If you have been to a health food store or browsed various dietary supplements on the internet, chances are, you have come across fish oil. Fish oil is among the most popular dietary supplements and proponents claims that fish oil can offer you many benefits such as reduced cholesterol, a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and even a treatment for depression. You may wonder if fish oil actually lives up to the hype. If you are still curious about this supplement, remember to consult your physician before taking fish oil.
Can Fish Oil Lower Your Cholesterol?
Fish oil supplements may help improve your cholesterol levels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a healthful diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fat may increase your HDL, or "good," cholesterol levels. The University of Massachusetts Medical School confirms this, stating that fish oil in supplement form can also improve your cholesterol levels. The Wright State University School of Pharmacy explains that fish oil works by decreasing cholesterol absorption and cholesterol synthesis. You may want to consider adding fish oil as a supplement to a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and sugar before taking cholesterol-lowering prescription statin medications.
Can Fish Oil Help Treat Depression?
According to Mayo Clinic.com, fish oil may ease some of the symptoms of major depression in some people. In fact, fish oil, like prescription SSRI medications, may be most helpful for treating major depression rather than just mild to moderate depression. People who suffer from depression have lower levels of EPA and DHA in their brain, and fish oil is rich source of these brain chemicals. As of February 2011, fish oil is not considered a replacement for anti-depressant, but it may be worth a try. Consult your physician first and do not abruptly discontinue your depression medication.
Can Fish Oil Lower Your Triglyceride Level?
According to the Vanderbilt University Psychology Department and MayoClinic.com, fish oil can significantly reduce your triglyceride level, which is an independent risk factor for heart disease. The Vanderbilt Psychology Department notes that over 70 clinical studies confirm this. Although you may be familiar with cholesterol, you might have less of an understanding of triglycerides. The American Heart Association explains that triglycerides are the chemical form in which the majority of fat exists in food and your body. Elevated triglyceride levels are linked to coronary artery disease.
Can Fish Oil Help Treat Arthritis?
Fish oil may help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in your joints, and fish oil can help reduce this inflammation. However, fish oil will not slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis; it will only help treat the symptoms, such as joint pain and stiffness. Patients treating rheumatoid arthritis with fish oil may be able to lower their intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Fish oil may benefit those who suffer from osteoarthritis, but the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that more research is needed.
References
- Vanderbilt University Psychology Dept.; Fish Oil and Heart Health; Nicole Lee
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid
- American Heart Association: Triglycerides
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Wright State University School of Phamacy: Popular Natural Remedies, Part IX
- MayoClinic.com; Fish Oil Supplements: Can They Treat Depression?; Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.; July 2010
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