Cod is a fish commonly found in New England that was once one of the United States' major sources of wealth, according to "The New York Times." Today, cod is beneficial for another reason: it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to fight inflammation in your body. Cod oil can be packaged and sold in liquid or supplement form and may help to heal a number of harmful effects. However, before beginning to take cod oil, speak to your physician first.
Benefits
Taking cod oil has been associated with a number of benefits, some of them defined and some of them anecdotal. For example, the omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce high triglycerides in your blood, which are linked with increased risk of heart disease, according to MedlinePlus. Cod and other fish oils also are likely effective in reducing the risk of dying from heart disease. Other conditions cod oil may be effective in reducing and/or treating include high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, osteoporosis or kidney problems. Always speak to your physician, however, before starting to take cod oil because it can interfere with other medications you may be taking.
Warning
If you choose to take cod oil in the form of cod liver oil, pay careful attention to the amount of vitamin A in your supplement. One teaspoon of cod liver oil contains about 4,500 IU of vitamin A, according to the University of California at Berkeley. Taking more than 6,000 IU of vitamin A may start to interfere with your bone health, weakening your bones and potentially leading to fractures. If you are pregnant, taking too much cod liver oil that contains vitamin A -- more than 10,000 IU of vitamin A -- can be harmful and is linked with birth defects.
Dosages
The dosage of cod oil you may take can depend on the condition for which you are taking it. In oil form, a standard dose is about 3 tsp. per day, according to the University of California at Berkeley. In pill form, high doses of fish oil are considered those that involve taking more than 3 g of cod oil per day because this dosage is associated with thinning your blood, which increases your risk for bleeding.
Additional Uses
Cod oil is not solely packaged as a dietary supplement. The oil also has other uses, including in soaps and detergents. Cod liver oil also can be used as a base for vegetable shortening, providing an oily consistency. The cod liver oil also can be used as a protective coating for industrial or food preparation purposes, according to the United States National Library of Medicine.
Member Comments