If you go to any pharmacy, nutrition store or even a grocer's nutrition aisle, you are likely to see fish oil supplements for sale. The wide availability of fish oil is of great potential benefit to your health because medical research has many positive things to report about the myriad health benefits of fish oil -- whether you take it as a supplement or get plenty in your diet.
Fatty Acids
Although the term "fatty acids" may not immediately bring to mind images of health and wellness, the fatty acids contained in fish oil are different than fatty acids found in french fries. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, substances your body needs to stay healthy both physically and mentally, according to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH.
Benefits on Physical Health
The range of fish oil's health benefits on physical health is both well-studied and equally well-documented. For instance, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that sufficient scientific evidence shows that the omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil promote heart health as well as combat aspects of rheumatoid arthritis. Other potential fish oil-related health benefits under scrutiny include positive effects on conditions such as osteoporosis, kidney disease and menstrual pain.
Impacts on Psychological Health
Fish oil not only is healthy for your body, but emerging scientific evidence suggests it also may keep your brain working properly. While studies are ongoing into the complex relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and the brain, some evidence suggests fish oil can help alleviate symptoms of mental health problems such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and even dementia. One omega-3 fatty acid in particular, DHA, is a literal building block for receptors your brain uses to send and receive neurotransmitters, or chemical "messengers."
Supplements and Dietary Sources
Ensuring that you get enough fish oil in your diet is vital to promoting good cardiovascular health and preventing certain diseases. Getting enough omega-3 fatty acids is also instrumental in keeping your brain receptors from using unhealthy oils -- such as those that contain trans fatty acids -- to maintain its receptors. According to MedlinePlus, natural sources of healthy fish oil include mackerel, salmon, tuna and trout, to name a few. If you don't eat enough fish, or are concerned with watching your potential intake of mercury often found in fish, you can take a fish oil supplement every day. Examine the supplements carefully -- many varieties eliminate a common side effect of taking fish oil: the "fish burp."
Expert Insight
Talk to your doctor about how fish oil's healthy omega-3 content can benefit you. Your physician will examine factors such as your diet, any allergies you may have and your overall medical history, both personal and familial. Your doctor is qualified to make a determination on how healthy fish oil will affect you. Also, he will likely be pleased to know that you are thinking proactively about your health over the long term.
Member Comments