Fish oil, we all know is one of the dietary supplements that we commonly consume daily. The main reason is that it is rich in omega fatty acids which contribute to your general well-being and overall health.
Fish oil is made up of omega-3s which account for about 30% of it and the remaining 70% constitutes fat. It also has Vitamins A and D as constituents. As far as fish oil side effects are concerned, if you are not sure about whether or not you must take a supplement talk to a medical practitioner.
What is Fish oil
If we do not explain it in terms of supplements, it is the oil or the fat that is present in fish tissue from where it is extracted. Some of the common fishes that provide this fat or oil include anchovies, herring, mackerel, and tuna to name a few.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), you must eat 1-2 portions of fish every week. And if you are not able to lay your hands on real fishes, you can take the best fish oil supplement that is available in the market. So, what is fish oil good for?
What are the benefits of fish oil?
Here, let us find out more about fish oil under the following sub-topics, and know what fish oil does for us,
Fish oil pills or in real form have many advantages. They –
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Improves cardiac or heart health
If you eat a lot of fish and include it in your regular diet plan, your susceptibility to heart disease is less. It helps in maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol, and blood pressure, triglycerides. It keeps in check arrhythmias and prevents plaques.
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Improves mental health
Fish oil or in supplement form has been found to reduce mental disorders of certain kinds. If taken in higher doses, can alleviate symptoms related to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
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Helps in weight loss
If you have a body mass index that is higher than 30, you are said to be obese. Studies suggest that 39% of the adult population across the globe is overweight and obesity affects 13% of the population. And if you move towards higher-income countries, it is even higher.
It has been found to improve the body’s composition and reduce risk factors that are associated with being overweight or obese. So, you might reduce the circumference around your waist.
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Reduces inflammation in the body
Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it reduces inflammation and is effective especially in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Improves eye health
Eating fish regularly helps in keeping eye diseases at bay. But it has not been established whether or not fish oil supplements have the same impact.
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Healthy skin
As you get older, your skin tends to lose its elasticity. The resulting conditions lead to dermatitis and psoriasis. However, fish oil or supplements can maintain healthy skin.
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Reduces fat in the liver
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD causes fat to accumulate in your liver. And if you are obese your chances of getting liver diseases are more. Consume fish oil to reduce fat in your liver and do away with symptoms of NAFLD.
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Omega 3 fish oil helps in treating depression
Studies reveal that by the year 2030, depression will become the second biggest cause of mental illness. You will also find that people suffering from depression also have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies reveal that as compared to supplements with DHA, oils that are rich in EPA are even more effective.
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Improves allergy and asthma symptoms
Due to asthma, there is swelling in the lungs accompanied by shortness of breath. If you take it during pregnancy, it decreases the incidence of asthma and allergy in infants.
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Bone health improves
As you get older, you tend to lose essential minerals that are present in the bones. This eventually leads to osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. We know that calcium and vitamin D is vital in bone health. But omega-3 fatty acids fish oil is equally beneficial.
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Best fish oil supplement- How to choose
There are several factors that you must take into account while choosing the best supplement.
First of all, go through the ingredients list to avoid using stuff that contains preservatives and artificial ingredients or fillers.
Aside from the above aspect, find out whether or not the product has been tested by a third party or if the product is certified by TGA, NSF, IFOS, and USP.
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Krill oil vs. fish oil
Fish oil is something that almost everyone is aware of. However, not many know what krill oil. Krill oil is obtained from Antarctic krill, which is a tiny crustacean. These sea creatures are an important form of diet for the other sea animals like whales and sharks. Penguins and seals eat them too.
Just like fish oil, krill oil has EPA and DHA. But when it comes to fish oil vs krill oil, the difference lies in their structures.
In a nutshell, it is best to take omega3 fatty acids by taking fish and protein in real form. And if at all you are planning to start with a supplement, try to consult a medical practitioner that will be able to guide you better about the type of supplement you must take and also the appropriate dosage you require.
Remember, no two people will have the same body composition and the same rate of metabolism. So, solutions will differ too.
