contraction of the bronchial tubes.
It may be worth trying before resorting to other treatment methods.
5. Helps You Get Your Focus Back
Fish oil can help improve your mental clarity by allowing your brain to function at optimal levels. It’s not a matter of over-supplementing in order to boost your brain to new heights, but rather it’s about making sure you’re not running a deficit and thereby hindering your mental performance.
What’s more, long-term shortages of the essential fatty acids found in fish oil can lead to an increased rate of aging in the brain.
A big reason to double check that you’re getting enough omega-3 in your life.
6. May Play a Part in Preventing Cancer
The other reason fish oil gets so much attention is that it’s showing promising signs of being able to prevent the formation of cancer in the body.
The type of cancer that seems most promising is breast cancer, but it’s also being studied in relation to colon and prostate cancer, among others. There are also studies that have shown a link between excessive fish oil consumption and the development of prostate cancer.
Fish oil is currently being debated in regards to its effectiveness in preventing cancer, which is why it’s best to consult with your doctor to see if it makes sense in your particular case.
7. Strengthens Immune System
Bolstering your immune system is important, and something that should be attended to on a daily basis. Fish oil can help in this regard because it boosts the numbers of a particular white blood cell that plays a big role in the functioning of your immune system.
Since your immune system is so important to fighting off colds and flus in the short term, and diseases like cancer in the long term.
Keeping it running smoothly is important in making you feel good each day, and ready to take on the challenges life brings.
8. Builds Muscle
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help give the body the building blocks it needs to repair and build more muscle.
Fish oil can help speed up the time it takes to recover from a strenuous workout. It may not be the most direct way to help you build muscle, and there are other supplements that can do a better, faster job, but as part of the bigger picture when it comes to building muscle, it shouldn’t be overlooked.
9. Can Help Develop a Healthy Heart
Your heart is your most important organ after your brain, so keeping it functioning at its best is crucial for your overall health. Perhaps the most well-supported benefits of fish oil is what it can do for your heart.
It is generally recommended that you add fish to your diet in order to help you heart. For some this may not be feasible because they don’t like the taste of fish.
Fish oil factors in as a way to supplement your diet and get some of the benefits of eating fish. You won’t get them all, as fish contains additional nutrients and minerals that fish oil does not.
10. Helps Fight Depression
One important benefit of fish oil is that it can help fight depression and improve your mood. Clinical depression is a serious problem that can’t be addressed by a supplement, but you may find that you can use fish oil as part of a larger approach to feeling better.
For those that are not dealing with such an extreme case of depression, supplementing with fish oil may be a way to improve your mental state and feel better about the world around you without resorting to recreational drugs or alcohol.
11. Reduces Triglycerides
Fish oil supplements are often used as part of a comprehensive approach to bring triglyceride levels down. The omega-3s in fish oil are what is responsible for these lowering effects.
They are so effective that you can actually be prescribed a pharmaceutical drug that is made up of omega-3s in order to lower your triglyceride levels.
Taking fish oil may be a more preferable way to go, but always follow the advice of your doctor, as they know your full medical situation.
12. Joint Comfort and Inflammation Management
For individuals grappling with joint issues, fish oil emerges as a natural ally. A systematic review in the Journal of Rheumatology has demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids, presenting a compelling case for their efficacy in alleviating joint pain and stiffness.
Those with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis may find relief in the regular incorporation of fish oil into their diet.
13. Skin Health
Beyond internal benefits, fish oil also extends its advantages to external well-being. The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reports that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil contribute to skin health by promoting hydration, reducing inflammation, and aiding in conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
This dual action – internal and external – underscores the holistic benefits of fish oil for overall health.
Possible Side Effects of Fish Oil
Fish oil, often lauded for its myriad health benefits, is not without its considerations. While this nutritional supplement is generally regarded as safe for most people when consumed at recommended doses, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects that may arise.
Let’s explores in detail the possible side effects of fish oil, providing a balanced perspective on its use and associated risks.
— Gastrointestinal Distress
One of the most commonly reported side effects of fish oil is gastrointestinal discomfort. Individuals may experience symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or an unpleasant aftertaste.
The high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly when consumed in large doses, can sometimes lead to digestive issues. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it may help minimize these effects.
— Bleeding and Blood Thinning
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), possess blood-thinning properties.
While this can be beneficial for cardiovascular health, it may pose a risk for individuals on blood-thinning medications or those with bleeding disorders.
Excessive consumption of fish oil could potentially increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with blood clotting mechanisms.
— Suppression of the Immune System
Some studies suggest that very high doses of omega-3 fatty acids might have an immunosuppressive effect. While this property may be advantageous in managing certain autoimmune conditions, individuals with compromised immune systems or those preparing for surgery should exercise caution.
It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating fish oil into the diet in such cases.
— Potential for Oxidation
Fish oil is susceptible to oxidation, a process that can lead to the formation of free radicals. Rancid or oxidized fish oil may not only lose its nutritional efficacy but could also introduce harmful substances into the body.
To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to purchase high-quality, reputable brands of fish oil supplements and store them in a cool, dark place.
— Fish Allergies
Individuals with fish allergies should exercise caution when considering fish oil supplements. While most fish oil supplements are highly refined and purified to remove allergenic proteins, there is still a risk of allergic reactions in some individuals.
It is advisable for those with fish allergies to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating fish oil into their routine.
— Interaction with Medications
Fish oil may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, and some medications for high blood pressure. These interactions can potentiate the effects of the medications, leading to complications.
Individuals taking medications should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and potential risks of fish oil supplementation.
While fish oil offers a wealth of health benefits, understanding and being aware of potential side effects is crucial. As with any supplement, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating fish oil into the diet, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking medications.
Balanced and informed decisions will enable individuals to harness the benefits of fish oil while minimizing potential risks.
Conclusion
The benefits of fish oil, backed by scientific research, offer a compelling case for its inclusion in a well-rounded approach to health.
Whether seeking cardiovascular support, cognitive enhancement, joint comfort, mood elevation, or even radiant skin, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil stand as a testament to the treasures that nature offers.
As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable and effective approach for individual health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Fish Oil Make you Lose Weight?
Can Fish Oil Supplements Go Bad?
Is Fish Oil in Prenatal Vitamins?
Is Fish Oil a Polyunsaturated Fat?
Does Fish Oil Cause Acne?
Can Fish Oil Affect Prostate?
What is Fish Oil Used For?
