Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fish oil, can benefit your health in many ways. Fish oil is often used to reduce your risk of having a heart attack, though it can also be used to treat arthritis and other conditions. Although fish oil is generally safe, talk to your doctor before taking it or any other supplement.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids, which means that your body cannot make them and they must come from your diet, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for your brain to develop properly, and they can also be effective at treating some health problems. Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids, known as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, commonly referred to as DHA and EPA, respectively, which are particularly important for the body.
Fish Oil and Cardiovascular Disease
Fish oil is able to reduce your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke in many different ways. According to the Mayo Clinic, fish oil lowers your blood pressure, reducing the strain on your heart. Fish oil also has a beneficial effect on the amount of lipids in your blood, as it is able to reduce your triglyceride levels and increase your HDL or "good" cholesterol. Fish oil can also reduce your risk of developing blood clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Other Diseases
Fish oil may also be effective for treating rheumatoid arthritis, MedLinePlus reports, which is a form of arthritis in which the immune system attacks the tissue of the joints. This may be due to the ability of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation in the body. Fish oil can also be used for menstrual pain, depression, osteoporosis, kidney problems, psoriasis, age related macular degeneration and asthma, though how it can relieve the symptoms of these conditions is unclear.
Sources and Dosing
Fish oil can be naturally found in fatty fish, which include salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, tuna and sardines, though fish oil can also be taken as supplements. As the Mayo Clinic notes, the World Health Organization recommends that you get between 0.3 and 0.5 grams of EPA and DHA each day. You should talk to your doctor before taking fish oil or other omega-3 supplements, as these fatty acids may increase your risk of bleeding or interact with blood pressure medications.
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