Fish oil can be consumed naturally when eating fish, such as tuna or salmon, or it may be taken in supplemental form. Most fish oil supplements are combined with vitamin E, calcium, iron or other vitamins to increase potential health benefits. MedlinePlus suggests consuming 1 to 4 g of fish oil per day for health purposes.
Lowers Triglycerides
According to the Mayo Clinic and MedlinePlus, multiple studies have shown the effectiveness of fish oil at lowering levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream. Triglycerides are fatty deposits found in the blood, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Fish oil can help lower triglyceride levels by 20 to 50 percent. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil consist of docosahexaenoic, or DHA, acid and eicosapentaenoic, or EPA, acid -- these are the beneficial ingredients in fish oil supplements that help lower triglycerides.
Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Omega-3 fish oil seems to help reduce hypertension. Early studies show a modest reduction in blood pressure levels, which is likely due to the expansion of blood vessels caused when consuming fish oil. Fish oil offers other benefits to blood vessels in the body, including reduced risk of atherosclerosis -- or hardening of the arteries -- lowered risk of complications following heart bypass surgery and decreased risk of stroke -- caused by blockages in the brain -- by up to 27 percent.
Helps Reduce Bone/Joint Pain
Fish oil seems to improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, or weak bones. Fish oil supplements may help improve stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning, for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Elderly people who take fish oil for treating osteoporosis have seen increases in bone density in some cases. It may also slow the rate of bone loss, which can help reduce the risk of broken bones in osteoporosis sufferers.
May Lower Cholesterol
Although more research needs to be conducted on the topic, fish oil may help to lower cholesterol levels in those with high cholesterol. Taken alongside statin drugs, such as simvastatin, fish oil has been shown to restrict the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the intestines in the body. Talk to your doctor before starting a cholesterol-lowering fish oil/statin regimen.
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