When it comes to bodybuilding, there are many factors you may need to focus on. One of the most important of these is your health and total wellness. This is particularly important during the strenuous physical exertion a bodybuilding routine entails. Fish oil can be a healthful addition to a bodybuilding routine by protecting joints, cardiovascular health, speeding fat loss and more.
Joint Health
Fish oil can help protect joint function and reduce the inflammation caused by excessive cardiovascular activity or weightlifting during a bodybuilding routine. Due to its ability to reduce inflammation, fish oil can also be beneficial for those who are trying to work out with arthritis pain. According to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute, studies have shown that fish oil, "... decreases joint tenderness and reduces the requirement for anti-inflammatory medication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis."
Weight Loss
Studies such as the one conducted at the Université François Rabelais have shown that fish oil can be beneficial in reducing fat. As opposed to supplements such as caffeine, which speed up the metabolism, fish oil does not speed up the resting metabolic rate, but instead increases the fat oxidation process. This can be particularly important when it comes to body building as a sport, where the body is judged on muscle mass and definition.
Cardiovascular Health
While fish oil reduces fat, it also helps improve cardiovascular health by reducing LDL, which is the bad cholesterol. According to the National Institute of Health's MedlinePlus, research is showing that fish oil "can reduce triglyceride levels by 20 percent to 50 percent." Lowering cholesterol can help reduce or prevent heart disease in mostly healthy people.
How Much to Take
To achieve the weight loss benefits of fish oil, the recommended dosage of fish oil is 3 to 6 g per day. This works best when paired with an exercise routine. For joint pain or to protect joints, the recommended dosage is 2.7 g per day. Heart healthy benefits are best achieved at 1 to 4 g of fish oil per day. These amounts may vary depending on your age, gender, weight and activity level. Always consult your physician before taking any supplements.
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