A staple at most vitamin shops, pharmacies and grocery store health aisles, fish oil is a substance with many potential health benefits. The oil has been heavily researched as a way to prevent and treat a variety of ailments, from physical to psychological in nature. However, it is vital to your health to understand the definition of fish oil, as well as possible pros and cons of incorporating fish oil into your diet.
Features
Fish oil is found naturally -- as its name suggests -- in fish, especially in fatty varieties such as herring, sardines, salmon, and mackerel, according to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus website. Fish oil itself is a by-product of fish processing, reports the Global Aquaculture Advocate, and is separated from fish by a process called lipid recovery.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A relevant part of any definition of fish oil is the high omega-3 content of the oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center, and medical research has shown these fatty acids to be beneficial in preventing heart disease. Other potential healthy aspects of fish oil include stroke prevention, treating depression and ADHD, and alleviating rheumatoid arthritis, says MedlinePlus.
Dietary Fish Oil and Supplements
You can get fish oil through dietary sources by eating fish such as salmon or herring, yet supplements exist that can be helpful in providing your body and brain with the omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil. Many companies market such supplements, generally in the form of gel-caps filled with the refined oil of various fish sources. Certain brands advertise "no fish burps" on their packaging -- since some types of fish oil tend to produce belching with a distinct, fishy aroma. Manufacturers often use mint or other flavoring to minimize this side-effect of taking fish oil supplements.
Expert Insight
The Mayo Clinic points out that certain species of fish may be more likely to carry contaminants from pollution and other environmental factors. Methylmercury is a dangerous chemical to look out for -- one that results from fish living in waterways with high contents of mercury-containing waste. When selecting a dietary source of fish oil or a supplement, it is crucial to determine whether your food or supplement contains any of this dangerous chemical. With both dietary sources of fish oil and supplements, you can contact the manufacturer for this information. Another option if you choose to take fish oil supplements is to ask your pharmacist for advice, since the pills are generally located in pharmacies or the pharmacy department of large retailers.
Considerations
Although fish oil supplements have the potential for a vast array of health benefits, the Mayo Clinic reports that excessive doses of fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding. If you are planning on using fish oil as a daily or occasional supplement, talk to your family doctor first. Your physician will take into consideration your personal as well as family medical history and help determine how much fish oil, if any, is suitable for you.
Member Comments