Fish oil is obtained from the tissues of certain ‘oil’ fishes. It contains Omega 3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), along with traces of a few eicosanoids that are beneficial for the body. You can get fish oil in your system by having fish or you could go for fish oil supplements. Fishes that are considered ‘oily’ include Mackerel, Tuna, Salmon, Mullet, Bluefish, Anchovy, Herring, Trout and Menhaden among others. The supplements are mostly made using Mackerel, Herring, Tuna, Salmon, Cod liver, Whale blubber, or Seal blubber.
They may contain a hint of vitamin E to avoid spoilage, combined with other nutrients like Calcium or Iron. Many of the benefits that fish oil offers stem from the fact that it has Omega 3 fatty acids, which our bodies don’t create. Fish oil supplements have been proven to contain EPA and DHA, both of which are types of Omega-3 acids. These acids lessen pain and inflammation and that is why fish oil is even used for psoriasis and dry eyes. They also keep the blood from clotting easily that renders fish oil helpful for heart conditions, and this is the prime reason I take the supplement daily.
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Benefits of Fish Oil Supplements:
Fish oil has various benefits and is known to be used as treatment for a variety of conditions. Mostly, it’s useful for heart conditions and those related to blood. It’s been known that fish oil can lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Although a specific dosage can help prevent heart diseases and stroke, but remember, if taken excessively, it may even cause a stroke! Fish oil also works as a remedy for depression and anxiety. Moreover, it’s often consumed for weight loss, pregnancy and fertility issues including other conditions like inflammation, arthritis and diabetes. Besides, it improves immunity levels, within your body.
1) Heart Diseases:
These supplements are used to keep the heart healthy and reduce the risk for cardiac diseases. Some researchers believe fish oil to be effective in decreasing the risk of death from heart attacks, more than the widely used cholesterol-lowering ‘statins’. It might interest you to know that fish oil is sometimes given to patients after a heart transplant surgery to keep their blood pressure from getting elevated, avoid damage to the kidneys and lower the risk of body rejecting the new heart. Also, it may be used after Coronary artery bypass surgery to reduce chances of the rerouted blood vessel to close up.
2) Psychological and Eye-Conditions:
Some doctors recommend fish oil supplements as a treatment for Psychosis, ADHD and Alzheimer’s among other mental disorders. People also consume them for certain eye problems like Glaucoma and AMD, which are quite common in older people.
3) Feminine Troubles:
Women are known to take fish oil in order to prevent painful periods, breast pain along with any complications related to pregnancy like miscarriage, elevated blood pressure towards the end of the pregnancy, or early delivery.
4) Others:
The supplements are also known to be used for weight loss, diabetes, developmental coordination disorders, dyslexia, kidney problems, weak bones, and to ease pain and swelling.
5) What are The Side Effects of Fish Oil Supplements?
The supplements don’t have a lot of side effects and are considered to be quite safe for normally healthy individuals. The drawbacks that may be caused are often due to administering heavy doses over time. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, intake of up to 3 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids, per day from fish is safe.
6) How to Buy them?
They are easily available on pharmacy stores as well as online. I usually go for bulk supplements online using coupon codes to save money. My advice is to go online if you want to buy in bulk, as most online pharmacy stores offer discounts on volume purchases. On the other hand, if you just want to buy a small quantity, better to visit a nearby pharmacy.
