Fish oil can reportedly help treat heart disease, lower high cholesterol, bolster immunity, reduce the pain of arthritis, aid in weight loss, ease some of the pain of pregnancy and maybe even aid in battling glaucoma.
When it comes to "miracle drugs," fish oil may be the closest to earning that title.
Omega-3 Is Key
According to The National Institutes of Health's Medline Plus website, fish oil has these benefits and possibly a few more. Omega-3 fats found within fish oil are responsible for its numerous health benefits.
The NIH says fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely effective in preventing blood from clotting easily and can be beneficial in reducing the likelihood of many heart conditions. In addition, the NIH says omega-3 fatty acids can naturally reduce pain and swelling.
Heart Disease
The Mayo Clinic says regular meals of fatty fish, including tuna, trout and salmon, contain enough omega-3 fatty acids to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and even death from heart attacks.
The Mayor Clinic recommends that eating fatty fish at least twice a week can be effective in getting the heart-healthy benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids contained in those fish. Meanwhile, the NIH adds that the way the fish is prepared also affects its heart health, stating that baked or broiled fish is definitely better than fried fish.
Supplements
If eating fish on a regular basis is not possible, or if you don't like the taste of fish, there is an alternative. The Mayo Clinic says fish oil supplements are a suitable substitute for actual fish. Four grams of fish oil supplements a day, the Clinic says, can keep blood pressure in check in those suffering from mild forms of hypertension.
Most supplements, according to the NIH, are generally derived from herring, tuna, halibut, mackerel, salmon, whale or seal blubber, or salmon. In addition, the NIH says, the supplements may also contain other vitamins, such as vitamin E, vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, vitamin C and/or D.
Cognition
Fish has often been called "brain food," the NIH says, and this reputation may stem from the fact that many people eat fish to treat bouts of depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and even Alzheimer's disease.
The Mayo Clinic warns against replacing antidepressant drugs with fish oil, but adds that fish oil may boost the effectiveness of these drugs.
Warning
The NIH warns that taking too much fish oil, beyond the amount recommended by your doctor, can actually increase the risk of stroke. Also, predatory fish such as shark and tuna may contain harmful levels of toxins such as mercury and lead.
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