Consuming fish oil may not sound appetizing, but fish oil actually is a healthy supplement with a variety of health benefits. Fish oil decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Fatty substances in your blood, known as triglycerides, lower when taking a fish oil supplement. As with any supplement or medication, there are both positive and negative side effects. Ensure taking a fish oil supplement is the right course for you by discussing the supplement with your doctor.
Triglyceride Levels
Excessive calories not absorbed by the body turn to fatty lipids known as triglycerides. High amounts of triglycerides are detected during a blood test -- commonly a cholesterol screening. If you suffer from triglycerides, you are at risk of hardening of the arteries, obesity, heart attack, stroke and other types of heart disease. Fish oil may lower triglyceride levels by 20 to 50 percent, advises MedlinePlus. Diabetics often suffer from high levels of triglycerides. Taking fish oil capsules may benefits these patients; however, some diabetics have fasting blood sugar when taking fish oil. It is important for diabetics to discuss taking fish oil to lower triglyceride levels with their physicican.
Heart Benefits
Coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and plaque buildup in the blood vessels are affected by fish oil. Fish oil decreases plaque buildup by reducing the risk of vessels clogging, thereby reducing blood flow to the heart, lungs and brain. According to the American Heart Association, patients with coronary heart disease should take 1 g of fish oil daily from fatty fish. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids includes tuna, salmon and herring. Taking a supplement can replace the dietary intake of fish, but the AHA recommends speaking with your doctor first.
Additional Conditions
MedlinePlus names about 28 other health conditions that are most likely positively affected by fish oil. The top three conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea and ADHD in children. The website also labels several conditions the supplement is most likely ineffective for, including improving cognitive skills, Alzheimer's disease and even cataracts. More scientific research and conclusive evidence is necessary to determine fish oils benefits.
Side Effects and Risks
Fish oil is a natural blood thinner, causing the platelets in blood to become inactive. Normally, active platelets cause blood to clot. When platelets are inactive, blood will take longer to clot. Side effects involve excessive bleeding commonly associated with nosebleeds, gums, bruising of the skin. In rare situations, a hemorrhagic stroke may occur. Blood vessels of the brain burst causing extreme internal bleeding. Patients who suffer from severe heart difficulties including angina and heart rhythm irregularities are advised to not take fish oil. The weak heart muscle does not tolerate the supplement well, and actually makes conditions worse, advises Harvard Health Publications.
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