Almost all cod liver oil you can find in the United States comes from Norway. There are specific species of cod in Norway that produce high concentrations of vitamins A and D, making their oils more valuable for manufacturing cod liver oil supplements. Cod liver oil may provide a variety of health benefits, although there is insufficient evidence to back up these claims. Consult with your health care provider prior to taking cod liver oil.
Nutrients
Cod liver oil contains a number of nutrients that can improve your health and help prevent certain diseases. According to Natural News, cod liver oil is a highly rich source of naturally occurring vitamins D and A. Vitamin D is beneficial for the health of your bones and blood sugar balance. Vitamin A supports your immune system, vision and hormonal health. Cod liver oil also supplies healthy omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. EPA has anti-inflammatory properties and DHA can support your brain and nervous system.
Heart Disease Fighter
Cod liver oil may help prevent heart disease and reverse the damage that heart disease may cause. Cod liver oil can reduce inflammation associated with heart disease, according to Natural News. This oil may heal your arterial lining, reduce clogging in your arteries and improve the function of your blood vessels. Cod liver oil may also help lower stress-related blood pressure. Consult with your health care provider prior to treating your heart disease or blood pressure with cod liver oil.
Help for Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
Cod liver oil contains high concentrations of vitamin D, which may improve insulin function, according to Natural News. Therefore, cod liver oil may help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Diabetes may also lead to vision problems, put you at risk for eye disease and reduce your ability to heal from skin cuts and sores. The high vitamin A content in cod liver oil may prevent eye disease and improve your wound-healing capabilities. Diabetes can lead to serious side effects. Consult with your health care provider before taking cod liver oil for your diabetes.
Help for Arthritis
Research conducted in the United Kingdom suggests that taking 10 grams of cod liver oil daily may reduce your need for painkillers if you have arthritis. Cod liver oil may also reduce or delay your need for arthritis-related surgery, according to the Directory Journal. The omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil are anti-inflammatory, which may improve the health of your joints and reduce your pain. Studies show that cod liver oil also "turns off" the enzymes of arthritis that destroy joint cartilage. Consult with your health care provider prior to taking cod liver oil for arthritis.
Cod Liver Oil and Mercury
Many people are concerned about mercury toxicity when considering cod liver oil supplements. According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, all cod liver oils that you can purchase within the United States are tested according to the Association of Analytical Communities protocols. Cod liver oil must be approved as free of 32 different contaminants before it is imported into the U.S. Mercury is also water soluble, which means it may be present in fish flesh but not in the oil.
Member Comments