Optimal health requires many ingredients and lifestyle choices. Diet and exercise are the most important factors in the pursuit of health. The Harvard School of Public Health says that next to not smoking, what a person eats has the most impact on overall health and well-being. Fish oil is a natural substance that is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Some health benefits have been discovered for fish oil, and more research is under way to determine exactly what additional benefits fish oil may provide. Based on current studies, fish oil appears to help the body in many areas and is most effective for cardiovascular health, according to Harvard.
Types
Fish oil is important to human health because of what it contains. Omega-3 fatty acids are natural substances found in fish oil that are essential to human health. Omega-3 fatty acids come in three types, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC: DHA, EPA and ALA. Fish oil contains both DHA and EPA, while ALA is predominately found in plants and nuts. UMMC says eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, tuna and herring.
Function
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help the body function in many ways. Omega-3 fats are used in brain function and are considered essential fats because the body can't make them on its own. Omega-3 fats must be consumed through diet. In addition to brain function, omega-3 fats are important in preventing many health problems, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer, according to Tufts University.
Recommendations
Because of the essential functions of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil and the health benefits that they provide, they are recommended as a part of a healthy diet from many sources. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week to benefit heart health, and research shows that eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids helps lower the risk of death from coronary artery disease. Harvard concurs and says eating fish once or twice a week may also reduce the risk of stroke, depression, Alzheimer's disease and other chronic conditions.
Considerations
The Harvard School of Public Health says one thing to consider when including fish in the diet is the possibility of contamination. The contaminants of most concern today are mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and pesticide residues. Harvard adds that pollutants are found in many foods and that fish are no different. UMMC also points out that when adding fish oil to the diet, some potential for side effects and interactions with medications may be present, so dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Expert Insight
Research shows that omega-3 fats have additional benefits to the body, but more is needed to determine what conditions fish oil may benefit. It is always best to eat natural foods such as fruits and vegetables, and when adding fish, it is best to add natural pollutant-free fish or take a high-quality supplement.
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