With fish oil being the most popular supplement on the market, you may wonder if the supplement is right for you. According to ConsumerLab.com, fish oil is the leading supplement today, even outnumbering the traditional multivitamin. Fish oil is highly regarded for its strong heart and cardiovascular benefits. A variety of other conditions ranging from depression to osteoporosis may benefit from the supplement, but more research is needed. Only add fish oil to your daily health regimen if approved by a health care provider.
Healthy Individuals
If you are a healthy adult with no signs of heart disease or cardiovascular disorders, eating fatty fish may be all you need to receive the proper amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Choose fish twice or more a week, suggests the American Heart Association. It is important to eat fatty fish such as sardines, herring, tuna and salmon. The cooking method you choose is equally important. Avoid fried fish and opt for boiling or grilling your meal. Each serving of fish is about 3.5 oz or 3/4 cup of flaked fish, states the AHA.
Heart Disease
Heart disease patients may decrease the risk of a recurring heart attack or additional complications by increasing fish oil intake. Decreased plaque and blood clot formation are additional benefits. Patients taking fish oil also lower the occurrence of atherosclerosis, the thickening and hardening of the arterial wall. The AHA suggests adding 1 g of fish oil to your diet daily. Eating a serving of fatty fish daily may be hard to do, so a fish oil supplement is often a good option. Always take your supplement with food to increase absorption of oil into the body.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol, specifically triglycerides, are a warning sign of heart disease. Fish oil naturally decreases the triglyceride levels in your bloodstream up to 50 percent, according to MedlinePlus. Though this may not be as much as prescription medications, the amount is still significant. High triglycerides are also an indicator of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus. The American Heart Association advises patients to take between 2 g and 4 g of fish oil to lower triglyceride. It is imperative to speak to a medical doctor when taking this high a dose of fish oil.
Additional Conditions
A variety of other conditions benefit from fish oil and associated omega-3 fatty acids. Women suffering from extremely painful menstrual cycles may decrease discomfort by taking fish oil. Fish oil also reduces morning joint stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis. Still, the exact amount of fish oil to take for additional conditions is unclear. More research is needed in many situations. If you are considering taking fish oil for other non-heart conditions, speak with your medical doctor first. MedlinePlus reports taking 3 g or more of fish oil should only be done under the direct care of a medical professional.
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