A great deal of research demonstrates that, not only are the benefits of fish oil numerous, some of them are actually quite extraordinary! It seems like new research is being written about all the time, as researchers and physicians learn even more about how and why it is so good for health. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are "good fats" that are necessary for well-being. They are essential for human health but the body can't produce them - you must get them from your diet. Here are some proven fish oil health benefits that should convince you to eat more oil rich, wild-caught fish and start taking a quality fish oil supplement if you're not already!
Promotes Cardiovascular Health & Prevents Heart Attacks and Stroke
Fish oil continues to grow in scientific reputation as a significant promoter of heart health. According to statements from the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in lessening the occurrence of heart disease and aids in reducing risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Research trials of heart attack survivors have discovered that daily consumption of omega-3 supplements drastically minimize the risk of death, additional heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also lower blood triglycerides, help correct irregular heart rhythms, and can help avoid and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the formation of plaque and blood clots, which typically clog arteries.
Reduces Pain & Inflammation
Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Clinical trials show that diets high in omega-3s (and low in the pro-inflammatory omega-6s) may help people with inflammation-based disorders -- anything ending with -itis!. Omega-3s have also been used to successfully treat back, neck and menstrual pain, enabling study participants to reduce their consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
Promotes Healthy Joints and Minimizes Arthritis Symptoms
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce tenderness in joints, pain intensity and morning stiffness produced by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, quite a few lab studies have found that omega-3s actually inhibit the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. More than 13 published clinical trials have demonstrated that fish oil supplements are extremely effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped those with RA to reduce their dependence on pain killers.
Supports Mental Focus & Long-Term Cognitive Functioning
Did you know that omega-3s, especially DHA, are highly prevalent in the brain? They're essential for optimal cognitive (brain memorization and performance) and behavioral function, as well as proper growth and development. Trials demonstrate that omega-3s may aid in maintaining proper cognitive functioning and possibly in avoiding or holding off the onset of Alzheimer's disease. We also have learned that it's very important that pregnant women get enough DHA, because it's essential to the developing fetus -- in the third trimester of pregnancy, the fetus' brain grows at a rate of 250,000 new neurons every minute! Kids are also aided by fish oil consumption, as myriad studies have shown that omega-3s increase learning, concentration, vocabulary and reading skills. Numerous studies have also shown benefits in treating ADD.
Produces Positive Mood & Emotional Well-being
In nations where fish is a significant part of the diet, nationwide rates of depression are lower. So, it's not surprising that studies have shown that fish oil capsules can mitigate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Several studies have found that those that took omega-3s in addition to prescription anti-depressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those that only took antidepressants, with patients experiencing a stabilizing effect and less mood swings. Trials have also shown that, when those in prison were given omega-3s, there was a significant drop in violent behavior. Omega-3s also seem to lower the risk of postnatal depression.
Promotes Eye Wellness
Evidence shows that people with a greater fish oil intake seem to have a lower risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing age-related macular degeneration. Preliminary research also shows that omega-3 supplementation helps in lessening dry eye symptoms, may help to slow macular degeneration for those already developing it and improves eye health in general.
Pregnancy, Infancy Brain/Eye Development & Reduced Occurrence of Childhood Conditions
DHA makes up 15-20% of our cerebral cortex and approximately 30-60% of the retina, so it is absolutely essential for normal development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also seems to lessen likelihood of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and behavior/hyperactivity later in the child's life. Omega-3s also assist in lowering the chances of low birth weight and premature birth.
Enhances Metabolism of Fat and Weight Loss
According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s transmit "I'm full" messages to the brain and aid in inhibiting hunger signals. Research has also shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing weight. Study participants who were given fish oil with their diet showed greater weight loss as contrasted with people who didn't consume fish oil. Exercise combined with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the participants.
Decreases Chance of Colorectal, Breast & Prostate Cancers
Though additional research in this area is certainly needed, we now know that the omega 3's found in fish oil assist in the prevention and treatment of breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. Early studies suggest that consuming fish oil everyday can help retard the progression of colon cancer in those with early stages of the disease and may possibly have the capacity to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.
Much more could be said about the many fish oil benefits. And, as the science community and doctors continue to research omega-3s, you can be certain that fish oil will keep producing news as the ideal source of these essential fatty acids that are so essential to our bodies. Even if you're currently in great physical condition, a quality fish oil supplement is the simplest, safest way to realize and maintain optimal health! - 32389
Promotes Cardiovascular Health & Prevents Heart Attacks and Stroke
Fish oil continues to grow in scientific reputation as a significant promoter of heart health. According to statements from the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in lessening the occurrence of heart disease and aids in reducing risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Research trials of heart attack survivors have discovered that daily consumption of omega-3 supplements drastically minimize the risk of death, additional heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also lower blood triglycerides, help correct irregular heart rhythms, and can help avoid and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the formation of plaque and blood clots, which typically clog arteries.
Reduces Pain & Inflammation
Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Clinical trials show that diets high in omega-3s (and low in the pro-inflammatory omega-6s) may help people with inflammation-based disorders -- anything ending with -itis!. Omega-3s have also been used to successfully treat back, neck and menstrual pain, enabling study participants to reduce their consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
Promotes Healthy Joints and Minimizes Arthritis Symptoms
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce tenderness in joints, pain intensity and morning stiffness produced by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, quite a few lab studies have found that omega-3s actually inhibit the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. More than 13 published clinical trials have demonstrated that fish oil supplements are extremely effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped those with RA to reduce their dependence on pain killers.
Supports Mental Focus & Long-Term Cognitive Functioning
Did you know that omega-3s, especially DHA, are highly prevalent in the brain? They're essential for optimal cognitive (brain memorization and performance) and behavioral function, as well as proper growth and development. Trials demonstrate that omega-3s may aid in maintaining proper cognitive functioning and possibly in avoiding or holding off the onset of Alzheimer's disease. We also have learned that it's very important that pregnant women get enough DHA, because it's essential to the developing fetus -- in the third trimester of pregnancy, the fetus' brain grows at a rate of 250,000 new neurons every minute! Kids are also aided by fish oil consumption, as myriad studies have shown that omega-3s increase learning, concentration, vocabulary and reading skills. Numerous studies have also shown benefits in treating ADD.
Produces Positive Mood & Emotional Well-being
In nations where fish is a significant part of the diet, nationwide rates of depression are lower. So, it's not surprising that studies have shown that fish oil capsules can mitigate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Several studies have found that those that took omega-3s in addition to prescription anti-depressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those that only took antidepressants, with patients experiencing a stabilizing effect and less mood swings. Trials have also shown that, when those in prison were given omega-3s, there was a significant drop in violent behavior. Omega-3s also seem to lower the risk of postnatal depression.
Promotes Eye Wellness
Evidence shows that people with a greater fish oil intake seem to have a lower risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing age-related macular degeneration. Preliminary research also shows that omega-3 supplementation helps in lessening dry eye symptoms, may help to slow macular degeneration for those already developing it and improves eye health in general.
Pregnancy, Infancy Brain/Eye Development & Reduced Occurrence of Childhood Conditions
DHA makes up 15-20% of our cerebral cortex and approximately 30-60% of the retina, so it is absolutely essential for normal development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also seems to lessen likelihood of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and behavior/hyperactivity later in the child's life. Omega-3s also assist in lowering the chances of low birth weight and premature birth.
Enhances Metabolism of Fat and Weight Loss
According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s transmit "I'm full" messages to the brain and aid in inhibiting hunger signals. Research has also shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing weight. Study participants who were given fish oil with their diet showed greater weight loss as contrasted with people who didn't consume fish oil. Exercise combined with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the participants.
Decreases Chance of Colorectal, Breast & Prostate Cancers
Though additional research in this area is certainly needed, we now know that the omega 3's found in fish oil assist in the prevention and treatment of breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. Early studies suggest that consuming fish oil everyday can help retard the progression of colon cancer in those with early stages of the disease and may possibly have the capacity to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.
Much more could be said about the many fish oil benefits. And, as the science community and doctors continue to research omega-3s, you can be certain that fish oil will keep producing news as the ideal source of these essential fatty acids that are so essential to our bodies. Even if you're currently in great physical condition, a quality fish oil supplement is the simplest, safest way to realize and maintain optimal health! - 32389
About the Author:
Brittany M. Wallace is a health and nutrition expert who has been studying the benefits of fish oil for nearly 10 years. You can learn all about the benefits of fish oil by visiting her site.
