By: Valerie Rosenbaum
Submitted: 2009-05-17 15:31:30 | Word Count: 542
What does fish oil do? That might seem like a simple question, but the truth is that we really don’t know everything that there is to know about it, yet. Researchers are still looking at “how” it works. But, there are some questions that we can answer.
There are numerous benefits associated with increasing your intake of omega3 fatty acids, which is what you find in fatty fish. It is also beneficial to reduce your intake of omega6 fatty acids and saturated fats, which are found in cooking oils, butter, dairy products, meats and egg yolks.
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The best diets do provide some omega6 fatty acids, particularly linolenic acid, because it is essential to human health. It is simply that most people’s diets are too high in omega6 and too low in omega three. Saturated and trans fatty acids are not essential to the human diet. So, you could leave those out entirely, if you wanted.
Benefits have been seen in various parts of the body. So, here’s a look at some of those.
What does fish oil do for the heart and circulatory system?
It acts as an anti coagulant, preventing the formation of clots. It has been shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which in turn may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, because HDL particles pick up the smaller LDL particles and carry them back to the liver for reprocessing.
Omega 3 fatty acids have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and have some degree of anti inflammatory activity. A recent study showed that some fish oils have more anti inflammatory activity than others. Natural hoki oils seem to be at the top of the list. Inflammation plays a role in atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
What does fish oil do for the brain and nervous system?
The brain is primarily composed of fatty acids. The most abundant fatty acid in the brain is an omega 3 called DHA. DHA is not found in vegetable oils or plants. It is found in some kinds of marine algae. Strict vegans should choose a marine algae supplement rather than flax seed. Research has proven that flax seed supplements do not increase circulating levels of DHA.
Low blood levels of DHA are associated with depression and anxiety. Lack of these fatty acids, or an imbalance in the diet, may play a role in Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases. The nerves are surrounded by a sheath or membrane. 60 of that membrane is DHA.
What does fish oil do for the joints, skin, vision and digestive system?
Because of its anti inflammatory activity, it is beneficial for arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, acne and inflammatory bowel diseases. The retina, a part of the eye that gathers light and transmits signals to the brain, is composed primarily of DHA.
Supplementation may be beneficial for preventing cataracts and age related macular degeneration. It is well known that the supplements prevent and relieve constipation.
What does fish oil do for the immune system?
That’s a new field of study. It seems that it may help prevent allergies and asthma. The benefit to the heart is most well known. Just remember, when you are buying supplements that all of them are not the same. Choose wisely.
Author Resource:-
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the single most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends after extensive research: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
