Fish oil contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids is the substance a person’s body needs to perform many functions from cell growth to using their muscles. The omega-3 fatty acids is important in fish oil because it cannot be manufactured in a person’s body.
Both EPA and DHA are types of omega-3 fatty acids. They are known to help the body by treating certain disease and conditions. One of the best-known benefits includes reducing inflammation in the body. Also, both types of omega-3 fatty acids are found in various fish such as trout, mackerel, salmon and shellfish. Oysters, mussels and crabs also have omega-3 fatty acids in them. To obtain the much needed nutrients in fish oil, fish must be baked or broiled. Fried fish does not provide the DHA and EPA the body needs.
Many people need a lot more fish oil than can be found in eating fish. That is why they choose to take fish oil supplements. However, it is important to speak with a doctor prior to taking fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements are safe. However, the supplements can cause symptoms such as bad breath, nausea, rash, indigestion and a fishy aftertaste.
The following is a list of health benefits fish oil provides an individual looking to improve certain medical conditions and diseases:
1. ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a medical condition where the differences in brain activity and brain development alters behavior. An individual with ADHD may have a hard time paying attention to tasks because they become easily distracted. They are also hyperactive. Thus, they are fidgety and easily bored. In addition, they are impulsive. They act too quickly and do things without asking permission.
Fish oil can have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. The individual may become more attentive, think things through prior to acting on them and less hyperactive. It is important to note, that consuming fish oil won’t make symptoms disappear. Instead, they will become more controlled. It takes about three months for the fish oil to accrue in the body. This means it will take that long to notice any improvement in ADHD symptoms.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Cancer
Cancer is not one disease, but a group of related diseases involving the body’s cells. This medical condition occurs when cells, which grow at a normal rate, increase their production. They continue to grow without dividing and don’t die when they are supposed to die. Fish oil can reduce the risks associated with developing certain cancers such as breast cancer. It may also assist with reducing the pain connected with grueling cancer treatments. In addition to decreasing cancer risks and pain associated with cancer treatments, fish oil has another benefit. It can slow the growth of a tumor. This tumor reduction requires a diet rich in fish oil.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease, which destroys important mental functions and memory, is a progressive disease. A person’s symptoms may include being easily confused and have difficulty remembering things. As the disease progresses, they may develop personality changes and forget people. Fish oil does have a benefit for those who already have the disease. It lowers the risk and may even prevent the development of Alzheimer’s in people who don’t have the disease.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Arthritis
Arthritis causes stiffness and pain in the body. The condition occurs over time. A person who has these symptoms may have problems walking or getting around. The pain and stiffness, which is also accompanied by swelling, attack the joints. Joints are areas of the body where two bones connect such as the knee and elbow. Depending on the area of the body that develops arthritis such as the hands, it can change the shape. For instance, it can permanently bend fingers out of shape. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are some types of arthritis that can develop in a person’s body. Fish oil reduces the morning stiffness and inflammation symptoms of arthritis. Both DHA and EPA act as an anti-inflammatory agent to prevent joints swelling.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Anxiety
Occasional worry or fear is a part of life. However, an anxiety condition involves persistent, excessive worrying and fear is not a part of life. They may involve repeated episodes of intense terror or panic attacks. Some symptoms include restlessness, increased heartbeat, sweating and rapid breathing.
Inside the brain’s structure is the amygdala It is responsible for processing fear thoughts. When the amygdala is out of whack, it intensifies the fears. Fish oil normalizes a person’s dopamine levels to help regulate their amygdala. It also works to reduce the inflammation in the body that occurs when anxiety.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease refers to a narrowing of blood vessels that can lead to a host of symptoms such as chest pain, heart attack or stroke. The condition can also block the blood vessels and cause the same symptoms. Eating sources of omega-3 fatty acids at least twice a week such as tuna can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Taking the supplement can reduce heart-related events such as a heart attack if consumed for at least six months.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. Depression
Being sad can happen from time-to-time. However, depression ranges from mild, temporary sadness to persistent, severe sadness. This type of depression may be triggered by job loss, loss of a loved one or medical condition. Clinical depression is the most severe form of the depression. Symptoms include reduced appetite, weight loss, lack of energy and restlessness.
The omega-3 fatty acids may benefit an individual experiencing mild to moderate depression. People who are depressed may suffer from low blood levels of EPA and DHA. Consuming foods rich in both DHA and EPA will assist in decreasing or stopping depression symptoms.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]8. Diabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition that prevents the body from properly processing food used to create energy. The foods consumed are turned into sugar, or glucose, bodies need for energy. The pancreas makes the hormone called insulin to assist the glucose in entering the body’s cells. Diabetes doesn’t allow the pancreas to use the insulin or make enough of it.
Fish oil helps diabetics in many ways. It reduces insulin resistance. This helps a glucose entered the body’s cells. Also, it helps a person maintain a healthy renal function. A person with type 2 diabetes can develop diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the leading causes of kidney disease in an individual with diabetes.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]9. Eye Disorders
Common eye disorders are symptoms that may or may not alter a person’s vision, but causes problems. These common disorders include burning, redness, itching and swelling. Other common eye disorders including seeing spots, floaters or flashes. Trauma, blurred vision and trauma can also be the symptom associated with common eye disorders.
Fish oil can reduce many of the symptoms of eye disorders because of the omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the growth of abnormal blood vessels. This symptom typically occurs in age-related macular degeneration. At least two servings of cold-water fish every week can reduce eye problems symptoms.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]10. Skin and Hair
Skin is the largest organ in the body and responsible for protecting organs, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. The thinnest part of the skin is the eyelids. The thickest part of the skin is located on the feet. Hair is a modified type of skin. It grows everywhere on the body except for the soles of feet, palms and lips. The omega-3 fatty acids actually protects the skin against harmful sun’s rays. It can also improve many skin conditions. The omega-3 fatty acids also have the ability to improve hair quality and density. It can decrease the amount of hair loss.
