Benefits Of Fish Oil  

Allergies

Fish oil has been found to protect against symptoms of hay fever, sinus infections, asthma, food allergies and allergic skin conditions such as hives and eczema. Studies have shown improved control in asthmatics that eat fish rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids on a weekly basis. Fish oil lowers the level of airway narrowing (which causes restriction of breathing during an asthma attack) and calms inflammation.

Also, studies show that omega-3 intake by mothers during pregnancy may protect babies against the development of allergies.

Arthritis 

Fish oil supplements have been shown to be of benefit in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as occurs in some persons with psoriasis and gout. EPA and DHA in fish oil reduce the amount of compounds causing inflammation.

Brain Function

Depression: Persons with mood disorders such as depression benefit from fish oil supplementation. Lack of omega-3 fatty acids and in particular DHA has been linked by researchers to depression.

Fatty acids are essential in the healthy formation of the brain's nerve cell membranes and membrane fluidity. The brain is the richest source of fatty acids in the body, and because nerve cell function depends on proper membrane functioning and membrane fluidity, changes in membrane fluidity have a negative effect on behavior, mood and mental function.

Aggression: A new study of teenagers has found that fish oil and DHA consumption relates to lower hostility rates in teenagers. Hostility has been shown to predict the development and manifestation of heart disease.

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and dyspraxia: Like depression and other mood disorders, persons who suffer from ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia (absence of ability to perform coordinated skilled movements or clumsiness) benefit from fish oil supplementation.

ADHD has been linked by research to lack of omega-3 fatty acids, necessary for formation and repair of brain cell membranes, especially in the developing central nervous system of children. Fish oil may improve the efficiency of nerve impulses and neurotransmitters involved in brain function.

Memory, learning and Alzheimer's Disease: Studies have proven that omega-3 fatty acids improve brain function and that intake of fish oil and DHA is linked to a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Studies suggest that fish oil and DHA may protect the nervous system from degeneration.

DHA and fish oil have been proven to stimulate memory and learning abilities. Recent research learns that mothers who take DHA as a supplement during pregnancy and lactation may increase the IQ of their babies.

Cardiovascular Benefits

General heart benefits: Heart disease is a widespread health problem in modern society. Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) has been proven in many clinical studies to benefit heart health, also supported by the American Heart Association guidelines which recommend the benefits of consumption of fish and fish oil. They recommend two servings for healthy persons and a daily serving of fish or fish oil supplement containing at least 900mg of fish oil for persons with heart disease.

Lowers Triglycerides: The effectiveness of Fish oil in lowering blood triglycerides (fats) known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease has been well established in multiple clinical studies. Additionally, research has proven that DHA present in fish oil lowers the level of small, dense particles of LDL cholesterol, which are associated with heart disease. The level of large buoyant particles of LDL cholesterol (which pose no health problem) is increased. Total HDL cholesterol remains unchanged by DHA supplementation, while large, buoyant HDL particles are increased. HDL cholesterol benefits cardiovascular health.

Benefits Hypertension (High blood pressure): Fish oil has been shown to lower mild hypertension when it is due to cardiovascular disease, specifically high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (hardening of the artery walls).

Anti-clotting: Fish oil helps avoid thrombosis (blood clots) as it prevents platelets (smallest cells in the blood) sticking together and forming blood clots.

Reduces Heart Irregularities: Fish oil... especially the DHA content of it has been shown to lower heart rates and also prevent arrhythmias (disturbances of the normal rhythm in the heart's beating), thus decreasing the chance of sudden death by a heart attack.

Circulatory problems: Circulatory problems such as varicose veins and Raynaud's disease benefit from fish oil. Fish oil stimulates blood circulation and increases the breakdown of fibrin, a compound involved in clot and scar formation.

Diabetes

Diabetics suffering from non-insulin dependent diabetes or type II diabetes benefit from fish oil supplementation. Research shows that person’s who consume 5-10 percent of their dietary energy consumption in the form of fish or fish oil, have less insulin resistance.

Diabetics suffering from non-insulin dependent diabetes or type II diabetes benefit from fish oil supplementation. Research show that persons who consume 5-10 percent of their dietary energy consumption in the form of fish or fish oil, have less insulin resistance, which causes diminished glucose uptake and glucose metabolism in non-insulin dependent diabetics. Fish oil enhances insulin secretion from beta-cells in the pancreas, regulating blood sugar levels. DHA plays a protective role in diabetic neuropathy in all forms of diabetes.

IMMUNE System & Fish Oil Benefits

The intake of fish oil has been proven to be beneficial for the body's immune function. Research has linked intake of fish oil to a lowered risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer.

CANCER & Fish Oil Benefits

Thousands of scientific studies have focused on the benefits of fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA) for therapeutic value and for the prevention of cancer.  Here’s a quick look at just a few of the most recent ones. 

INFLAMMATORY Bowel Disease & Fish Oil Benefits

Fish oil has been proven to be beneficial in intestinal health. Fish oil has an anti-inflammatory effect in inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease).

SKIN Disorders & Skin Health & Fish Oil Benefits

Skin disorders such as psoriasis have been shown to improve from fish oils. In the skin of persons with psoriasis the amount of compounds causing inflammation is many times greater than normal. Fish oil inhibits the production of these inflammatory compounds. Fish oil improves the health of skin, nails and hair.

VISUAL Function & Fish Oil Benefits

Research has shown that consumption of fish oil is linked to lowered risk of age related macular degeneration, an eye condition which is the leading cause of severe visual loss in people over age 50.

The macula is the central area in the retina of the eye used for fine focus such as reading. Omega-3 fatty acids form an important part of the building blocks of the retina. Fish oil intake may improve focus, color, perception and clarity of vision.

WOMEN'S Issues & Fish Oil Benefits

The consumption of fish oil lowers the risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. (Pre)Menstrual symptoms such as menstrual pain are often alleviated from the use of fish oil supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids are converted into pain relieving substances (prostaglandins type-3) that control contractions of the uterus, which cause the cramping. 

MEN'S Issues & Fish Oil Benefits

There are many health benefits of fish oil that are specific to men.  Here, we look at prostate cancer, infertility and BPH.  Some of the omega-3 benefits apply to both men and women.  They are outlined in other articles.

For more information on Omega 3 Fish Oil