While avoiding certain foods is always a good idea when trying to improve health, sometimes the traditional suggestions for changes in diet aren’t enough. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost your health or that of a loved one, you might consider trying a fish oil supplement.
This vitamin-rich oil comes from fish tanks, where it is naturally gathered from the fatty fish, such as salmon, trout, and fish eggs. Because it is highly stable and doesn’t go bad quickly, it is frequently used to seal cuts and wounds. One benefit of fish oil for the human body is that it is a great source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body easily converts into the active forms EPA and DHA.
Why Should You Try Fish Oil?
It’s a common misconception that all oils are created equal. For instance, cottonseed oil is often mistaken to be the same as peanut oil. While both oils are liquid at room temperature, they are vastly different in terms of their nutritional value. Whereas peanut oil is often considered a “trans fat”, cottonseed oil is actually quite healthy.
Cottonseed oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which the body uses for energy. It also contains linoleic acid and antioxidants, which the body needs for healthy skin and eyesight. With only 69 calories and 5 grams of fat per tablespoon, you can see that cottonseed oil doesn’t hold back on the nutrition content when compared to other oils!
On the other hand, fish oil is rich in fats that the body needs to function properly. Consisting of both fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as smaller quantities of vitamin E, vitamin A, and choline, these nutrients work in concert to provide numerous health benefits.
How Does Fish Oil Work?
When taken in small quantities, the oil is more easily absorbed by the body and doesn’t cause the unpleasant “fish burps” that accompany larger amounts of salmon and other fatty fish. If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate more omega-3 fats into your diet, you might consider trying a fish oil supplement.
These supplements are easy to dose, and because they come in a liquid form you can easily incorporate them into your diet. When liquid medicines are absorbed by the body, they are frequently dispensed in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion so that they can be readily absorbed.
In some cases, taking oil in the form of a pill or capsule can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and diarrhea. In rare instances, these effects can be severe and even lead to digestive tract bleeding or obstructive bowel disorders. Because fish oil is absorbed better when taken in liquid form, and because of its omega-3 fatty acids, it is often suggested as a natural treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin ailments.
Health Benefits Of Fish Oil
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties, fish oil has been shown to benefit a number of different diseases and conditions. Several studies suggest that it can help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease by fighting inflammation and inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).
According to research, consuming fish oil supplements can lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. It also increases good cholesterol (HDL) and protects the skin by shielding it from UV rays, free radicals, and aging.
Because fish oil is a natural source of vitamins and nutrients, it has a positive effect on the health of the skin. As a result, it is frequently recommended as an ingredient in sunscreen products.
When used in combination with vitamins E and C, grapefruit, and a zinc oxide sunscreen, fish oil can help reduce the damage done by UV radiation to skin cells. While this oil is frequently touted for its ability to reduce cholesterol, it also has an indirect effect by preventing the sun’s rays from causing more harm.
How Much Fish Oil Should You Be Taking?
As a general recommendation, most medical experts suggest that adults take 600 mg of fish oil daily, in three divided doses. When used in conjunction with vitamins E and C, 1,200 mg of fish oil can be helpful. However, the amount of fish oil that you should take depends on your body weight; the lower your body weight, the higher the dose.
For example, if you’re a woman and weigh less than 110 pounds, you might want to start off with 300 mg of fish oil daily, then increase the dosage until you reach 600 mg. Then, you can start decreasing the amount again until you reach 300 mg once more. Similar guidelines apply for men.
If you’re not sure about how much fish oil to take, start small and then gradually increase the amount as you become more accustomed to it. Always follow the directions on the package and take the suggested amounts as directed.
While some people have a difficult time tolerating large quantities of fish oil, most individuals don’t experience any adverse effects from small to moderate quantities. If you’re worried about whether or not fish oil is right for you, it’s best to consult with your personal physician. However, as an alternative to eating fatty fish, you might consider trying a fish oil supplement to see if it can provide your skin with all of the necessary nutrients while also lowering your cholesterol and protecting you from disease.