Cod Liver Oil for Colds & the Flu

When the winter season rolls around, colds and flus begin to take their toll on people. There are products on the market such as cod liver oil that improve your body's ability to avoid catching illnesses such as colds or the flu. By adding cod liver oil to your daily diet, you can improve your overall health and strengthen your immune system.

Sources of Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil and other fish oils can be found naturally in fish. If your meals have very small amounts of fish, you may want to take a cod liver oil supplement. Supplements come in the form of pills or a liquid that can be taken by the spoonful. Always be sure to follow the directions on the packaging when taking any supplements. As with any supplement, get your doctor's approval before you start.

Vitamin A in Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil contains a very potent level of Vitamin A, and a single teaspoon of the oil covers 90 percent of the recommended daily amount. This means that you can get the necessary Vitamin A from a very small dose of the oil, which is beneficial because the oil is high in harmful saturated fats, with nearly 1/4 of its total fat being saturated.

Vitamin A and Colds

Vitamin A is one of the most important nutrients for preventing and relieving colds and flus. The body's mucous membranes are the first line of defense against infections and vitamin A helps to ensure that it is functioning properly. Vitamin A also aids in the development of white blood cells that help fight off infections after they have made their way into the body.

Available Types of Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver can be found naturally in cod, but it is also available in supplemental form. The oil is available in a liquid form and it is available in pill or capsule form. The liquid form is usually flavored to make it taste better.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Jul 12, 2011

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