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 qualities very important for both our health and ultimately for the proper functioning of our body. Among those known as essential fatty acids we find the Omega 3 and Omega 6, which are characterized by healthy fatty acids with interesting benefits for our cardiovascular health.
In what refers to what are the foods rich in essential fatty acids include fish, and more specifically to fish oil, since these foods are actually very rich in various and different oils are very beneficial to our body. In fact, fish oil known for its high content of Omega 3 fatty acids.
Nutritional benefits of fish oil
Fish oil is rich in essential fatty acids, within which we can mention the Omega 3 fatty acids, which are precursors of acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), DHA and EPA, as well as PGE3 prostaglandins, which is characterized as a type of substance hormone with wonderful functions in our body.
A useful option when our bodies make fish oils is opting for the consumption of fatty fish from cold water, as in the case of mackerel, tuna, salmon and sardines. However, it is also possible to find on the market of fish oil supplements, which also contain interesting amounts of vitamin E, and may be further combined with other vitamins (such as vitamin A, B1, B2, B3 and D), and minerals such as calcium or iron.
Fish Oil Properties
Good for cholesterol and triglycerides
In the case you have high cholesterol or high triglycerides, fish oil helps to lower high levels of these fats in the blood. In fact, researchers believe that fish oil can reduce levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides by 20% to 50%, combined with the pursuit of a healthy low-fat diet 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 its accumulation, it is also useful to take care of our cardiovascular health, helping to prevent heart disease. But this quality is not only interesting for those who want to prevent them, but for patients who already have heart disease, as it helps reduce the risk of dying from heart disease. It also prevents the hardening of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
These benefits are also interesting if you suffer from high blood pressure, given that the Omega 3 fatty acids present in fish oil would be able to expand the blood vessels, quality which, in turn, translates into a reduction of elevated blood pressure levels.
It helps you to lose weight
Several scientific studies have been shown that taking a fish oil supplement regularly helps in weight loss, while reducing the level of blood sugar, especially in people with both overweight and obese. These studies have indeed found that taking daily 6 grams of fish oil rich in DHA and EPA significantly decrease body fat when diet combined with physical exercise.
Good for eye health
Surely you know that eating fish regularly helps care for your eyes and prevent various eye diseases, such as is the case 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.
Good for your mental health
It has been observed that regular consumption of fish in the diet, as well as fish oil supplements is good for maintaining mental health. In particular, it is beneficial for:
Children with ADHD: In case of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children helps to improve both the skill of thinking and behavior, particularly in children with ADHD from 8 to 12 years.
Bipolar disorder: The fish oil supplements taken together with the prescribed medical treatment appears to improve symptoms of depression common in bipolar disorder.
Psychosis: in people with mild psychosis symptoms, taking fish oil regularly helps prevent the development of severe psychotic disorders.
Other benefits of fish oil
Besides the benefits and properties already listed above, fish oil is good for:
Prevent cancer: Different studies have found that women who regularly consume fish oil have a lower risk of endometrial cancer.
Prevent miscarriages: women who suffer from recurrent miscarriages for antiphospholipid syndrome, fish oil helps in preventing increasing the proportion of live births.