Emulsified cod liver oil is a supplement that offers many of the benefits of eating fish. The benefits of cod liver oil extend beyond the omega-3 fatty acids it contains. Sometimes referred to as a superfood, cod liver oil contains a number of different vitamins that can not only improve your general health, but can also help prevent certain diseases and illnesses. As with any health supplement, you should speak to a medical professional prior to taking emulsified cod liver oil.
The Oil Instead of the Fish
According to "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," cod liver oil contains higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids than does the fish itself. Therefore, to benefit from the fatty acids, you do not need to eat lots of fish on a regular basis. But the most important distinction between the oil and the fish is what you do not get with the processed emulsified cod liver oil. Fresh and frozen fish are sometimes contaminated with large amounts of heavy metals including mercury, lead and cadmium. When you eat fish, you risk exposing yourself to these heavy metals.
Emulsification
Emulsification is a method of processing foods or food products that allows your body to effectively absorb and use the food product. The process itself involves dissolving or dispersing a substance into an emulsifying liquid. These liquids may include soaps or detergents for some applications, or other non-toxic substances for food products. In the case of emulsified cod liver oil, the liquid spreads out the oil, increases the area that it covers and allows your body to better digest it.
Benefits
This oil can aid in the overall maintenance of good health and help protect you against and relieve some chronic health conditions. According to "Recapture Your Health," while many ailments respond favorably to emulsified cod liver oil, two conditions that the omega-3s in the oil effectively help prevent are heart disease and cancer. Additionally, emulsified cod liver oil may help prevent or delay the onset of osteoporosis by contributing to strong bones. Further, this product also supports the development of a healthy brain and nervous system.
Risks
There are a few risks associated with taking emulsified cod liver oil as a supplement. Doctors commonly advise pregnant women to avoid eating liver as it contains high levels of vitamin A, which may cause harm to a developing fetus. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid emulsified cod liver oil supplements, as they contain high levels of both vitamin A and D. Additionally, the omega-3 fatty acids in emulsified cod liver oil can affect your blood's ability to clot. Speak with a medical professional prior to taking any emulsified cod liver oil supplement.
References
- "Recapture Your Health"; C. Norman Shealy, jan DeCourtney and Walt Stoll; 2006
- "The Good Food Guide: A Handbook For Healthy Eating"; Patricia Negron; 2004
- "The Food-Mood Connection: Nutrition-based and Environmental Approaches to Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing"; Gary Null and Amy McDonald
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
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