Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, assists with the production of many hormones. Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and herring all have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Sometimes it becomes difficult to get regular servings of oily fish in your diet, but supplements work well. In either liquid or capsule form, fish oil functions as a standalone supplement or combined with other essential oils. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any dietary or supplement program.
Fish Oil
Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids serve numerous functions, including reducing inflammation, according to a 2008 study published in "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition." Fish oil can also provide numerous benefits to those suffering from mild depression, anxiety, and those suffering from various neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Hormones
The levels of your various steroidal hormones are, in part, based on your intake of dietary fats, including fatty acids. This includes both estrogen and testosterone, required for fertility and sexual health, including reproductive status, and progesterone-type hormones, which are critical during pregnancy. Many of these hormones help with the growth and development of the fetus, and continues for as long as the infant is breast-fed. While lactating, a mother supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids will have children who score higher on attention-related tests than non-supplemented women and children.
Testosterone
The role of omega-3 fatty acids is of particular note in your production of testosterone. Testosterone is produced by both genders, and is responsible for the strength of your bones, helps burn fat, supports your immune system and builds muscle. Supplementation with fish oil, because of is role in testosterone production, will assist in muscle protein synthesis, according to a 2011 study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."
Women
Specific hormone regulation for women can be a benefit of fish oil supplementation. If you are dealing with menopausal issues, fish oil supplementation may be of some assistance. Fish oil supplementation can regulate many of the symptoms, including mood and depression. It was further noted that fish oil supplementation lowered hot flash frequency in menopausal women in a 2009 study published in "Menopause." These benefits occur because of the regulatory effect fish oil exhibits on steroidal hormone production.
References
- "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition"; Advances in Dietary Enrichment with n-3 Fatty Acids; M.H. Moghadasian; May 2008
- "The FASEB Journal"; Beneficial Effects of Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid on Toxin-induced Neuronal Degeneration in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease; M. Bousquet, et al.; April 2008
- "Journal of Pediatrics"; Effects of Early Maternal Docosahexaenoic Acid Intake on Neuropsychological Status and Visual Acuity at Five Years of Age of Breast-fed Term Infants; C.L. Jensen, et al.; December 2010
- "American Journal of Clincial Nutrition"; Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Increases the Rate of Muscle Protein Synthesis in Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial; G.I. Smith, et al.; February 2011
- "Menopause"; Effects of Ethyl-eicosapentaenoic Acid Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Hot Flashes and Quality of Life Among Middle-aged Women: a Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial; M. Lucas, et al.; March - April 2009
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