The Health Benefits Of Fish Oil

October 7, 2023

Fish oilis a commonly used supplement because it provides many health benefits. The oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve brain function, protect the heart, and promote healthy bones and muscles. Fish oil is naturally found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna. However, if you don't eat these foods often, taking a daily supplement could help to increase the chances you're getting enough omega-3s.There's also growing evidence that fish oil is beneficial to the body in other ways and can promote overall well-being. Here are some of the perks of taking fish oil every day in detail.

Reduces High Blood Pressure

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According to sources, even if you take a small amount of fish oil, you can lower your blood pressure. This is good news for individuals who have hypertension or a family history of high blood pressure. Fish oil not only reduces high blood pressure but can also bring down cholesterol levels and lower triglycerides in the blood by thirty percent. When blood pressure levels are normal, there is a lower risk of heart disease. Fish oil can help with this as well, as it helps remove plaque in the arteries that can impede circulation. Lower risk of heart disease means the arteries are not hardened by the plaque and the heart can function at its best.

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Lower Risk Of Heart Disease

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The American Heart Association has long recommended individuals eat two servings of fatty fish per week. Omega-3 fatty acids, which we know are abundant in fish, are unsaturated fats that have been proven to lower heart disease risk. Medical sources also assert there are other nutrients in fish that work with the omega-3s to make fish greatly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. While some individuals are concerned about possible mercury contamination from eating fish, the health benefits usually outweigh over-exposure to mercury, so it's best to consume the freshest fish possible. Of course, fish oil is a great supplement to add with the same benefits.

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Reduces Joint Pain And Stiffness

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Fish oil acts as a lubricant for the joints and promotes blood circulation, which means you'll likely experience less stiffness and pain. The oil also helps to reduce inflammation in the body, since the supplement has anti-inflammatory properties that help to boost the immune system. Studies have shown eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two omega-3 fatty acids including in fish oil, can prevent pain stemming from inflammatory agents such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a). Individuals with conditions like chronic back pain or arthritis may find taking fish oil on a daily basis can significantly reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve quality of life. According to one study, some patients were even able to stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without experiencing a flare in their arthritis when taking fish oil supplements in these high doses.

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Improves Skin Health

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Fish oil improves skin health by improving the texture of the skin. You'll likely find your skin looks smoother and has more moisture after you have been taking a fish oil supplement regularly for a few weeks. Since fish oil has lots of fat-soluble vitamins, it can make your skin especially supple and reduce or prevent wrinkles and fine lines.

Individuals who suffer from blemishes and breakout may find adding omega-3s to their skincare routine through fish oil supplements can even out their skin tone and prevent facial inflammation. Fish oil can also protect the body against free radicals due to its anti-inflammatory effects, so you'll likely find you have a healthier glow and fewer impurities on the skin. If you suffer from dehydrated skin or have skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, fish oil can add intense moisture to the skin and prevent flare-ups.

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Supports A Healthy Pregnancy

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If you're expecting a baby soon, start adding fish oil to your diet, as it supports a healthy pregnancy. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are good for both mother and baby and help support brain health and development. The EPA in fish oil promotes heart health and makes the immune system stronger, and the DHA boosts the health of the central nervous system and is essential for brain and eye health. This indicates babies need the nutrients in fish oil for vision health and neurological development while in the uterus. Sources reveal when mothers take fish oil, they can increase the birth weight of their babies and lower the risk of pre-eclampsia.

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Assist With Mental Disorders

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Research indicates individuals with some mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In connection with this, studies have shown supplementing with fish oil can help many patients suffering from these conditions by reducing the severity of symptoms. Furthermore, evidence indicates fish oil can reduce the risk of these conditions occurring in the first place for individuals who are at risk. Of course, these benefits are associated with the higher intake of fish oil. Specifically, improved symptoms of schizophrenia in a study appeared after patients took ten grams of concentrated fish oil a day for six weeks.

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Improve Attention And Hyperactivity

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Omega-3 fatty acids, as we know, play an important role in the brain, and this is part of the reason why children getting enough omega-3s can help stave off behavioral conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Studies have indicated supplementation for these fatty acids, including with fish oil supplements, does improve symptoms of behavioral issues and learning difficulties associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and similar conditions. Benefits gained from these studies and fish oil appear to be reductions in impulsiveness, aggression, inattention, and hyperactivity in children with conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

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May Prevent Cognitive Decline

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Evidence indicates individuals who consume higher amounts of fish typically experience a slower decline in their brain function as they age, especially when Alzheimer's disease comes into play. This is in part what has sparked the idea of studying the influence of fish oil supplementation on the brain and if it can slow cognitive decline. Small studies have shown a correlation in slower cognitive decline and fish oil, though others have claimed there isn't clear evidence of a direct relationship between the two, which means additional research is necessary to ultimately determine the extent of the influence fish oil supplementation has on the brain and cognitive decline.

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Promotes Weight Loss

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Maintaining a healthy weight has many benefits to health, which is why it is likely to make many individuals happy to learn fish oil can assist with weight loss. EPA and DHA, in particular, assist with increasing an individual's metabolism, which boosts weight loss potential. The anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil can also, though indirectly, help fat metabolism in patients with metabolic syndrome or with high inflammation. It also helps increase enzymes in muscle cells as well as the secretion of adiponectin, which help with fat loss. Of course, fish oil supplements are not the only component to losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight. They should be combined with a healthy, balanced diet and appropriate exercise for the best benefits to take effect.

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