The most common fish oil use, today, is to supplement dietary omega 3 fatty acids. Why would you want more fat in your diet? This is not just any kind of fat.
For years, we have been told to limit our consumption of dietary fats to reduce our risk of heart disease. Now, the recommendations are more specific. It is the saturated fat found in red meat and dairy products, as well as the trans fatty acids found in bakery items, margarine and shortening, that should be avoided. It is the high omega 6 content found in corn oil that should be avoided.
The good fats are found in olives, olive oil, oily fish and nuts. In extra virgin olive oil, the balance of omega 6 to omega 3 is almost perfect, getting close to 1:1. In corn oil, there are 40 times more omega 6s than omega 3. Researchers have estimated that same ratio of 40:1 exists in some American diets.
The body converts omega 6 fats into inflammatory hormones. Omega 3s contribute to the production of anti inflammatory compounds. In other words, the major fish oil use is to keep inflammation in check.
Acute inflammation causes pain and swelling in the joints or other parts of the body. Chronic inflammation occurs throughout our lives. It is often silent, going on without our noticing it. That kind of silent, chronic inflammation is a major cause of aging. It contributes to heart disease and cancer. It damages our cells and the fibers of our bodies.
Researchers have shown that anti inflammatory drugs are ineffective against chronic inflammation. Plus, the anti inflammatory drugs cause liver damage. Natural anti inflammatories, which are found in healthy diets, can keep the inflammation in check.
Eating a daily serving of fish might accomplish the same things that we see with fish oil use, but it might not. The omega 3 content of fish varies greatly, even among the same species, as the seasons change. We have been warned about consuming too much of the same species on a weekly or monthly basis, due to mercury and other types of contaminants.
The oils can be analyzed for those kinds of contaminants and discarded if they are found. The better manufacturers check each batch for contamination, before they ever put it on the market. You should find out if the manufacturer does that, before you buy a supplement.
A common fish oil use is to relieve achy joints. Another is to improve digestion. Yet another is to keep the brain running optimally. You may have heard that fish is brain food. Research has shown that to be true.
It is a specific omega 3 called Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, for short, that is most beneficial to the brain. It comprises about 40 of the brain’s fatty acids. The body uses it to create the membranes that surround nerve endings and brain cells. Without DHA, new brain cells cannot be composed.
A very common fish oil use is to promote heart health. The benefits to the cardiovascular system are numerous. It may reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attack. So, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.
Author Resource:
Valerie Rosenbaum knows that taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the single most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends after extensive research: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
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