The benefits of fish oil are seemingly repetitive and constantly played through your heads. During your research about its health benefits, you might have already stumbled about its helpful effects on one’s digestion, but have you read about the other advantages? Did your research tell you about the other benefits of fish oil such as its contribution to the improvement of your memory, of your weight, and of your heart as well?
What’s the big deal with fish oil?
Before we focus on its benefits, let’s talk a little something about its background first. Simply put, fish oil (or omega-3 fatty acids) is the term called to the fatty acids present in the fish that we consume. Back in the day, fish oil could only be obtained from ingesting the flesh of the fish directly, but because of advancement in today’s modern technology, fish oil supplements are generally made available to the public. Now, more and more people are taking it with their meals.
This means that more folks are also taking advantage of the benefits that fish oil has to offer!
The Benefits of Fish Oil
1. Heart: Fish oil reduces your risk for heart complications.
If you need to control your high blood pressure and lower the triglyceride counts in your body, take omega-3 fatty acids. You see, omega-3 makes your vessels more elastic and relaxed—this means that your blood can pass through them more easily. The US Department of Health and Human Services even stated that increased fish oil intake reduces one’s risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.
Dosage needed: 3,000 to 4,000 mg of omega-3 per day can reduce your triglyceride levels by 30%
2. Skin and complexion: Fish oil gives your skin a make-over.
Beauty gurus, listen up: fish oil reduces acne, protects you from sunburn and even reduces skin flaking. You don’t even need to wear that much make-up anymore to conceal your blemishes.
Dosage needed: 3,000 mg per day. Also, cut down on omega-6 fatty acids such as whole milk, fatty snacks, and oily foods to really see the difference.
3. Pain: Fish oil lessens symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Fish oil works in a two-pronged approach: it is known to reduce cellular inflammation, and to protect your joints from pain by inhibiting pain-causing chemicals in your body. Say goodbye to pharmaceutical pain relievers!
Dosage as needed: 2,000 mg per day.
4. General Appearance: Fish oil inhibits signs of unhealthy aging.
Telomeres are the extreme ends of chromosomal DNA. Basically, to look younger, you need longer telomeres. A study by The Heart and Soul Society found that patients with lower levels of fish oil in their blood also had shorter telomeres. So, load up on fish oil, have longer telomeres and look younger.
Dosage as needed: 1,000 mg per day.
5. Mood: Fish oil prevents depression.
You might be shocked to know that among the benefits of fish oil, this one is actually the least known. The University of Montreal scientist found out that patients with moderate depression who took 1,200 mg of fish oil everyday had significantly reduced depression.
Dosage as needed: 1,200 mg per day.
6. Weight: Fish oil burns your fat effectively.
Omega-3 fatty acids are immediately used as energy, so they actually help reduce body fat. Be sure to exercise regularly as well to really see improvements!
Dosage needed: 3,000 mg per day.
7. Cognitive: Fish oil improves your memory.
Fish oil supplements help you think more clearly, and can also prevent brain shrinkage.
Dosage needed: 1,000 mg per day.
8. Immunity: It fights breast cancer.
Among the benefits of fish oil, this one’s the most controversial. That said,research studies show that intake of fish oil makes you 14% less susceptible to breast cancer.
Dosage needed: 1,000 mg per day.
9. Muscle: It preserves your muscle tone and muscle mass.
In a study done to cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy, fish oil helps preserve muscle and prevent muscle loss.
Dosage needed: 2,200 mg per day.
10. Protection: Fish oil protects you from air pollution.
Omega-3 fatty acids help shield you from the damaging cardiac effects that you will experience if you were exposed to air pollution.
Dosage needed: 3,000 mg per day.
11. Bones: It optimizes your bones.
Omega-3 is a vital component for a healthy bone and a maintained bone density.
Dosage needed: 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg per day.
So, which of these benefits is most relevant to you? I don’t know about you, but for me, when I found out about its effect to alleviate depression, I immediately ordered a year’s supply of fish oil and am looking forward to reaping its benefits soon!
