Fish oil, as the very name suggests, is a product derived from the tissues of an oily fish. On the other hand, the oil derived from the liver and liver products of cod fish, a type of fish oil, is known as cod liver oil. Fish oil is said to form a part of a healthy diet, since it contains two very beneficial Omega-3 Fatty Acids, namely Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) & Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). Both of them have been accorded to have a number of health benefits. If taken in the right quantity, fish oil can lead to the following health benefits in an individual.
Health Benefits of Fish Oil, Cod Liver Oil & Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Fish oil has been found to regulate the inflammatory cycle of the body. This helps in the prevention as well as alleviation of pain caused by conditions like arthritis, prostatitis, cystitis, etc
- Omega-3 fatty acids help in lowering of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDLs. At the same time, they increase HDL (good cholesterol). Thus, in turn, helps keep heart problems at bay.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to break clots, before they cause any major damage, and thus, help in the prevention of heart attack.
- Consuming fish oil on a regular basis leads to an improvement of the memory, recall power, reasoning abilities and focus in adults.
- Fish oil helps fight depression, bipolar and psychosis and has been known to assuage symptoms associated with these medical conditions.
- Research and studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids help in the prevention of breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer.
- There have been studies indicating that women, who took Omega-3 supplements during their pregnancy, gave birth to children with fewer allergy problems.
- Fish oil has also been found to aid the brain as well as visual development of children.
- Cod liver oil is also beneficial for people suffering from problems like eczema, IBD and macular degeneration.
- Fish oil has been found to be effective in keeping blood pressure under control.
- When consumed by pregnant and nursing mothers, in the right quantity, Omega-3 fatty acids can positively impact the intelligence and happiness of their babies.
- The children suffering from dyslexia, dyspraxia and compulsive disorders were found to have benefited from the consumption of fish oil.
- Omega 3 fish oil has been shown to help prevent three of the most common forms of cancer - breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer.
- When combined with regular exercise, fish oil can greatly add to the process of weight loss.
- It is believed that fish oil has the ability to improve blood circulation in the human body.
- Fish oil helps enhance the body's immunity, in turn, helping it resist common diseases, such as cold, cough and flu.
- Consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids has been found to be useful in treating arthritis, rheumatism, Raynaud’s symptoms and similar conditions.
- Apart from helping treat acne, fish oil can impart a healthy shine and glow to the skin.
- Owing to the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is said to be helpful in case of ulcers caused by NSAIDs.
- In case you are suffering from hair loss or dull hair, fish oil can surely come to your rescue.