Fish oil: what it is for and benefits
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 wide disparity of opinions about the properties and benefits of fish oil in our health. There are also notable discrepancies between theoretical studies and clinical trials. In any case, it should be considered as a dietary supplement and never as a substitute for any food or as medicine itself. It is a dietary supplement widely consumed throughout the world, 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 and you will get complete information.
What is fish oil for?
The dietary supplement of fish oil is extracted from the fat of blue fish such as tuna, herring, mackerel, sardine, salmon or trout. The consumption of this type of fish is considered essential for our body because of its contribution to omega 3 fatty acids and eicosapentaenoic 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 to the ability to reduce the level of triglycerides. First of all, you need to know why are omega-3 fatty acids important – why do we need omega-3.
The combination of these acids assumes the ability to strengthen the veins and arteries, in addition to helping to maintain blood without clots. So they 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.
Fish Oil Supplement: the Science Behind Its Benefits
Properties
The fish oil is attributed to amazing properties, especially if consumed directly. Including the consumption of bluefish in our diet at least twice a week. The properties of this food supplement given thanks to its composition. These are the main components of fish oil :
- High in 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 usually increased. In some cases, some minerals are added, such as zinc, iron and/or magnesium.
Thus, thanks to this nutritional composition, these are the main:
- Cardioprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hypotensive
- Anticoagulant
- Lipid-lowering
- Skin hydration
- Healing
- Stimulate the defenses
Benefits of fish oil
The benefits of fish oil are varied, especially thanks to omega, EPA and DHA fatty acids. Thus, fish oil attributed, among others, the following benefits:
- Reduces the possibility of heart disease.
- Reduces the risk of diseases related to coronary arteries.
- It improves the general health of the heart and prevents alterations of its rhythm.
- By lowering blood pressure, it helps regulate hypertension.
- Help as prevention of thrombosis, embolisms, and strokes.
- It 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 applying it.
- Fish oil helps reduce bad cholesterol levels.
- It helps reduce triglyceride levels.
- It is beneficial to help 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 to improve the immune system and stimulates defenses. So we can use it 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 bluefish into our diet, at least twice a week. Another way to consume fish oil is through dietary supplements that can be obtained at any pharmacy.
Its capsules with different concentration levels can be found. Also formulations from different types of fish and with other added ingredients, such as vitamin complexes.
You can buy the fish oil in a jar or jar of dark or brown glass because when exposed to light for a long time it spoils. In this case, generally, you take a daily scoop, up to a maximum of 3, either directly or mixed with other foods.
Contraindications
There are few contraindications of fish oil. Among those who should not take it, at least without the control of a doctor who prescribes it, we find:
- Who can not consume fish due to a problem of intolerance or allergy?
- Those who take anticoagulant medications.
- People taking medications to lower cholesterol.
- Patients taking medications for blood pressure.
In any case, it is always advisable to consult with a professional before including any supplement to our diet.
