Fish Oil Benefits

Introduction

Fish oil is the oil that is derived from the tissues of fatty fish. Fish is good for a healthy heart and body and is highly recommended for good health. The supplements of fish oil have gained immense popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. Fish oil has high contents of acids of omega-3 fatty type and these are helpful in lowering the triglycerides. The active compounds of fish oil are supposed to be the omega-3 fatty acids. They are of two types- DHA or docosahexaenoic acid and EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid. These acids in the fish oil have manifold effects on human body and health. Research has shown that fish oil has significant and profound health benefits.

Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Reducing Inflammation: The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil decrease the inflammation by suppressing inflammatory chemicals like IL-1 or interleukin and TNF or tumor necrosis factor and a particular enzyme called COX-2.

Prevention of Blood Clots and Lowering of Blood Pressure: The omega-3 fatty acids of fish oil lower the production of thromboxane A2 that facilitates blood clotting and increase in blood pressure.  As the omega-3 fatty acids decrease production of thromboxane A2, they help in making the blood thinner and hence aiding in lowering the blood pressure.

Lowering of triglyceride level: The triglyceride level in body is considerably reduced by the action of the omega-3 fatty acids.

Other Benefits of Fish Oils

Longevity and Good Health

The Eskimos enjoy healthy and long lives, owing to a diet that is rich in fatty fish and omega-3 fatty acids. It has been proven over centuries that the Eskimos lead extremely healthy lives by consuming fish and fish oils that form more than 50% of their complete calorie intake.

Positive Enhancement of Emotions and Moods

Studies have shown that the fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids improve the brain function, thereby enhancing positive moods and emotions. The higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids affects the neuronal growth of the frontal cortex region of the brain, which is the seat for personal behavior. The person becomes less violent if he consumes more of the beneficial fish oils.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Healthy Heart

The omega-3 fatty acids help in prevention of irregular heartbeat, stroke and sudden cardiac arrest or death. The good cholesterol is increased due to the fish oils and the high blood pressure is reduced to a great extent. Secondary cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases can be kept at bay with omega-3 fatty acids.

Improvement of Brain Health

Fish oil is actually the food for thought. It dramatically improves brain health. Memory can also be improved by consuming safe dosages of omega-3 fatty acids. Alzheimer’s disease, depression and schizophrenia can also be prevented and treated to a large extent with the use of fish oils.

Fish oil helps in prevention and treatment of some types of cancer, systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disorder, age-related male prostate enlargement, Huntington’s disease, Bipolar disorder, diabetes, ADHD and anger or aggression. It also aids in prevention of pregnancy complications and impaired visual and brain growth in children. Fish oils help in weight loss and control as well. It also lowers the decline of eyesight in elderly people.