What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil comes out of the tissues of oily fish, with the best sources being cold-water fatty fish like wild-caught salmon. The oil is a concentrated source of omega-3s, and while the body can make most of the fats we need, that’s not the case when it comes to Omega-3 fatty acids – we need to get them from supplements or food sources.
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You can browse their extensive collection of essential oils, including all of the oils mentioned in this article, on their Official Page on Amazon.
According to research conducted at Harvard University, omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is officially one of the top 10 causes of death in America. It claims the lives of about 96,000 people each year. Out of the 12 dietary, lifestyle and metabolic risk factors examined in the study, omega-3 fatty acid deficiency ranked as the sixth highest killer of Americans.
These deaths are considered preventable since getting enough omega 3-fatty acids in your diet can ward off this now common cause of death, and fish oil benefits omega-3 intake as a potent omega-3 source.
The term omega-3s most often refers to a group of fatty acids, with the most popular being EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Fish supplements supply these acids.
7 Reasons To Take Fish Oil Everyday
Here are some reasons why you should join the many Americans who are taking fish oil every day.
1. Depression and Other Mental Disorders
Fish oil has been shown in studies to decrease the symptoms of depression. Including a study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience. It focused on the effects of supplementing with fish oil in adolescents diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. The experts discovered that there was a 40 percent decrease in symptoms. They marked improvements in the nutrition and amino acid content in the brain.
There has been a significant amount of scientific data linking low tissue levels of EPA and DHA to all sort of mental disorders. Not just depression, but violent behavior, learning disabilities, and suicide.
It has proven to be an effective, natural and non-toxic treatment for bipolar disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder.
2. Healing Skin Conditions
In addition to helping skin look younger, fish oil may also contribute to healing a number of different conditions. These include improving moderate to severe acne. A 2012 study from California State Polytechnic University Pomona demonstrates that participants who supplemented their regular acne-fighting regimen and diets with three grams of fish oil per day enjoyed significant improvements.
After 12 weeks, 60 percent of volunteers found acne symptoms greatly diminished.
If you suffer from eczema or acne, it can help too. One study found that eczema sufferers who took fish oil experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after 12 weeks. Experts believe it may help because the oil can decrease an inflammatory substance known as leukotriene B4. B4 is a compound that has a role in the development of eczema.
Its ability to lower inflammation is one of the primary reasons it improves overall skin health. Fish oil may also help to alleviate psoriasis symptoms. However, more studies need to be conducted to confirm this.
3. Alzheimer’s Disease
For several years now, the fish oil and Alzheimer’s disease connection has come under study with consistent results. The essential fatty acids vital for brain function found in fish oil cannot only slow cognitive decline but can help prevent brain atrophy in older adults.
A study published in the FASEB Journal looked at the health effects of four- to 17-month supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. The findings confirm the potential for fish oil as a weapon to fend off the onset of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Another study conducted by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital examined the relationship between fish oil supplementation and indicators of cognitive decline. The subjects of the study were older adults: 229 cognitively normal individuals, 397 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 193 patients with Alzheimer’s disease. They were assessed with neuropsychological tests and brain magnetic resonance imaging every six months while taking fish oil supplements.
The study found that the adults taking fish oil (who had not yet developed Alzheimer’s and did not have a genetic risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s known as APOE ε4) experienced significantly less cognitive decline and brain shrinkage. This as compared to adults not taking fish oil.
4. Fights Cancer
Scientific studies have found that fish oil can help to prevent and kill various types of cancer. This includes colon, prostate, and breast. Not only has research proven that it makes conventional cancer drugs more effective. It is also an effective stand-alone therapy for natural cancer treatment.
A scientific review published in 2013 looked at omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and prostate cancer prevention. Researchers concluded that there are lots of evidence suggesting that omega-3s have antiproliferative effects. This implies they inhibit cancer cell growth – in cancer cell lines, animal models, and humans. Also, the “direct effects on cancer cells” and indirect anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system fighting cancer contributes to the ability of omega-3 fatty acids to inhibit tumor growth.
A scientific review in 2014 evaluated study findings on omega-3 intake concerning the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer among women. The study found that EPA and DHA, as well as ALA, can differentially inhibit breast tumor development. According to this review, there is substantial evidence to support the use of Omega-3s as “a nutritional intervention in the treatment of breast cancer. It is to enhance conventional therapeutics, or potentially lowering effective doses.”
Fish oil also helps another type of cancer experienced by women called endometrial cancer. A scientific study recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that “long chain omega-3 intake associated with reduced endometrial cancer risk only in normal-weight women.”
5. Improves Eye Health
The National Eye Institute conducted a study in 2009 that showed volunteers who reported consuming the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet were 30 percent less likely than their peers to develop macular degeneration.
Experts also believe that essential fatty acids in fish oil can help proper drainage of intraocular fluid from the eye. It helps decrease the risk of high eye pressure and glaucoma. Consuming a higher intake of polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in fish oil, is associated with a reduced level of cortical cataracts.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to lessen the risk of dry eyes too. Research involving over 32,000 women between the age of 45 and 84, showed that those who had a high ratio of potentially harmful omega-6 fatty acids compared to beneficial omega-3 fatty acids in their diet had a much greater risk of dry eye syndrome.
6. Protects Against the Negative Impact of Air Pollution
Air pollution is a serious concern that can have many harmful effects on one’s health. Not only in the short-term, such as coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties, but over the long-term, it can cause cancer. It can also damage your neurological, immune, respiratory, and reproductive systems, and increase your risk of a heart attack.
Taking fish oil, however, can help protect your heart against air pollution. This is especially important for those who live in the city, walk or run on streets, breathing all of that polluted air. In a 2012 study, researchers gave participants three grams of fish oil or olive oil a day for four weeks.
They then exposed them to polluted air for two consecutive hours and had their cardiac responses measured. Those who had the fish oil didn’t experience an adverse impact on white blood cell activity. And it protected them against the dangerous cardiac effects linked to the exposure of air pollution.
7. It Strengthens the Immune System
Studies have also found that fish oil may boost the immune system. 2013 research from Michigan State University and East Carolina University published in Science Daily, demonstrated that feeding fish oil is high in the omega-3 fatty acid compound DHA, docosahexaenoic acid. It seemed to heighten activity of a white blood cell called a B cell, a vital part of the body’s immune response.
Because of the particular way the DHA-rich fish oil worked in mice, the researchers noted that their finding might lead to specialized applications for people with compromised immune systems. It is believed that the results would apply to human health as well.
The Best Fish Oil Supplements
When looking for a quality fish oil supplement, you’ll want to find out that contains more than 1,000 mg EPA + DHA omega-3 fatty acids per serving. You’ll want a supplement that is sustainably sourced, 3rd party tested for purity, potency, and freshness, and you’ll also want one with a number of real human reviews.
These four fish oil supplements meet all of the above criteria:
- Nutrigold Triple Strength Omega-3 Gold Fish Oil Supplement, 2100 mg
- Omega 3 Supreme Strength Fish Oil Supplement, 1400 mg
- Wileys Finest – Wild Alaskan Fish Oil Peak EPA, 1000 mg
- Viva Naturals Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement, The Highest Concentration of Burpless Omega 3 Capsules, 2,200mg
1. Multivitamin
There is a huge need for protective, health-supporting nutrients to help us combat the daily assault of living. Especially in a polluted and stressful world. It’s also why I put a good multivitamin at the top of my “vita-must” list. Think of a multivitamin as a little insurance policy to help protect your body. It protects against the vitamin and mineral shortfalls that occur even in diets that are rich in healthy foods.
2. Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is a prohormone and not a vitamin. It is like the office busybody that plays a part in almost everything. Vitamin D plays an essential role in the making of hundreds of disease-preventing proteins and enzymes. It also affects more than 2,000 genes in the body.
It enhances muscle strength, builds bone, has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and bolsters the immune system. Come up perpetually short and over time, you could be leaving your body vulnerable to scourges like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
3. Probiotics
Probiotics are the naturally occurring “good” bacteria that live in the gut. They play a significant role in your total wellness. When you’re healthy, your intestinal tract hosts a battalion of more than 100 trillion friendly bacteria. These bacterias aid digestion boosts the immune system and consumes harmful bacteria.
A daily dose of probiotics is a fantastic way to swiftly and significantly improve digestion and strengthen immunity. It requires no prescription.
4. Fish Oils
Fish oil supplements are rich in the essential Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are vital to good health. They support your body’s ability to prevent chronic diseases and help protect it against inflammation. They also promote a stronger immune system; cardiovascular, joint and vision health; strengthen skin, hair, and nails; and enhance nutrient absorption, metabolic function as well as attention, mood, and memory skills.
In short, fish oil is seriously good stuff. But as with Vitamin D, you can’t make your omega-3 fatty acids. You’ve got to get it from outside sources. Fatty fish and fish oil supplements are your best sources – so I urge everyone to indulge!
