A huge amount of studies show that, not only are fish oil benefits numerous, some of them are actually very extraordinary! It seems like new research is being published everyday, as researchers and physicians learn more and more about how and why it is so great for health. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are “good fats” that are necessary for well-being. They are essential for human health but our bodies can’t make them – you must obtain them through diet. Here are some proven fish oil benefits that should convince you to eat more oily, wild fish and start taking a quality fish oil supplement if you aren’t already!

Promotes Heart Health & Protects Against Heart Attack and Stroke

Fish oil continues to increase in scientific reputation as a significant component to heart health. According to the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in minimizing the occurrence of heart disease and helps to reduce risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clinical trials of heart attack survivors have found that daily consumption of fish oil capsules drastically reduce the risk of dying, subsequent heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also decrease blood triglycerides, help correct abnormal heartbeats, and can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by preventing the formation of plaque and blood clots, which typically clog arteries.

Lessens Pain & Inflammation

Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammation effect. Lab trials show that diets rich in omega-3s (and low in the pro-inflammatory omega-6s) may help people with inflammatory conditions — anything ending in -itis!. Omega-3s have also been used to effectively treat neck, back and menstrual pain, helping study participants to reduce their consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

Ensures Healthy Joints and Minimizes Arthritis

The omega-3s in fish oil reduce tenderness in joints, pain intensity and morning stiffness produced by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, quite a few test tube studies have found that omega-3s actually inhibit the action of enzymes that destroy cartilage. At least 13 published clinical trials have demonstrated that fish oil supplements are extremely beneficial at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped people suffering from RA to reduce their dependence on pain medication.

Enhances Mental Acuity & Long-Term Cognitive Function

Did you know that omega-3s, particularly DHA, are highly concentrated in our brains? They’re essential for optimal cognitive (brain memorization and performance) and behavioral function, as well as normal growth and development. Trials show that omega-3s might aid in maintaining proper cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or staving off the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. We also have learned that it’s very important that pregnant women get adequate DHA, which is required by the developing fetus — during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the fetus’ brain grows at a rate of 250,000 new neurons each minute! Kids are also helped by omega-3 consumption, as many studies have shown that omega-3s improve learning, focus, vocabulary and reading skills. Countless studies have even shown benefits in treating ADD.

Supports Positive Mood & Emotional Well-being

In countries where fish makes up a major part of the diet, national rates of depression are lower. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that studies have found that fish oil supplements can mitigate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Many studies have shown that participants that took fish oil in addition to prescribed anti-depressants had a larger improvement in symptoms than those that only took antidepressants, with patients experiencing a stabilization effect and fewer mood swings. Studies have also shown that, when prisoners were administered fish oil, there was a huge drop in violent behavior. Omega-3s also appear to lower the risk of postpartum depression.

Promotes Eye Wellness

Studies show that people with a greater omega-3 consumption seem to have a lower risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing AMD, or age-related macular degeneration. Early studies also show that fish oil supplementation helps in alleviating dry eye symptoms, may help to inhibit macular degeneration for people already developing it and improves ocular health in general.

Pregnancy, Infancy Brain/Eye Development & Less Occurrence of Childhood Disorders

DHA makes up 15-20% of the cerebral cortex and approximately 30-60% of the retina, so it’s absolutely necessary for normal growth and development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also seems to lessen likelihood of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and behavior/hyperactivity later in the child’s life. Omega-3s also help to lower the chances of low birth weight and premature birth.

Enhances Fat Metabolism and Weight Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s transmit “I’m full” messages to the brain and help quash hunger signals. Research has also demonstrated that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing body fat. Volunteers who were given fish oil with their diet showed greater weight loss as contrasted with people who didn’t consume fish oil. Exercise along with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the patients.

Decreases Chance of Colorectal, Breast & Prostate Cancers

Though more research in this area is certainly needed, we now know that the omega 3’s that appear in fish oil aid in the prevention and treatment of breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. Preliminary studies imply that taking fish oil everyday can help retard the progression of colon cancer in those with early stages of the disease and may even have the capacity to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.

A great deal more can be said about the many fish oil benefits. And, as the scientific community and health professionals continue to research omega-3s, you can be certain that fish oil will keep producing headlines as the ideal source of these essential fatty acids that are so vital to our bodies. Even if you’re currently in great physical condition, a quality fish oil supplement is the fastest, safest way to achieve and maintain optimal health!

Brittany M. Wallace is a health and nutrition expert who has been studying fish oil benefits for nearly 10 years. You can learn all about the benefits of fish oil by visiting her site.

Tags: Adhd, Benefits Of Fish Oil, cancer, children, Depression, Fish Oil, fish oil benefits, health, Heart Disease, Nutrition, Omega 3, pregnancy, Weight Loss

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