Fish oil is widely used as a supplement to promote cardiovascular health, improve joint mobility, and support healthy skin and hair growth, among other benefits. But what’s really in fish oil? How do you know if you’re getting the right kind? This article will cover all you need to know about fish oil, including its benefits, how to get it into your diet, and which brands are best suited to keep your body functioning at its best.
What is fish oil?
Fish oil is a supplement made from either fresh or dried fish that contains omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been found to have an array of health benefits. They’re also known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish oil was first used as a dietary supplement in 1967, but it wasn’t until 2000 that its health benefits became widely known by both doctors and consumers.
Fish oil contains a number of fatty acids. These include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA is an anti-inflammatory agent, while DHA has been found to improve memory and have other neurological benefits. The best sources of fish oil are cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and trout. Fish oil can also be extracted from fish that aren’t consumed by humans.
Fish oil has been linked with a wide variety of health benefits, including reducing joint pain, boosting heart health and improving learning abilities. It’s important for pregnant women to take fish oil as it’s been shown to reduce premature birth rates and improve brain development in newborns.
It’s also vital for people who are lactose intolerant as it can be used as an alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish oil is produced in a number of different ways. Dried fish can be used to extract fatty acids and oils, while liquid fish oil is created from fresh fish or byproducts. The type of fish that’s used also makes a difference. Cold water fish contain more omega-3 fatty acids than warm water species. Fish that are deep-sea dwellers also tend to have higher levels than those living in coastal areas.
How does it help your body?
Fish oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. By lowering inflammation, fish oil is thought to contribute to a host of benefits in cardiovascular health and brain function. That’s one reason why people with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and even cancer have been shown in research studies to benefit from its regular use.
Omega-3 fatty acids also play a role in healthy hormone levels, specifically relating to estrogen. Women with high levels of estrogen are more likely to develop breast cancer than women with normal levels.
For that reason, experts recommend eating fish rich in omega-3s, such as salmon and tuna, during your premenopausal years. Men also have a high risk of developing prostate cancer if their circulating omega-3 levels are low, as well as higher rates of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
As we age, omega-3s become even more important because they aid in cognitive function. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of three types of polyunsaturated fats your body needs. While they don’t offer any specific benefits in terms of heart health, like monounsaturated fats do, they’re crucial for brain function and controlling inflammation.
Most Americans don’t get enough of these crucial fatty acids from their diet alone. That’s why doctors recommend eating more fish, taking fish oil supplements and even adding flaxseed to baked goods, smoothies and other foods. Flaxseed is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that your body can easily convert into DHA and EPA — the two forms of omega-3 found in fish oil.
What are the benefits of taking fish oil regularly?
Most of us are aware that fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their healthy properties. But what we might not realize is that it also provides a natural way to protect our bodies from disease, including arthritis and osteoporosis.
In addition, fish oil has been shown to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides, increase good cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin D, which is especially important for children.
If you’re interested in adding fish oil to your diet, consider taking it as a dietary supplement rather than eating more fish. This is because most of us don’t eat enough omega-3 fatty acids from fish or supplements — the recommended daily intake is one gram of EPA and DHA combined.
If you can’t find a fish oil product that is made from wild-caught fish, then avoid it. It’s better to take omega-3 supplements that are derived from marine sources.
Keep in mind that most fish oil supplements have an expiration date, so check yours and replace it when necessary. Also keep in mind that taking too much fish oil can cause unpleasant side effects such as loose stools or burping.
If you experience any side effects, speak with your doctor immediately. The same goes for if you take too little — if you don’t feel any benefits after a month of regular use, contact your healthcare provider.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid taking any kind of supplements unless your doctor recommends it. This is because no studies have looked at how fish oil impacts infants.
And when it comes to children, most healthcare providers will advise you not to give your child any dietary supplements without first consulting with them. That’s because they are concerned about side effects and interactions with medications or other supplements.
Fish oil can be found in many types of foods, including fish, shellfish and fortified products such as breads, cereals and energy bars. Try incorporating more seafood into your diet — especially fatty fish such as salmon or tuna. Other good sources of fish oil include cod liver oil and halibut liver oil. If you don’t like eating these kinds of fish or you prefer not to eat them for other reasons, consider taking a supplement instead.
For people with certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, fish oil can be an effective treatment. This is because these supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol.
If you have a heart condition or other health concerns, discuss taking fish oil with your doctor before starting to take it regularly. Your healthcare provider will want to make sure you’re healthy enough for it.
If you want to find out if fish oil is right for you, check with your doctor. He or she will likely ask you questions about your diet and lifestyle — and may even recommend that you get a full body exam. If your doctor feels that fish oil supplements are appropriate for you, they’ll tell you how much to take and how often. To help avoid unpleasant side effects, follow their advice closely and make sure not to take too much.
Overall, fish oil is a safe and effective supplement that has many potential benefits. While there aren’t any fish oil side effects that you need to worry about, be sure to discuss taking them with your doctor first if you have certain medical conditions or concerns.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and dosage recommendations when taking these supplements, and don’t forget to replace them once they expire. And remember, these are supplements — not substitutes for a healthy diet.
What are the side effects of taking too much fish oil?
Too much fish oil can disrupt your liver’s natural balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Talk with your doctor before taking more than what is recommended on a daily basis. When it comes to health, you can never be too careful!
Taking too much fish oil may have negative effects on your body, especially if you are also eating a lot of fatty fish. This is because consuming too much omega-3 in relation to omega-6 can throw off your body’s natural balance. By taking too much fish oil, you could potentially increase your risk for heart disease and certain cancers by changing the way some genes behave in certain cells.
For example, it’s been shown that consuming more than two grams of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per day may decrease your body’s capacity to fight inflammation.
In fact, adding fish oil to a diet that already contains an abundance of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids can cause a pro-inflammatory response. Eating too much fish oil can also interfere with your body’s ability to regulate cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats found in plant and animal oils. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while omega-6s have been linked to inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties. Although generally safe for most people, taking too much fish oil can cause unwanted side effects.
Take a fish oil supplement with food. Taking too much fish oil can have side effects, especially if you are not used to consuming fatty foods regularly.
Is there a difference between types of Omega-3 fatty acids?
Despite their name, Omega-3 fatty acids come in three distinct versions. These are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
ALA is a plant-based omega-3 found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils like flaxseed oil and canola oil. EPA and DHA are marine based and can be found in seafood such as sardines, anchovies and salmon.
So, does one type of Omega-3 fatty acid do more for your health than another?
The answer is not exactly clear cut.
Studies have shown that EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory properties, can improve memory and cognition in seniors, reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol as well as increase HDL cholesterol. On the other hand, ALA may help lower blood pressure and has also been linked with improved symptoms of depression.
What’s more, some research has even suggested that ALA may have some of the same positive benefits as EPA and DHA when it comes to improving heart health.
However, these results have been hard to replicate in larger studies. Nevertheless, considering there is very little difference between EPA and DHA on one hand, and ALA on another, experts still generally recommend a blend of all three. This can be achieved by incorporating both fish oils as well as vegetable based oils into your diet.
What brand should I take?
With so many different brands available on store shelves, it can be tough to choose which fish oil supplement is right for you. Here are some things you’ll want to consider when choosing a brand of fish oil.
A good rule of thumb is that more research means better quality. That said, here are a few tips on how to make sure you choose a product worth your money.
A top-quality fish oil supplement is one alternative that provides you with omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. However, not all fish oil supplements are created equal.
As a general rule, you want your fish oil supplement to contain at least 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per serving. This should also be accompanied by other healthy fats like CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), as well as vitamins E and B complex.
A good fish oil supplement will also be manufactured using high-quality natural ingredients. It should not contain any artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives. Instead, it should use sunflower lecithin for better absorption and natural flavorings.
The best fish oil supplements are those that are manufactured in facilities that are GMP certified. This means they follow manufacturing guidelines set by the government and that their products go through rigorous testing at every stage of production.
How should I take my fish oil?
Fish oil can be taken by mouth or placed directly into your eyes. To administer, put two or three drops of fish oil in your mouth.
However, don’t use more than 10 ml per day and try not to swallow any while administering. If you choose not to swallow it, try using eye droppers so that you don’t spill any of it when putting drops into your eyes.
Is it safe?
Fish oil can be taken with or without food, but remember that it might thin your blood and lead to bruising. If you’re already taking prescription medications, ask your doctor before adding fish oil into your diet. Additionally, make sure not to take too much at once.
Is it right for me?
If you’re concerned about your heart health, taking fish oil is something you might want to consider. This supplement can reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure and cholesterol, both of which could decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease. Fish oil is also known to improve brain function, making it a good choice for older adults.
What are common side effects?
Common side effects include belching, fishy taste, heartburn and nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor about adjusting your dosage or discontinuing use entirely.
Other rare but possible side effects include black stools, diarrhea, loose stools and indigestion. These reactions can be dangerous and should be reported immediately if they occur.
Should children take fish oil supplements?
Most experts say that, unless there’s a specific reason for your child to take fish oil (like if he or she has heart disease), it’s probably best not to put your kids on fish oil.
Fish oil is high in fat, and too much fat can make kids sick (especially those with low stomach acid). If you do want to give your children fish oil supplements, talk with their doctor first about what dose is appropriate and how often they should take it.
Before taking fish oil, make sure your child is getting enough omega-3 fatty acids through diet.
Avoiding possible dangers of fish oil supplements: Fish oil may interact with a range of medications, including blood thinners (like warfarin and aspirin), antifungals and antibiotics. Fish oil can also increase bleeding in people with bleeding disorders, so if you have one or take blood thinners, tell your doctor about any fish oil supplements you’re taking before surgery.
If you do give your child fish oil, check for any side effects like constipation, vomiting and fishy burps. If you notice them, stop giving your child fish oil and call his or her doctor.
Fish oil: Nutrition facts
Fish oil contains two very important omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are essential for cardiovascular health and overall good health. They also help boost your immune system, improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, promote healthy vision and bone growth, increase your life span, reduce blood clotting, help with depression and mood swings and much more.
Fish oil has been shown to be one of nature’s most powerful nutritional supplements because it gives you so many benefits. To get all of these nutritional benefits, your diet should include fish. Wild salmon is a particularly good source of both EPA and DHA.
However, not everyone eats fish regularly. Some may have religious reasons while others may be allergic to seafood or just don’t like it at all.
Conclusion
Fish oil has several health benefits. Some of these include cancer prevention, lowering your risk of heart disease, and better mental health. Remember that not all fish oils are created equal. Look for quality brands that put a premium on purity and freshness to get optimum results. Fish oil is an easy way to boost your diet, so don’t be afraid of including it in your daily routine.
Just remember, not all fish oils are created equal. Take time to research which brands you want in your diet and make sure they’re keeping up with current trends and advances in supplementation technology. If you can commit yourself to a healthy diet and exercise regimen, then incorporating fish oil is a simple way to increase your overall health.
In addition, remember that fish oil has a powerful combination of fatty acids and vitamins that can improve your health. If you can commit yourself to a healthy diet and exercise regimen, then incorporating fish oil is a simple way to increase your overall health. Don’t be afraid of trying something new!
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