Fish oil is oil obtained from consuming certain kinds of fish, such as halibut, tuna and salmon. Fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is also available in capsule form. Fish oil is responsible for promoting HDL or good cholesterol in your blood and is often used to improve cardiovascular health. The effectiveness of fish oil depends on your current condition and the amount of omega-3 fatty acids you consume. Consult your doctor before supplementing your diet with fish oil.
Functions of Fish Oil
Fish oil is often given to patients suffering from high triglyceride levels and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Triglycerides, a form of fat produced by the liver, and high levels of LDL cholesterol often contribute to heart disease and stroke. Fish oil, which is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), helps reduce triglyceride levels and restores cholesterol to healthy levels. Furthermore, fish oil is used to as a "brain food" and is known to treat mental disorders such as ADHD, psychosis, Alzheimer's disease and depression, MayoClinic.com explains.
Bad Cholesterol
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is a form of cholesterol that can enter your blood vessels. Once it has penetrated into the blood vessels, LDL, along with other compounds, forms an athersclerotic plaque, which causes obstruction of the blood flow. The LDL buildup on the inner walls of your arteries makes you prone to coronary artery disease, Drugs.com explains.
Good Cholesterol
High density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as "good cholesterol," is a form of lipoprotein that picks up the excess cholesterol in your blood. HDL is known to take the excess cholesterol back to the liver, where it gets broken down. Approximately 25 to 30 percent of all excess LDL cholesterol is taken up by HDL, slowing the plaque buildup in the arteries, the American Heart Association notes.
Raising HDL Cholesterol Levels
Fish oil can be taken as supplements to raise your HDL cholesterol levels. Consumption of 3.5 oz. of broiled or baked fatty fish at least twice a week is recommended, the American Heart Association notes. You can dress it up by adding low-fat and low-sodium seasonings. You can also snack on tofu, soy products and walnuts, as these are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Exercising and a healthy lifestyle change may also raise your HDL levels. In more severe cases, high doses of fish oil supplements may be used to increase HDL, but talk to your doctor about the potential side effects caused by taking any supplement.
Sources of Fish Oil
Fish oil is obtained from consuming oily fish meat. Fishes such as herring, pollock, sardines, anchovy, tuna, salmon, swordfish, halibut, cod, flounder and catfish accumulate omega-3 fatty acids by feeding on algae that produce the acid. The preparation of the fish is crucial as frying decreases the potency of fish oil. Broiling or baking the fish preserves the omega-3 fatty acids, MedlinePlus cites. Other seafood that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are shrimps, clams, crabs and scallops.
