One of the most consumed dietary supplements in the world is fish oil which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is extremely important to your health. Research conducted at Harvard University stated that deficiency in omega-3 fatty acid claims up to 96,000 lives every year. Fish oil is basically derived from the tissues of oily fish. If oily fish is not part of your diet then you should definitely consider consuming fish oil supplements as part of your diet which will help you get the required omega-3 fatty acids. Even though our bodies are able to generate most of the fats we need, this is far from the truth when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids.
Even though the advantages of consuming fish oil are innumerable, we have listed for you the three most important health benefits.
1. Fish Oil is excellent for a healthy heart
One of the leading causes of death in the world is heart disease. Individuals who consume fish oil are at a lower risk of having heart disease. Studies have also verified that consumption of fish oil drastically reduces a number of various risk factors associated with heart disease
When it comes to the health of our heart, the benefits from fish oil are numerous –
Blood pressure- Those who suffer from high blood pressure will be able to see huge improvements once they start consuming fish oil, even if it’s is in the smallest of doses
Cholesterol levels- Even though it does not help reduce LDL (the ‘bad’) cholesterol, it is seen to significantly increase levels of HDL (the ‘good’) cholesterol.
Triglycerides- Fish oils help reduce triglycerides by about 15-30%.
Plaques- Stabilizing arterial plaques for those who already have them and preventing them from forming in the first place in people who don’t is one of the major benefits of fish oil.
Fatal arrhythmias- It may help significantly lower fatal arrhythmia events in those people who are at risk.
2. Fish oil may reduce symptoms of inflammatory disease and lower chances of inflammation
Inflammation can be defined as the immune system’s way of treating injury to the body and fighting infection. However it is quite possible for inflammation to occur at lower levels over long periods of time which is termed as chronic inflammation.
Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, depression and obesity can be worsened by it. In such instances, reducing inflammation can significantly help treat the symptoms of the disease. Fish oil has various anti-inflammatory properties which greatly contribute in treating diseases that involve chronic inflammation.
For instance, in obese and stressed individuals, fish oil helps lower the gene expression and production of inflammatory molecules also known as cytokines. From reducing stiffness and joint pains to lowering medication needs for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, there is little fish oil can’t do.
3. Fish oil leads to beautiful skin and hair.
The health benefit of fish oil for the skin is immense. Fish oil has been known to improve the beauty and health of skin is several different ways. It nourishes and benefits the skin with essential fats and contributes large amounts of fat-soluble vitamins that not only keep the skin smooth but also helps maintain its gorgeous elastic texture. Major studies have also clearly shown how fish oil works against the aging process and prevents wrinkles significantly.
Skin conditions such as dandruff, eczema, thinning hair, psoriasis as well as sun spots and age spots are a cause of deficiency of DHA and EPA in one’s diet. A lot of moisture leaves the skin without essential fatty acids and your internal health is reflected on your skin. Consuming fish oil can even be better than applying moisturizers for the skin. If you suffer from psoriasis you may want to start consuming fish oil supplements as certain studies have shown improvement in patients who suffer from the same. Research has also shown that consuming fish oil can provide significant sunburn relief.
Authors Bio
Dr. Mitravinda Savanur is a Nutritionist at DietChart with a doctoral degree in Food Science and Nutrition. She’s an expert in writing blogs on various nutrition-related topics such as high protein vegetarian foods, diet chart for weight loss, and Home remedies for gum pain, etc. Through her blogs, she wishes to help people gain a deeper understanding about the relationship between food, nutrition, lifestyle and health. You can follow her website at Dietchart .