Fish oil is one of the most popular dietary supplements on the market today. These supplements are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute greatly to your overall health.
Fish oil is the fat or oil that comes from fish tissue. You can find omega-3 in many fatty and oily fishes like herring, tuna, anchovies, and mackerel. It can also be produced from the livers of other fish, like cod liver oil.
Yet, fish oil cannot be produced naturally in the human body. Therefore, it is important to make sure you’re getting a consistent dose of omega-3 in your diet.
If you’re not a fan of oily fish, there’s no need to worry! Fish oil supplements provide the same benefits as oily fish, and all you have to do is take a capsule or pill every day. You can also find fish oil supplements in liquid form.
There are a multitude of fish oil benefits, from supporting heart health to reducing symptoms of ADHD. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends taking 1-2 servings of fish per week.
Regulate Heart Health
Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide? Well, studies show that people who eat a lot of fish are much less likely to develop heart disease.
There are many benefits that fish oil provides that contribute to heart health. For one, it can raise levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. It also can lower triglycerides by about 15–30%.
Furthermore, omega-3 can help reduce blood pressure and prevent plaques that cause your arteries to harden. It can also make arterial plaques more stable for those who already have them.
There is even evidence to suggest that fish oil can reduce fatal arrhythmias events. This condition can cause abnormal heart rhythms, which can lead to heart attacks. If you suffer from this condition, consider asking your health provider if you can take fish oil supplements.
Improve Mental Health
Your brain is basically a big ball of fat. In fact, nearly 60% of the brain is composed of fat, and much of this fat is omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids help support normal brain function and mood regulation. Some studies have shown that omega-3 can reduce symptoms in certain mental disorders.
For instance, fish oil supplements have been shown to prevent the onset or reduce the symptoms of conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Aid Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose a few pounds, it might help to take some fish oil supplements regularly.
Omega-3 helps support body composition and can lower risk factors for heart disease in obese people.
Many people have found success from using fish oil supplements in combination with diet and exercise. One analysis of 21 studies notes actually showed that fish oil can help reduce waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio.
Obesity can significantly increase your risk of other diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It affects roughly 13% of the population.
Support Eye Health
Similarly to your brain, your eyes also rely on omega-3 fats. It is believed that people who don’t consume enough omega-3 are at greater risk of eye diseases.
The health of your eyes starts to decline in old age, which can lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Eating fish has been linked to lower risk of AMD. However, there is still more research to be done on whether fish oil supplements have the same effect.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response by the body. It is the immune system’s way of fending off harmful forces and healing itself from illness or injury.
However, chronic inflammation is a serious condition associated with conditions like obesity, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Fish oil, which has an abundance of anti-inflammatory properties, can be used to relieve chronic inflammation.
Smoothen Your Skin
Believe it or not, the largest organ in your body is your skin; and it contains a whole lot of
omega-3 fatty acids.
Skin health, just like your eyes, can begin to decline throughout your life. It can also start to decline faster if exposed to excess sunlight. Taking a fish oil supplement regularly can help smoothen out your skin and reduce symptoms of skin disorders like psoriasis and dermatitis.
Treat Symptoms of Pregnancy
Omega-3 fats are crucial for early growth and development. A healthy dose of omega-3 can improve hand-eye coordination in infants, and even learning and IQ.
During pregnancy, it is important for mothers to get enough omega-3s in their diet. It is also wise to take omega-3 supplements while breastfeeding.