Fish Oil Health Benefits

Are you wondering what all the hype is about regarding fish oil? Fish oil contains essential fatty acids that your body needs in order to fight diseases and develop properly. Below is a synopsis on fish oil health benefits that everyone should know about.

What is fish oil exactly?

The most important component of fish oil is the Omega 3 Fatty Acids within the compound. The Omega 3 Fatty Acids that your body needs are known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

How do you get fish oil?

You can take fish oil supplements or incorporate fish into your diet. The types of fish that contain the Omega 3 Fatty Acids are salmon, lake trout, sardines, mackerel, herring, albacore tuna. Less common types of fish that contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids include mackerel, rainbow trout, lake trout, halibut, sea bass, sardines, swordfish, oysters, blue fin tuna, turbot, pilchards, and anchovies.

The Fish Oil Health Benefits.

• Prevents Heart Disease. Taking fish oil can reduce the risk of heart arrhythmias and other heart diseases by lowering levels of the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing levels of the good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. Fish oil has also been linked to stopping atherosclerosis, or the thickening of artery walls. It also stops the accumulation of triglycerides in your body, or the chemical that holds the most fat, reducing the risk of clogged arteries, and thus the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Helps you Lose Weight. It has been proven that your body drops more weight while exercising if incorporating fish oil in your diet. 

• Improves Blood Circulation. Studies have shown that blood circulation improves when fish oil is digested regularly.

• Builds up your Immune System. Your body grows less susceptible to the cold and flu along with other common diseases when taking fish oil.  Fish oil can also stop the effects of lupus, or the disease in which one's own immune system attacks its own organs and tissues. You will also see a reduction in pain and inflammation throughout the body, reduced fevers, elimination of skin rashes and fatigue.

• Treats Inflammatory Diseases. Fish oil reduces inflammation in blood and tissue throughout the body.  It is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders,  short bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowl disease among others. While fish oil does not prevent inflammation, it is very effective in reducing it.  The dosage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can be reduces for arthritis patients when taking fish oil supplements as well.  Fish oil reduces the destruction of cartilage caused by enzymes in the body that attach the joints, easing the pain of arthritis.

• Potential AIDS treatment. While still in development, research shows that fish oil has the potential to be an effective AIDS treatment. More research is needed on the subject.

• Treats Depression and Anxiety. Fish oil has been clinically linked to stabilizing moods and treating bipolar disorder. It can be used to help patients suffering from depression, sadness, anxiety, aggression, restlessness, mental fatigue, stress, suicidal tendencies and even decreased sexual desire.

• Treats Alzheimer's and Dementia. Research has shown that the fatty acids in fish oil can be used to treat and reduce the effects of Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Association states that a diet high in fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids is recommended for patients suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia.

• Treats ADHD and ADD. Disorders and learning disabilities such as hyperactivity, dyslexia and dyspraxia associated with ADHD and ADD can be remedied with the omega fatty acids found in fish oil. Fish oil can help a child concentrate better by providing the brain with the fat it uses for fuel, and help in the growth and development of the brain.

• Treats Eye Problems. Fish oil improves vision and reduces age related degeneration of the eye.

• Treats Skin Problems. Fish oil hydrates your skin and gives it a healthy, glowing appearance. It can be used to treat eczema, psoriasis, itching, redness, lesions and rashes.  There are claims that fish oil also reduces sunburns and acne.

• Keeps Hair Healthy. Fish oil nourishes hair follicles which encourages growth, hair strength and prevents hair loss

• Helps Development of Unborn Babies. Pregnant woman should regularly take fish oil capsules as the DHA fatty acid found in fish oil encourages proper development of the eyes and brain.  Fish oil has also been linked to avoiding premature births, stopping miscarriages and preventing low birth weights.