Norwegian cod liver oil is a fish oil that is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. These fats are considered essential since your body cannot make them on its own. You must get them in the foods you eat, such as olive oil or fatty fish. Supplements are also available in liquid and capsule form to help you get an adequate amount. Norwegian cod liver oil is currently being studied for its ability to relieve many diseases and conditions.
Cardiovascular Health
Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to your cardiovascular health. Consuming adequate amounts of the fatty acids found in Norwegian cod liver oil can protect you from high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Individuals already suffering from coronary heart disease can decrease their risk of heart attack by increasing omega-3 fats. Fish oil also plays a role in lowering triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat that cause your cholesterol to rise. Norwegian cod liver oil supplementation will benefit your heart health, but Medline Plus indicates that taking too much may actually increase your risk of stroke. If you suffer from heart disease or high blood pressure, see your physician before starting a Norwegian cod liver oil supplement regimen.
Reduce Crohn's Disease Symptoms
Crohn's disease results in inflammation of your digestive tract, leading to pain, diarrhea, bloody stools and difficulty absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat. There is currently no cure for this disease, but treatments are available to relieve symptoms. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, clinical trials have been performed to determine the benefits of fish oil supplements on Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases. The ability of the fat in Norwegian cod liver oil to reduce inflammation may lead to a decrease inflammation of the bowel in Crohn's disease. However, results of studies have shown conflicting results so more trials are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which your immune system starts to attack your joints, causing them to become swollen and inflamed. This results in pain of the affected joints, usually in the hands or feet, and it it can be difficult to use your digits. Supplementing with Norwegian cod liver oil may decrease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The Linus Pauling Institute indicates that patients taking fish oil supplements did not need to take as much anti-inflammatory medication for rheumatoid arthritis as those who did not supplement. According to MayoClinic.com, supplementing with fish oil may cause you to experience an unpleasant fishy taste, and you may also experience some nausea.
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