The multiple health benefits of fish oil are widely known. The substance reduces cholesterol levels and is good for the cardiovascular system. Fish oil is also useful in conditions such as arthritis, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer's disease and ADHD. Additionally, it is said to be good for eye health, pregnancy and infertility. Maintaining healthy skin is another beneficial but lesser known benefit of using fish oil.
Acne
Acne is caused by the blockage of skin pores by excessive sebum, or oil, and dead skin cells. Sebum is produced by skin glands and is responsible for maintaining the moisture content of your skin. When extra sebum clogs the pores in the skin, you get acne. There are several causes for having too much oil in the skin. High levels of stress, certain oily or spicy foods and infection can cause the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, including the beneficial docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. It also contains other important fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, and gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. Fish such as mackerel, halibut, trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, blue fin tuna, sea bass, oysters, anchovies and salmon are a good source of fish oil. The quality of fish oil depends on the type of fish and the standard of purity maintained during the refining of the fish oil. Be careful when selecting fresh fish or fish oil supplements. Verify that they were obtained from safe sources before consuming.
Nutrition and Skin Conditions
According to a study published by the "Journal of Investigative Dermatology" in 1994, diet can influence skin conditions. Nutritional supplementation plays an important role in managing many skin disorders, including acne. Consuming fish oil supplements can improve skin color, increase skin elasticity, and reduce the number and severity of acne outbreaks.
Fish Oil and Skin Acne
Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA regulate prostaglandins which control the production of oil in your skin. DHA is also responsible for improving brain health and reducing stress and anxiety. This, in turn, reduces oil production and improves acne. A study published by the "British Journal of Nutrition" in 2008 reports that acne is less prevalent in communities where dietary consumption of fish oil is higher.
References
- "Dermato-Endocrinology"; Nutrition and Nutritional Supplementation Impact on Skin Health and Beauty; Nathalie Piccardi, et al.; September 2009
- Organic Facts; Health Benefits of Fish Oil;
- "Journal of Investigative Dermatology"; Dietary Fish-Oil Supplementation in Humans Reduces UVB-Erythemal Sensitivity But Increases Epidermal Lipid Peroxidation"; L.E. Rhodes, et al.; August 1994
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; The Effect of Dietary Fish Oil-Supplementation to Healthy Young Men on Oxidative Burst Measured By Whole Blood Chemiluminescence; S. Bartelt, et al.; 2008
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