The oil from cod liver contains nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial to your health. Cod liver oil is helpful in lowering high blood pressure and reducing your risk of developing heart disease, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, notes. Cod liver oil also helps you manage your triglyceride levels. Aside from omega-3 fatty acids, cod liver oil also contains vitamins A and D, VitaminUK.com says.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are fatty acids that your body must obtain via food because it cannot produce them, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Omega-3 fatty acids help facilitate normal brain function as well as help regulate growth and development. Omega-3 fatty acid is vital in maintaining cognitive and behavioral functions. Omega-3 fatty acids also help increase your levels of high-density lipoproteins, or HDL. HDL is a type of cholesterol that is beneficial to your heart. Omega-3 fatty acids also prevent the accumulation of plaque in your blood vessels and are useful in treating atherosclerosis. Consuming 2 servings of cod fish each week cuts your risk of stroke in half.
Vitamin D
The vitamin D in cod liver oil helps maintain your calcium and phosphorus levels, MayoClinic.com explains. This means that cod liver oil contributes to keeping your bones strong and well-formed. The vitamin D content in cod liver oil also helps lower your risk of hypertension. Cod liver oil lowers your risk of developing osteoporosis. Cod liver oil also reduces your risk of developing cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin in cod liver oil that helps the cells of your body reproduce normally, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Vitamin A also helps ensure good vision and keeps your skin healthy. Vitamin A also facilitates the proper function of your immune system as well as bone formation and wound healing. Vitamin A lowers your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Side Effects and Interactions
Cod liver oil causes adverse reactions such as nausea, diarrhea and skin rashes, MedlinePlus says. Taking more than 3 g per day will increase your risk of bleeding problems. Cod liver oil potentiates the effects of blood thinning medication such as warfarin. Cod liver also potentiates the effects of blood pressure medications possibly causing hypotension. Birth control pills impair the triglyceride-lowering effects of cod liver oil. Medications used to treat obesity such as orlistat impair your body's ability to absorb cod liver oil.
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