Cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement derived from the fats in the livers of cod fish. While the nutritional content of cod liver oil differs depending on when the oil is extracted, cod liver oil generally contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamins A and D. With benefits related to the nervous system, vision, joints, bones and skin, among others, cod liver oil is well-suited to the needs of competitive basketball players.
Vitamin A
Generally consumed as carotenoids in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, vitamin A is also found preformed in fish and animal livers. Some cod liver oil products contains upwards of 30 percent of your reference daily intake, or RDI, in as little as 2 tsp. While the benefits of vitamin A extend to immune, bone and cell health, the University of Maryland Medical Center points out that vitamin A is essential to healthy vision. With the excellent accuracy and cross-court vision required for competitive basketball, cod liver oil's high vitamin A content makes it a useful supplement for basketball players.
Vitamin D
Both the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Office of Dietary Supplements suggest that cod liver oil is the best edible source of vitamin D, with 340 percent of your RDI in a single tablespoon. Commonly known for aiding in the absorption of calcium, vitamin D plays numerous other roles related to bone growth, bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. In addition to promoting and maintaining the lengthy, strong bones of basketball players, vitamin D also helps to reduce the inflammation that commonly strikes their knees and ankles due to excessive jumping and hard landings.
DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is an essential omega-3 fatty acid. Although produced in small amounts by your body, the majority of your DHA comes from dietary sources, such as cod liver oil. While DHA helps to lower the risk of heart disease and may ease the symptoms of depression and ADHD, its roles in brain and visual health further add to the benefits of cod liver oil for basketball players. Essential for the development of the brain, nervous system and healthy vision during the first six months of life, DHA continues to promote healthy neurological functioning throughout your life. While the effects of improved brain functioning extend to all aspects of life, the quick thinking and reflexes required to play competitively make DHA, and cod liver oil, an important tool for basketball.
EPA
Another essential omega-3 fatty acid prevalent in cod liver oil is eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. With benefits similar to those of DHA, EPA helps to prevent heart disease, lessen the symptoms of depression and ADHD, is essential to brain and visual development and promotes healthy brain functioning throughout life. In addition, EPA helps to reduce your risk of high blood pressure and may ease the symptoms of inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Combined with the beneficial effects of vitamin A, vitamin D and DHA, cod liver oil's high EPA content further adds to this supplement's suitability for the needs of competitive basketball players.
References
- Dr. Ben Kim: The Health Benefits of Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin A (Retinol)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin D
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
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