Salmon is a cold-water fatty fish loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. The human body does not manufacture omega-3 fatty acids. The only way to get these essential fatty acids is through dietary sources. If you do not eat salmon, you can get the same benefits from omega-3 salmon oil supplements, available in gel caps, tablets and gummy fish chews. Omega-3 salmon oil reduces inflammation, lowers risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis.
Anti-Inflammatory
Salmon oil is an anti-inflammatory that is an effective treatment for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. RA is an autoimmune disease that causes the joints to become inflamed, resulting in joint pain and stiffness with loss of mobility. Salmon does not slow the progression of the disease, but it helps reduce inflammation in the joints relieving the pain and stiffness.
A study published in the March and April 2010 "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition" by the department of Internal Medicine at the State Hospital Muerzzuschlag in Austria found omega-3 fish oil to be an effective treatment for RA. Patients with swollen and tender joints treated with omega-3 fish oil had significantly lower swollen joint count.
Other inflammatory conditions treated with salmon oil include osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, IBS, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Lowers High Cholesterol
A diet rich in salmon oil helps lower high cholesterol. It increases high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, HDL-C, the good cholesterol. This in turn promotes heart health. A 2008 study review by RB Goldberg and AK Sabharwal published in the "Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity" found that treatment with prescription strength omega-3 fish oil effectively and safely lowers triglyceride levels.
Helps Prevent Heart Disease
A diet high in salmon oil helps prevents heart disease. It helps reduce risk factors for heart disease and has been shown to be cardioprotective, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A 2010 study by MN Di Minno and colleagues published in the "Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis" found that omega-3 supplementation lowers fatal myocardial infarction, heart attack, sudden cardiac death and lowers cardiovascular risk factors.
Colon Cancer
A 2010 study by P. Sarota and colleagues published in the "Chemistry and Physics of Lipids" used a rat model in a colon cancer study. The rats treated with fish oil showed significant reduction in inflammation and tumor size. Researchers concluded that fish oil has a chemopreventive effect in colon cancer.
References
- American Heart Association: Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- National Institutes of Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- National Institutes of Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Infusions as Adjuvant Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
- National Institutes of Health: Fish Oil in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia
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