To discuss fish oil benefits, it almost seems easier to talk about what it cannot do for you. With all the things you hear about fish oil, it seems like it is some kind of miracle cure for just about everything. And that really is not so far off the mark because it supplies something that your body cannot function properly without.
When it comes to fish oil, not all fish are created equal. The oil needs to be from cold water oily fish such as salmon, cod, mackerel and herring, to name a few. The deeper and fresher the water, the better for your health as the fish will be less likely to contain mercury.
What the fish oil provides you in particular is Omega 3 fatty acids. These acids are needed by our bodies to function but we are not able to make what we need. These acids must be acquired from either supplements or diet. And it is not easy to eat enough oily fish to provide all the fatty acids that we need.
Among the reasons your body needs fish oil fatty acids is for good cardiovascular health. Studies show that these fatty acids both increase good cholesterol levels and decrease the bad. They help keep plaques from forming in the arteries which can then cause strokes and heart attacks. Omega 3s have also been found to lower blood pressure.
Mental health is also impacted by Omega 3 acids from fish oil. These acids affect both cognitive and behavioral aspects of the brain. Furthermore, a correlation is being seen between Omega 3 deficiencies and various types of illnesses and diseases of the brain such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons and Schizophrenia. Supplementation with fish oil is also being noted as showing improvements in ADD and ADHD.
Fish oil fatty acids play an important role in brain and nervous system development. Therefore, it is an important supplement for pregnant women to aid in proper development of the fetus. There are also studies showing that premature deliveries are less common when supplementing with fish oil.
Omega 3s in fish oil also act as anti-inflammatories and can be used for reducing inflammation and pain in any such condition in the body. Examples of these conditions include lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and prostatitis. The anti-inflammatory aspect of fish oil can also work on reduction of wrinkles in the skin. The acids also increase collagen production, which is a further aid in more youthful skin.
Fish oil has also been found to help prevent cancer, specifically that of the breast, prostate and colon. The Omega 3s do this by keeping the normal cell from mutating into a cancerous one, stopping abnormal cell growth and killing off cancer cells.
Another fish oil benefit is that it stimulates serotonin production and this hormone makes us feel happy. The fish oil is also believed to decrease levels of stress producing hormones. Between these two benefits, fish oil should make you feel calmer and more relaxed and, as a result, your immune system should get a boost as well.
The list actually does go on. Hard as it may be to believe, there are even more fish oil benefits than these. If you are looking for a supplement, just be sure to look for a good quality one that is 100% deep-sea fish oil with no fillers or preservatives.
Daniel runs a website dedicated to the fish oil benefits where you can find information about fish oil side effectsand other fish oil related information.