Fish oil: benefits and properties
The fatty acids are organic components of fats, which provide energy to our body and allow the development of different tissues, among other important qualities both for our health and ultimately the proper functioning of our body. Within the known ones like essential fatty acids we find the Omega 3 Y Omega 6, which are characterized by being healthy fatty acids with interesting benefits for our cardiovascular health.
With regard to which foods are richest in essential fatty acids, we can mention fish, and more specifically, fish oil, since these foods are really rich in different and different oils that are very beneficial for our body. In fact, Fish oil stands out for its high content of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Nutritional benefits of fish oil
Fish oil is very rich in essential fatty acids, among which we can mention the Omega 3 fatty acids, which are precursors of the acids Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), DHA and EPA, as well as the protaglandins PGE3, which is characterized as a type of hormonal substance with wonderful functions in our body.
A useful option when it comes to providing our body with fish oils is opting for the consumption of fatty fish of cold water, as is the case with mackerel, tuna, salmon and sardines. However, it is also possible to find in the market fish oil supplements, which also contain interesting amounts of vitamin E, and can be combined with other vitamins (such as vitamin A, B1, B2, B3 and D), and with minerals such as calcium or iron.
Properties of fish oil
Good for cholesterol and high triglycerides
In case you have the high cholesterol or the high triglycerides, fish oil helps lower the high levels of these two fats in the blood. In fact, researchers believe that fish oil is capable of lowering both cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 20% to 50%, combined with following a healthy diet low in fat and regular physical exercise .
Take care of your cardiovascular health
Since fish oil is rich in essential fatty acids that help reduce the presence of fats in the blood, preventing their accumulation, it is also useful for take care of our cardiovascular health, helping us prevent heart disease. But this quality is not only interesting for those who wish to prevent them, but for those patients who already have some heart disease, given that help reduce the risk of dying from heart disease. It also prevents hardening of the arteries, a condition known as arteriosclerosis.
These benefits are also interesting in case of suffering from arterial hypertension, given that the Omega 3 fatty acids present in fish oil would be able to expand blood vessels, a quality that in turn results in a reduction in high blood pressure levels.
It helps you lose weight
Different scientific studies have found that taking a fish oil supplement regularly help in weight loss, at the same time that reduces the level of sugar in the blood, especially in people who are both overweight or obese. These researches have verified in fact that taking 6 grams of fish oil rich in DHA and EPA every day significantly decreases body fat when diet is combined with the practice of physical exercise.
Good for the health of your eyes
Surely you know that eating fish regularly helps take care of your eyes already prevent different diseases of the eyes, as for example is the case of the one known as macular degeneration related to age. In this sense, there is scientific evidence that consuming fish oil regularly, more than once a week, reduces the risk of developing macular degeneration.
Beneficial for your mental health
It has been observed that regular consumption of fish in the diet, as well as fish oil supplements, are very good for maintaining mental health. In particular, it is beneficial to:
- Children with ADHD: in case of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children it helps to improve both the dexterity of thinking and behavior, especially in children with ADHD from 8 to 12 years.
- Bipolar disorder: Fish oil supplements taken in conjunction with prescribed medical treatments seems to improve the symptoms of depression common in bipolar disorder.
- PsychosisTaking fish oil regularly helps prevent the development of severe psychotic disorders.
Other benefits of fish oil
In addition to the benefits and properties already indicated above, fish oil is good for:
- Prevent cancer: different studies have found that women who consume fish oil regularly have a lower risk of endometrial cancer.
- Prevent osteoporosis: taking fish oil, especially if combined with evening primrose oil, helps slow the loss of bone mass while increasing bone density in the bones.
- Prevent miscarriages: in women suffering from recurrent miscarriages due to antiphospholipid syndrome, fish oil helps in its prevention by increasing the proportion of live births.
Images | Leon Brocard / Stephen Cummings This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesOil
