Fish Oil Benefits & Information

Fish Oil Benefits

Fish oil has been recognized for its health benefits for several centuries. Ancient cultures would drain fish and use the oil in soups and drinks to realize the health benefits that fish oil can offer.

In the modern era, many people choose to take fish oil in the form of dietary supplements. Supplements offer a concentrated way to ingest a high amount of fish oil on a daily basis.

Omega Oils in Fish Oil

Fish Oil is very rich in Omega Oils, also known as Omega-3 Fatty Acids. The fish do not actually produce these oils. They simply accumulate them by eating microalgae, along with eating smaller fish who have also accumulated omega oils themselves by eating microalgae. This effect explains why the higher a fish is up the food chain, the more omega oils it tends to contain, but fish also accumulate toxins such as heavy metals by the same process of feeding on smaller fish which have a build up of these metals themselves. This is why it is recommended to limit oily fish intake even though omega oils can offer health benefits.

Microalgae also provide minerals such as Iodine and Selenium, which act as antioxidants to help stabilise the omega oils and hence keep them available for us to ingest in the form of fish oil.

Preventing Heart Disease

Most people who take fish oil are looking to take advantage of the heart benefits that it can offer. One of the most important heart benefits is preventing the onset of heart disease.[1] Fish oil can help to reduce cholesterol levels, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Fish oil can also be effective for patients who already suffer from heart disease symptoms. Patients struggling with heart disease can safely take fish oil with their heart medicine.

Helping with Other Heart Problems

There are also other heart problems that can be prevented and treated with fish oil. Studies have shown that people who take fish oil tend to have a reduced risk of heart failure.[2] Fish oil helps to reduce the risk of heart failure because it helps patients reduce their bad cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to hardened arteries, which fish oil can help to treat and prevent.[3] Fish oil can even be used to help patients who have received a heart transplant. Doctors usually recommend that most people take fish oil supplements to realize these heart health benefits.

Healthy Babies

The health benefits of fish oil can help people improve their physical well-being at any age. Children struggling with nutrition-associated liver disease can take fish oil supplements as a solution to their problem. Liver disease can cause children to have difficulties with constipation that can affect their digestive system.[4] Studies have also shown that fish oil can help developing children experiencing problems with their motor skills, especially those with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Mothers can even take fish oil supplements before their baby is born to reduce the risk of a miscarriage.[5] The potential benefits of fish oil for children mean that these supplements can be beneficial for people of all ages.

Improving Attention for Children with ADHD

One of the most common developmental problems in today's world is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many doctors recommend that parents give their children stimulants, but studies have shown that these drugs can be harmful in the long run. Fish oil can be an effective stimulant substitute to help children increase their mental focus and decrease hyperactivity. Studies have verified that fish oil supplements can help people of all ages reduce problems with concentration.[6] Children and adults who take fish oil, therefore, can expect to feel more focused throughout the day.

Reducing the Side Effects of Medication

Fish oil can help to reduce the debilitating side effects associated with many drugs. Patients who feel drowsy after taking medications can sometimes reduce their symptoms by taking fish oil. Fish oil can lower blood pressure, so taking these supplements could reduce the frequency that patients have to take blood pressure medication. Fish oil is advantageous in many situations because it does not react with many medications. Patients can safely take fish oil with most drugs, though it is always advised to inform your doctor you are taking fish oil, or any other supplements, when being prescribed medication.

Reducing Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis/Inflammation

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can cause severe symptoms that can prevent people from enjoying and living their ordinary lives. RA causes increased joint pressure that can prevent people from getting up in the morning or holding down a job. Studies have shown that fish oil can help many RA patients manage their symptoms.[7] Omega Oils are known to act as anti-inflammatories, hence the Omega Oils in fish oil can help to reduce inflammation and therefore pain. Fish oil can be helpful both on days when patients experience extreme symptoms (acute pain) and over the long term (chronic pain).

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer

How to Take Herbs

Herbs can be taken internally or used externally in various ways. Knowing how to use or prepare herbs and what dosage to take is vital, to ensure safe and effective use.

Where to buy Herbs Online

Buying Herbs and supplements online offers convenience and greater choice but you need to be vigilant. Our impartial buyers guide lets you know what to look out for to get the best products.

[1] Harris, W. S. (2004). Fish oil supplementation: evidence for health benefits. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 71(3), 208-210. [2] Den Ruijter, H. M., Berecki, G., Verkerk, A. O., Bakker, D., Baartscheer, A., Schumacher, C. A., ... & Coronel, R. (2008). Acute administration of fish oil inhibits triggered activity in isolated myocytes from rabbits and patients with heart failure. Circulation, 117(4), 536-544. [3] Hornstra, G. (1989). Influence of dietary fish oil on arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis in animal models and in man. Journal of internal medicine, 225(S731), 53-59. [4] Gura, K. M., Lee, S., Valim, C., Zhou, J., Kim, S., Modi, B. P., ... & Puder, M. (2008). Safety and efficacy of a fish-oil–based fat emulsion in the treatment of parenteral nutrition–associated liver disease. Pediatrics, 121(3), e678-e686. [5] Rossi, E., & Costa, M. (1993). Fish oil derivatives as a prophylaxis of recurrent miscarriage associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (APL): a pilot study. Lupus, 2(5), 319-323. [6] Young, G. S., Conquer, J. A., & Thomas, R. (2005). Effect of randomized supplementation with high dose olive, flax or fish oil on serum phospholipid fatty acid levels in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Reproduction Nutrition Development, 45(5), 549-558. [7] Kremer, J. M., Jubiz, W., Michalek, A., Rynes, R. I., Bartholomew, L. E., Bigaouette, J., ... & Lininger, L. (1987). Fish-oil fatty acid supplementation in active rheumatoid arthritis: a double-blinded, controlled, crossover study. Annals of internal medicine, 106(4), 497-503.

Fish Oil