Cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and D. The supplement first found widespread public acceptance in the late 19th century as a way to prevent rickets and other manifestations of vitamin D deficiency. Although cod liver oil may not be the panacea touted by generations of mothers and grandmothers, its health benefits and use in a wide array of home remedies offer confirmation of its versatility and popularity.
Combats Prostate Cancer
Registered dietitian Patrick Quillin, director of nutrition for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma, recommends daily doses of cod liver oil for prostate cancer patients, according to Bill Gottlieb, author of "Alternative Cures." Quillin says that the high levels of fatty acids in cod liver oil help fight cancer, while the supplement's vitamins A and D help control cell development -- of particular importance in cancer, which is characterized by cell development run amok. Specifically, Quillin suggests that prostate cancer patients take 2 tsp. of cod liver oil daily, but only with the knowledge and approval of their doctors. If you can't tolerate the taste of regular cod liver oil, Quillin recommends using an emulsified, flavored version of the supplement.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Cod liver oil can be a potent weapon against tooth decay, according to Ramiel Nagel, author of "Cure Tooth Decay." Nagel cites the work of dentist Weston Price, who devoted much of his professional career to studying the relationship between nutrition and dental health. In one study, researchers assembled a study group of 66 girls native to New Zealand. The 33 girls with the best teeth were designated as the control group and received no nutritional supplements, while the other 33 were given daily doses of 2 tsp. of cod liver oil. At the conclusion of the six-month study, the group that had received cod liver oil was 41.75 percent more resistant to dental cavities than the control group.
Cuts NSAID Needs in RA Patients
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, RA, routinely take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, to help control the inflammation responsible for RA-related pain and swelling. However, NSAIDS in large doses can produce unwelcome gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. A team of researchers at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, Scotland, conducted a study to see if daily doses of cod liver oil could reduce the NSAID requirements of RA patients. Half of a study group of patients diagnosed with RA received 10 g of cod liver oil daily, while a like-sized control group received placebos. At the conclusion of the six-month study period, 37 percent of those in the cod liver oil group were able to reduce their NSAID dose by 30 percent or more, compared with only 10 percent of the control group. Researchers published their findings in a 2008 issue of "Rheumatology."
Relieves Muscle Pain
Low levels of vitamin D can cause muscle aches and pains, according to HomeRemediesWeb.com. The website suggests taking 1 to 2 tsp. of cod liver oil daily to increase your body's levels of vitamin D, which, in turn, improves muscle strength and reduces muscle pain.
References
- "Alternative Cures: More Than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- "Cure Tooth Decay: Heal & Prevent Cavities With Nutrition"; Ramiel Nagel; 2008
- "Rheumatology"; Cod Liver Oil (n-3 Fatty Acids) as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Sparing Agent in Rheumatoid Arthritis; B. Galarraga et al; 2008
- HomeRemediesWeb: Cod Liver Oil Health Benefits
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