With the wide variety of health supplements on the market, it can be difficult to discern between what is truly necessary or helpful. One supplement that does show significant benefit, though, is fish oil. According to the National Institutes of Health, including fish oil in our daily diet can reap a wide variety of health benefits.
DHA and EPA
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, are the technical terms for omega-3 fatty acids, both found in the oil of cold water fatty fish. Most people do not get enough of the omega-3 fatty acids, so supplementation is advisable, though not to excess. Dangerous side effects can occur from too much fish oil, and if the source is not a good one, contamination is also possible. Also, fish oil can interact with certain prescribed medications, so check with your doctor before taking it in a supplement.
Cardiovascular Health
Trials from the Harvard School of Public Health have shown a decrease in blood pressure in patients taking supplements containing fish oil. Lower cholesterol is also reported, which means a decreased risk of heart attack.
Recovery from Surgery
Fish oil has also often been used during postoperative therapy. According to the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it provides protection and improves outcomes after major surgery, and therefore it forms an important part of a patient's diet during this stressful time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center reports that fish oil works alongside anti-inflammatory medications in reducing morning stiffness and joint tenderness in those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Other Benefits
The online natural health resource Mamaherb suggests that the following conditions also might be helped by fish oil: ADHD, asthma, reducing risk of certain cancers, depression, infant development, menstrual pain, lupus, osteoporosis, ulcerative colitis and obesity. The World Health Organization's recommended dose for healthy adults is 0.3 to 0.5 g of DHA and EPA. Eating fatty fish (anchovies, bluefish, carp, catfish, salmon, tuna and halibut) at least twice weekly also helps get the proper intake of these omega-3s.
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