The benefits of fish oil

Fish oil has been found to offer many health benefits. These benefits range from cardiovascular to improvement in autoimmune diseases. Here is an overview of some of the benefits of fish oil.

Fish oil supplements have become very popular in recent years. The reason is because the two omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, which is called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are believed to offer numerous health benefits.

Cardiovascular benefits

Research has found that fish oil may offer a number of cardiovascular benefits. It is believed to help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, which can lead to heart attack prevention. Omega-3 fatty acids are also thought to help reduce the risk of strokes, improve abnormal heart rhythms, reduce the hardening of the arteries, and possibly lower blood pressure.

Memory and cognitive benefits

Numerous studies have found that a diet high in fish or fish oil supplements can help improve memory and cognitive function. It’s believed that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia may be caused by inflammation, which omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce.

Depression benefits

Some research has found that fish oil may help improve mild to moderate depression.

According to the Mayo Clinic, this is because people with depression may have lower levels of DHA and EPA. It is thought that fish oil may be beneficial for depression treatment in combination with antidepressants or other methods of therapy, such as counselling.

Since omega-3 fatty acids are believed to play a role in normal brain function, it’s thought that they could help lessen the effects of conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Autoimmune disease benefits

Many studies have been done on the benefits of fish oil in people who suffer from autoimmune diseases. Since autoimmune diseases are caused by inflammation, it is a widely accepted belief that omega-3 fatty acids can help.

Fish oil is believed to help reduce joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and may help increase tolerance against the cold in those with Raynaud’s syndrome. While it is thought that patients with lupus may also see an improvement, there’s not enough research available to show a positive benefit.

There are a couple of ways to incorporate fish oil on your diet if you want to take advantage of the health benefits it has to offer. One way is by increasing your intake of fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, salmon, anchovies, and sardines. Another way is to take a fish oil supplement.

If you opt to take supplements, it’s best to talk to your doctor about what dosage is right for you. Fish oil supplements can increase the risk of bleeding and may have harmful effects if taken in excess. It is also ideal to ask your doctor for a prescription to make sure that you are taking an approved supplement, which will not contain mercury or other dangerous toxins.

What dietary supplements do you take? Were you aware of the benefits of fish oil?