The popularity of fish oil consumption is due to its high content of omega 3, a fatty acid that is a protector of cardiovascular health. However, there is a great disparity of opinions about the properties and benefits of fish oil on our health. There are also notable discrepancies between theoretical studies and clinical trials. Either way, it should be considered as a dietary supplement and never as a substitute for any food or as a medicine itself. It is a dietary supplement widely consumed worldwide, just behind vitamins and minerals.
If you want to know what fish oil is, what it is for and its benefits, keep reading this article from and you will get complete information.
What is fish oil for?
The dietary supplement of fish oil is extracted from the fat of oily fish such as: tuna, herring, mackerel, sardine, salmon or trout. The consumption of this type of fish is considered fundamental for our body for its contribution of omega 3 fatty acids and eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), which are essential for cardiovascular health. Omega-3 also has anti-inflammatory properties that benefit those suffering from diseases related to atherosclerosis and rheumatism. It also provides docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is attributed the ability to reduce the level of triglycerides.
The combination of these acids is supposed to be able to strengthen the veins and arteries, in addition to helping to keep the blood free of clots, so they are considered a form of prevention of thrombosis, embolisms and strokes, as well as a treatment to reduce blood pressure. However, it has more benefits and is used to improve more aspects of our health, as we will see below.
Properties of fish oil
Fish oil is credited with amazing properties, especially if consumed directly, including the consumption of oily fish in our diet at least twice a week. The properties of this food supplement are given thanks to its composition. These are the main components of fish oil:
- High content of omega 3 and omega 6.
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
- Vitamins A, B, C, E and D.
In addition, in the case of dietary supplements in capsules, the vitamin index is usually increased and, in some cases, some minerals are added, such as zinc, iron and / or magnesium.
Thus, thanks to this nutritional composition, these are the main properties of fish oil:
- Cardioprotective
- Antiinflammatory
- Hypotensive
- Anticoagulant
- Lipid-lowering agent
- Skin hydration
- Healing
- Stimulates defenses
Learn more about the Properties of cod oil in this other article from, as this is one of the most common fish from which it is extracted.
Benefits of fish oil
The benefits of fish oil are varied, especially thanks to the omega fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Thus, fish oil is attributed, among others, the following benefits:
- Reduces the chance of heart disease.
- Reduces the risk of coronary artery-related diseases.
- It improves the overall health of the heart and prevents alterations of its rhythm.
- By lowering blood pressure, it helps regulate hypertension.
- It helps as a prevention of thrombosis, embolisms and strokes.
- Improves joint stiffness in diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism.
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it helps reduce internal inflammations when taking it, but also on the skin or external when applied to it.
- It helps reduce bad cholesterol levels.
- Helps reduce triglyceride levels.
- It is beneficial in helping to balance blood glucose (diabetes).
- Its high oleic content favors the hydration of the skin and other tissues.
- Its topical application improves skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, and facilitates healing.
- Improves the appearance of skin and hair.
- It helps improve the immune system, that is, it stimulates the defenses, so it is used to prevent conditions, such as colds, and to facilitate the effect of some medical treatments.
How to take fish oil
The most effective way to take fish oil is to incorporate the consumption of oily fish into our diet, at least 2 times a week. Another way to consume fish oil is through dietary supplements that can be obtained in any pharmacy.
- Fish oil capsules with different concentration levels can be found. There are also formulations from different types of fish and with other added ingredients, such as vitamin complexes.
- You can buy fish oil in a jar or jar of dark or brown glass, since exposure to light for a long-time spoil. In this case, you are usually taken one tablespoon daily, up to a maximum of 3, either directly or mixed with other foods.
To learn more about it, you can check out this other article on How to Take Cod Liver Oil. Also, we recommend you to know more Foods rich in omega 3 and other Foods rich in omega 6.
Contraindications of fish oil
There are few contraindications to fish oil. Among those who should not take it, at least without the control of a doctor who prescribes it, let's focus:
- Those who cannot consume fish due to some problem of intolerance or allergy.
- Those taking blood-thinning medications.
- People who take cholesterol-lowering medications.
- Patients taking blood pressure medications.
Either way, it is always advisable to consult with a professional before including any supplement to our diet.
