Salmon oil is a rich source of unsaturated fats known as omega-3 essential fatty acids. The three main types of these fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, also known as DHA. Essential fatty acids influence blood clotting, cell division, fertility, growth, and muscle relaxation and contraction, states the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Add salmon oil to your diet to enjoy the following benefits as well.
Heart Health
According to the American Heart Association, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish provide protection against cardiovascular disease. They can reduce your risk of arrhythmias, or abnormal heartbeats, that can cause sudden death. They also help lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels and reduce the buildup of arterial plaque. This buildup hardens and narrows the arteries in a condition known as atherosclerosis, which causes coronary heart disease, angina and heart attack. While it's better to get omega-3 fatty acids from eating salmon, salmon oil or salmon oil capsules can also provide these benefits.
Blood Pressure Control
Salmon oil and its essential fatty acids may also help lower blood pressure slightly, as indicated by multiple human trials, states MayoClinic.com. Between ages 20 and 60, blood pressure rises and by middle-age a large majority of people suffer from hypertension, according to Jeremiah Stamler, professor emeritus of preventive medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. In a 2007 study he co-authored, which was published online in the journal "Hypertension," people who consumed diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids had slightly lower blood pressure. The authors conclude that these fats may help prevent and control high blood pressure.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief
The autoimmune condition rheumatoid arthritis, which affects about 1.3 million Americans, causes inflammation, stiffness and swelling of the joints. It destroys joint structures, leading to bone and joint deformity and disability, and it can also damage internal organs. According to MayoClinic.com, fish oil supplements can provide additional benefits for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers when used in association with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen for up to 3 months. They help relieve morning and joint stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that fish oils do not contain the high level of pollutants that can be found in the fish themselves. However, when taken in high doses, fish oil can provide dangerously high levels of vitamins A and D, interact with certain medications and interfere with blood pressure medication.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Omega-3 Supplements
- American Heart Association: Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- American Heart Association: Cardiovascular Disease Statistics
- Reuters: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood pressure: study
- Hypertension: Food Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake of Individuals and Their Blood Pressure
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