Omega-3 fatty acids are one type of fat found in fish and fish oil, which can provide several health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). There are a variety of different health-related purposes for using fish oil so it is important to supplement with fish oil if you don't get enough fish in your diet.
Decreasing Blood Pressure
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, such as DHA and EPA, can reduce high blood pressure over time and when taken in large quantities, according to the Mayo Clinic. Reducing hypertension can help decrease your chances of having a stroke or a heart attack. A drawback of taking high doses of fish oil is that it can increase the risk of bleeding, so the Mayo Clinic recommends talking to your doctor before you use fish oil to reduce your blood pressure.
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Another benefit of taking fish oil is the reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. The journal "Circulation" states that people at risk of cardiovascular disease can reduce their chances by taking supplements containing EPA and DHA, such as fish oil. The recommended dose for cardiovascular disease prevention is 0.5 to 1.8g/dl each day, according to "Circulation." Furthermore, the Mayo Clinic states that when people with cardiovascular disease take fish oil, it can help to reduce their chances of dying from the disease.
Help for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition which involves a weakened immune system and swollen, painful joints. The Mayo Clinic notes that taking fish oil supplements can reduce the amount of morning stiffness and tenderness of the joints that people with rheumatoid arthritis experience. These improvements may be increased if an anti-inflammatory medication is taken along with the fish oil supplement, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Decreasing Depression
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may have positive effects on mood, reducing some of the symptoms of depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. Omega-3 fatty acids have even been found to decrease postpartum depression and depression among children. It is not currently known what dose is needed to provide these therapeutic benefits.
Asthma Reduction
Asthma is a condition which causes a constriction of the airways and difficulty breathing. It is somewhat common among children. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is not clear, concrete evidence, but it is suspected that fish oil may provide benefits for asthmatics. Further research is necessary to determine the therapeutic dose and how effective fish oil really is.
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