Fish oil supplements contain Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential to cardiovascular health
Fish oil supplements are beneficial because of the omega 3 fatty acids it contains. The main components of Omega-3 are EPA (eicosapenteenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Omega 3 fatty acids are known to increase heart health, reduce bleeding and pain involved in endometriosis, can help in mental disorders such as schizophrenia, and help reduce the number of mood swings in those who suffer from manic depression. DHA is often linked to the needs of infants who are fed formula rather than breast milk. Studies have shown that it may help in eye function and neurological development.
Health Benefits of Omega-3 Fish Oils
The benefits of omega 3 fatty acids were discovered when it was noticed by scientists that Greenland Eskimos rarely have heart disease even though they have a diet high in fat. Similar results were also discovered of residents living on the Japanese island of Okinawa. Study on their diets showed that they ate a high amount of cold water fish such as: sea bass, salmon, tuna, trout and mackerel and these foods have a high content of omega 3 fatty acids. Further research showed that omega 3 fatty acids prevent platelets from clumping, reduce high blood pressure, and lower “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. Lancet did a large study where patients were given a gram of fish oil supplement a day. It was found that those taking the supplement had fewer incidences of heart attack, were less likely to die from a heart attack, and were less likely to have heart rhythm abnormalities.
The best way to get the needed amount of omega 3 fatty acids is to include fish as a part of your diet. However if it is not possible to have fish at least twice a week taking a fish oil supplement can make up the difference. Fish oil supplements may have some adverse side effects such as nausea, but these can be avoided by dividing the dose into three parts and taking each with a meal. It is also important to note that fish oil supplements can quickly go bad, so keep them in the fridge and don’t buy large amounts at a time. Also, Cod liver oil is not a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. It has high amounts of vitamin A and D that can become toxic.
Learn more about how this and other supplements may benefit your health.
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