Cod liver oil, a substance that can be obtained by consuming freshwater cod, has been shown to help with a number of different illnesses. People suffering from a middle ear infection, allergies or osteoarthritis may all be able to benefit from an increase in cod liver oil in their diet. More remedies, including the fish substance, are being found all the time, and many of the health benefits may yet to be undiscovered.
Nutrition Information
Cod liver oil is a very nutritious substance that is very high in vitamin A, vitamin D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. A single tablespoon of the oil has nearly three times the recommended daily amount of vitamin A and over three times the recommended amount of vitamin D. It also has over 2,500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, making it one of the best sources of the nutrient available.
Middle Ear Infection
A 2001 study showed evidence that cod liver oil may be used to reduce the recovery time from middle ear infections as well as reduce their occurrences overall. The study covering seven children began with researchers comparing nutrient levels to the levels that adults have. Blood samples were drawn from all the children, and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and selenium were found. Two of the three nutrients are contained in cod liver oil in high levels. After the blood test was complete, cod liver oil supplements were given to the seven children along with an antibiotic to treat a middle ear infection. The children were able to get over the infection 12 percent faster than the average amount of time it normally takes. Five of the seven children did not experience any more infections for the rest of the year.
While this study does not cover a large enough group of children to be conclusive, it does suggest that cod liver oil may be able to help speed up the recovery of middle ear infections as well as preventing them to begin with.
Allergies
A study conducted in Bergen, Norway, showed a connection between consumption of cod liver oil and a reduction in the susceptibility to allergies. As the levels of cod liver oil were increased in both children and adults, the occurrence of allergies decreased. The study attempted to show that the effects of cod liver oil would stay with children as they age, but no link could be found. Children who took cod liver oil were just as likely to suffer from allergies as adults as children who did not. If you suffer from allergies, you may be able to reduce flareups by increasing the amount of cod liver oil in your diet.
Osteoarthritis
Researchers at Cardiff University found evidence in a 2004 study that cod liver oil can help reduce osteoarthritis. In the study, 86 percent of the patients taking daily cod liver oil supplements had a reduced level of the enzymes that wear away cartilage.The level of enzymes linked to joint pain was also reduced in many of the patients. The study shows that cod liver oil can help prevent the degeneration of cartilage in people suffering from osteoarthritis and prevent some of the pain and swelling that comes along with it.
References
- Inside Your Diet; Cod Liver Oil Nutritional Information; 2009
- New York Ear and Eye Infirmary; Cod Liver Oil May Prevent Middle Ear Infection in Children; 2001
- Vanderbilt University; The Effects of Cod Liver Oil on Allergies; October 10, 2008
- Cardiff University; Human Proof that Cod Liver Oil can Slow the Onset of Osteoarthritis; 2004
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