The health effects of coffee are controversial. Despite what you may have heard, there are plenty of good things to be said about coffee. It’s high in antioxidants and linked to a reduced risk...
Benefits Of Fish Oil Supplements
Wondering whether you’re consuming enough fish oil – and why you need it in the first place? Read up on some benefits of fish oil supplements here.
Contents
What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat that supports general health and wellbeing. As the name suggests, fish oil is found in and sourced from fish, but some varieties of fish contain larger amounts of healthy fat than others. Fish oil provides some important health benefits. So how much should you aim to eat each day, and what are the best sources?
What are the benefits of fish oil?
Prostate cancer
One study found that fish oils, alongside a low-fat diet, may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. However, another study linked higher omega-3 levels to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggested that a high fish oil intake raises the risk of high-grade prostate cancer by 71 percent, and all prostate cancers by 43 percent.
Support Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.
Studies show that people who eat a lot of fish have much lower rates of heart disease.
Multiple risk factors for heart disease appear to be reduced by consumption of fish or fish oil. The benefits of fish oil for heart health include:
- Cholesterol levels: It can increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. However, it does not appear to reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.
- Triglycerides: It can lower triglycerides by about 15–30%.
- Blood pressure: Even in small doses, it helps reduce blood pressure in people with elevated levels.’
Help Treat Certain Mental Disorders
Your brain is made up of nearly 60% fat, and much of this fat is omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, omega-3s are essential for normal brain function.
In fact, some studies suggest that people with certain mental disorders have lower omega-3 blood levels.
Interestingly, research suggests that fish oil supplements can prevent the onset or improve the symptoms of some mental disorders. For example, it can reduce the chances of psychotic disorders in those who are at risk.
Post-partum depression
Consuming fish oils during pregnancy may reduce the risk of post-partum depression. Researchers advise that eating fish with a high level of omega 3 two or three times a week may be beneficial. Food sources are recommended, rather than supplements, as they also provide protein and minerals.
Good for mental health
An 8-week pilot study carried out in 2007 suggested that fish oils may help young people with behavioral problems, especially those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The study demonstrated that children who consumed between 8 and 16 grams (g) of EPA and DHA per day, showed significant improvements in their behavior, as rated by their parents and the psychiatrist working with them.
Improve memory
Omega-3 fatty acid intake can help improve working memory in healthy young adults, according to research reported in the journal PLoS One.
However, another study indicated that high levels of omega-3 do not prevent cognitive decline in older women.
related posts
When consumed in excess, added sugar can adversely affect your health. However, some sources of sugar are worse than others — and sugary drinks are by far the worst. This primarily applies to sugary...
How To Relieve Headache Quickly
Headaches happen, again. The good news is there are several simple things you can do to ease the pain without a trip to the doctor. Try these tips to relieve headache and get to...
Winter is a wonderful time of year filled with holidays and fun, but freezing temperatures can make it harsh to even step outside. Even if you’re in the coldest climates, you can easily find...
Benefits Of Cycling – Top 5 Reasons Why We Should Cycle
The benefits of cycling are almost as endless as the country lanes you could soon be exploring. If you’re considering taking up cycling, and weighing it up against other potential activities, then we’re here...
Disadvantages Of Fast Foods – Bad For Your Health
The convenience that fast food provides is undeniable. You will not be wasting time on the preparation of food, and instead, you can utilize your time in other more profitable endeavors. But the popularity...
Benefits Of Vitamin D You Should Know
Read on for some surprising benefits of vitamin D. Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin” because it’s produced in your skin in response to sunlight. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin in a family of...
Ways To Improve Social Skills In Children
Few things can be more frustrating than watching your child struggle to make friends or having a difficult time fitting into certain social settings. There are several steps parents can take to improve social...
How To Gain Weight Fast And Safely
Many people with high metabolisms, thin frames, or low appetites struggle to gain weight. Whether you’re hoping to build muscle mass or to find a more healthy everyday weight, the best solution to gain...
