3 Simple Benefits of Fish Oil For Healthy Living and Disease Prevention
By: Valerie Rosenbaum
Submitted: 2009-05-27 04:42:59 | Word Count: 526
There are benefits of fish oil to the brain, joints, skin, immune system, eyes and digestive system. This article touches briefly on those, but focuses primarily on the benefit to the heart. Numerous studies have been conducted over the years. Each one provides a little more information. Here’s what researchers have seen.
Blood Pressure Reduction
[ advertisement ]
Exactly how or why fish oil benefits blood pressure is unknown. But, several studies have shown that increased intake of omega3 fatty acids, which are abundant in the oils of fatty fish, has a positive effect on hypertension.
For many years, the benefits of fish oil have been ascribed to the omega3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. But, recent research indicates that it is not just the omega3s that provide the benefits seen in older people that commonly eat fish and their oils. One thing that researchers have looked at recently is the increased blood levels of the antioxidant selenium in people that eat a great deal of fish.
The natural triglycerides would contain selenium, but the distilled esters would not. The antioxidant would be destroyed by the heat.
Triglyceride Reduction
How fish oil benefits blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels is better understood. Omega3s are good fats. They are of a higher density that floats through the bloodstream and picks up very low density particles of cholesterol.
The low density particles “sink”. They become oxidized by free radical molecules and build up inside the arterial walls. So, the fish oil benefits include a reduced risk of hardening of the arteries, the most common form of age related heart disease. Several studies indicate that DHA has a greater triglyceride reduction capacity than EPA.
Anticoagulant Activity
Many of the benefits of fish oil are ascribed to its anticoagulant activity. Anticoagulants “thin” the blood and prevent the formation of clots. This reduces the risk of both heart attack and stroke. The fish oil benefits have not always been obvious in clinical studies, but most researchers agree that increasing your omega3 intake may help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Other Possible Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements
Nutrients that have antioxidant and anti inflammatory activity have been shown to reduce the risk of several forms of cancer. Omega3 fatty acids and the natural triglycerides from fatty fish have anti inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
Benefit has been seen in inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s. But, basically, all of the cells of the body would be benefitted, because inflammation and oxidation are two of the causes of cellular aging.
Research has shown that fish oil benefits the brain, may relieve depression and improve conditions like ADHD. Studies in Canada are currently ongoing concerning the protective benefits for the brain. Hopefully, this supplement will reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and age related dementia.
There is a wide range of quality among the supplements on the market. It is worth your while to do a little research about the manufacturer, before you buy. In order to safely get the benefits of fish oil, you need to shop for freshness and purity, as well as a high percentage of omega3 fatty acids.
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
