Oily fish has long been known for its benefits on the heart. However, the amount of fish you'd have to eat in order to reap all of these benefits would be too much for some to swallow. For this reason the main component in the fish that gives the benefits, which is the Omega-3 fatty acid, has been extracted and put into capsule form. This makes its easier to gain the great health benefits of the omega fatty acid, especially if you don't like the taste of fish.
Sources
Fish oil is readily available in oil and capsule form. This oil is made from salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, lake trout and sardine tissue. Fish oil supplements can be purchased in vitamin specialty store, grocery stores and pharmacies. There are several different brand names that manufacture fish oil and they range in price from $6 to $30, as of October 2010. These supplements are mainly used for their Omega-3 fatty acid content, which is known for its heart health benefits.
What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are also known as essential fatty acids or polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). It is called essential because it is necessary for a healthy life, but not readily produced in the body. Some people become deficient in this fatty acid and display symptoms such as fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings, depression and poor circulation.
Fish Oil and Heart Health
Consumption of fish oil supplements or dietary oily fish, according to the Fish Oil Benefit website, will significantly lower triglycerides, which is a type of blood fat and increases good cholesterol, while thinning the blood at the same time. These factors combined reduces the risk of heat attack. Fish oil is also known to reduce the instances of the heart beating at an abnormal rhythm, which can cause sudden cardiac death and strokes in people who currently have heart disease.
Taking Fish Oil Supplements
These supplements come in small gel caps and are odorless and tasteless. Most of these capsules are made to be easy to swallow, although they may look large. There are two types of Omega-3 fatty acids they are EPA and DHA, the recommended supplement would contain both. The average recommended dosage is 1,000mg twice a day.
Warnings
Before starting any supplement ask your physician, especially if you are using any medications, specifically medications for blood or heart conditions.
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