Fish oil is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. These healthy unsaturated fatty acids are not made by the body and therefore must be obtained from the diet or supplements. Evidence indicates that consuming fish oil pills provides a wealth of benefits that can enhance overall health. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Fish oil might improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, according to researchers from the University of Western Australia and the Cardiovascular Research Centre in Australia. Scientists performed a review of the literature regarding the effects of fish oil on blood pressure. The report, published in the February 2010 issue of the journal "Cellular and Molecular Biology," concluded that 3 to 4 g of fish oil per day was associated with a reduction in blood pressure.
Improves Body Composition
Fish oil might help burn body fat and increase lean muscle mass, according to a study conducted by lead author Eric Noreen and fellow researchers from Gettysburg College. Scientists studied the impact of fish oil supplementation on resting metabolic rate and body composition, or fat to muscle ratio in the body. Healthy adults were given 4 g of fish oil or a placebo for six weeks. At the end of the treatment, subjects consuming fish oil experienced a decrease in body fat mass and increases in lean muscle mass compared to the placebo group. Researchers reported their findings in the October 2010 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition."
Reduces Breast Cancer Risk
Regular use of fish oil pills may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Dr. Emily White led a team of researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, who examined the relationship between fish oil supplementation and breast cancer risk. At the end of the study, which was published in the July 2010 issue of the journal "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention," researchers found that the regular use of fish oil supplements was associated with a 32 percent decrease in the risk of breast cancer.
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