What Are The Benefits Of Omega-3 Fish Oil?

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, which are derived from fatty fish, have been one of the most popular types of dietary supplements for several years now. These supplements, which come in the form of capsules or simply as oil that can be taken directly out of a bottle, are believed by many to provide a host of impressive potential health benefits. But what exactly are these benefits? Let's take a look!

Joint Health & Arthritis

One of the best known benefits of fish oil supplements is that they can reduce stiffness in your joints. They can also improve blood flow to your muscles, resulting in faster recovery and less joint pain. In addition to helping your body recover after a workout Omega 3s may also help with some cases of arthritis.

Weight Loss, Cholesterol And Blood Sugar Optimization

Omega 3s have been shown to reduce the risk of obesity, and may even help prevent diabetes. Additionally this oil is essential for people with high cholesterol levels. It gets even better when combined with cardiovascular exercise. This study found that this combo improved body composition and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Omega 3 Fish Oil For Depression, Anxiety & More...

Shockingly, Omega-3s may even help with depression and mood disorders. That right, about 60% of the human brain is made of fat, and Omega 3s apparently are a major chunk of the 60%! So it would make sense that fish oil is very good for brain function. In fact according to this report posted on the National Library of Medicine - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7913291/ Omega 3s are essential for brain function. While the bulk of the research on fish oils ability to improve mental disorders relates to depression and anxiety it has also been shown to be effective for schizophrenia and other serious disorders.

Omega 3s For Healthy Skin

According to researchers Omega-3s are good for your skin and may be beneficial in treating acne, eczema, and other common skin conditions. Apparently these benefits are due to the main two Omega 3s' (EPA & DHA) ability to help maintain homeostasis, support improved barrier function, help to inhibit inflammation, and help promote skin healing.

Eye Health

Another benefit of omega 3 fish oil is improved vision. According to Harvard University's website https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/omega-3-for-your-eyes research finds DHA (one of the key Omega 3 fatty acids, may help preserve your vision. Apparently DHA is considered to be one of the most difficult Omega 3s to consume in sufficient amounts, due to the fact that it only occurs naturally is in a small selection of food sources. Luckily however - fish oil is perhaps the richest source available!

It's quite important to make sure you are getting enough DHA since multiple studies have shown that omega 3 fish oil improves eye health, including helping to prevent macular degeneration, which can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness before you reach your mid-forties.

Additional Benefits

There are many other issues that people claim can be helped by taking fish oil, such as menopause, balding, prostate problems and so forth. However, there is only limited scientific research backing these claims. That said, it is such a safe substance that you can always give it a try and see if it works for you, as it is generally understood to be a healthy part of any diet.

Fish Oil Side Effects

While it's true that fish oil does not usually have any serious side effects, it does have a few potential ones, including heartburn, loose stools, and nosebleeds. If you are prone to digestive issues then you may find that taking your Omega 3 fish oil supplements with meals can help tp reduce these issues. Another thing to keep in mind is that fish oil supplements can actually be a safer option than trying to get all the Omega 3s you need from dietary sources, since some fish are contaminated with mercury and other dangerous chemicals. As always you should consult your physician before taking any new supplement, including fish oil products.

Picking The Right Fish Oil For You

Those looking for fish oil supplements should look for a product that is made from wild sustainably-sourced fish. Most people are able to find a good fish oil supplement that they are happy with at the grocery store or on the internet on a website like Amazon. Regardless of the source, in order to choose the brand you're most comfortable with you may want to read a number of reviews before making your selection. You should also be sure that the fish oil you choose is third party tested and proven to be free of heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and rancidity markers.

Incorporating Fish Oil Into A Healthy Diet

While omega 3 fish oil benefits are widely recognized, it's important to follow a specific diet plan to get the most benefit. After all even taking the best dietary supplements can't make up for eating nutritious foods. To get the most benefit you may want to reduce your intake of foods high in Omega-6 fatty acids such as processed foods, and oils like canola. As always it is important to get enough protein, and getting additional Omega-3s directly from seafood is not a bad idea at all. Vegetarians and those not consuming seafood regularly may see a great benefit to Omega-3 supplementation as they are commonly not getting enough of this nutrient through their diet alone. That said the benefits of this supplement for your health are not limited to those on a vegetarian diet.

Bonus: Omega 3 Fish Oil Is Good For Dogs Too

There are many fish oil benefits for dogs. One of the most common is improved health, and the most commonly known is the ability to prevent heart disease. While most dogs are healthy enough to take fish oil supplements, it's important to be cautious and avoid giving it to dogs that are allergic to shellfish or have a history of liver disease. Fish oil supplements for dogs can be found at any decent pet store of health food store and will contain varying amounts of EPA and DHA. To avoid toxicity, it is best to purchase the products recommended by a veterinarian. Make sure the supplement is made from sustainable marine sources, which is better for your dog.