There are so many fish oil benefits, it might make more sense to discuss what it does not do, rather than what it does. Although fish oil may seem nothing short of miraculous, this is for good reason. Fish oil gives your body what it needs for proper functioning.

The fish oil that your body needs must be from cold deep-water fish such as cod, salmon, mackerel and herring. The deeper the water, the better, as the fish should contain less mercury. Mercury levels are always a concern with fish consumption.

The substances we need from these fish are Omega 3 fatty acids. Our bodies cannot synthesize what we need, so we need to get these from either our diets or by taking a supplement. And, for most of us, it is difficult to get sufficient stores from diet alone.

These fish oil fatty acids are necessary for many systems in the body but one of the most important is the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that they have an effect on the cholesterol levels in the body, increasing the good cholesterol and decreasing the bad. They inhibit production of artery plaques, therefore helping to protect from strokes and heart attacks. In addition, they help to lower blood pressure.

These fatty acids are also important for the functioning of your brain, particularly in its behavioral and cognitive abilities. Omega 3 deficiencies have been indicated in many mental disorders such as schizophrenia and other illnesses, as well as Parkinsons and Alzheimers. Supplementation with fish oil is showing improvement with adults and children who suffer from ADHD and ADD.

These fatty acids in fish oil are also important for the proper development of the brain and nervous system, so it is very important that pregnant women have a proper amount in their diets for fetal development. Studies have also shown that pregnant women are less likely to deliver prematurely when taking fish oil supplements.

Omega 3s in fish oil also act as anti-inflammatories and can be used for reducing inflammation and pain in any such condition in the body. Examples of these conditions include lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and prostatitis. The anti-inflammatory aspect of fish oil can also work on reduction of wrinkles in the skin. The acids also increase collagen production, which is a further aid in more youthful skin.

Fish oil has also been found to help prevent cancer, specifically that of the breast, prostate and colon. The Omega 3s do this by keeping the normal cell from mutating into a cancerous one, stopping abnormal cell growth and killing off cancer cells.

One more benefit of fish oil is that it can promote the production of serotonin which, to put it simply, is the hormone that makes us feel good emotionally. It may also help to reduce levels of hormones that increase stress. So, between the two functions, the result is feeling calmer, less stressed and happier. All of which benefit the immune system as well.

The list actually does go on. Hard as it may be to believe, there are even more fish oil benefits than these. If you are looking for a supplement, just be sure to look for a good quality one that is 100% deep-sea fish oil with no fillers or preservatives.

Daniel runs a website dedicated to the fish oil where you can find information about fish oil side effectsand other fish oil related information.

Tags: Nutrition

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