We have been told about the benefits of fish oil since childhood. The intake of this supplement was almost mandatory since it was believed that only it would help form the bones properly and protect against rickets. And there are reasons for this. Nowadays you can find Omega 3 in every pharmacy chain in your city.
What is fish oil?
This is healthy animal fat that is obtained from the liver and muscles of large fish species, most often cod, herring, tuna, or mackerel. It contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) omega-3 and omega-6, vitamins A and D, as well as phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, and calcium.
All these elements are very important, as they are involved in the construction of cells, in the process of their regeneration. That is why fish oil is essential for physical and mental health, and it helps prevent diseases associated with the destruction of tissues and joints. At the same time, our body does not produce it on its own but receives it only from the outside. With a lack of this substance, the general condition of the body may worsen.
Fish oil and omega 3.
The main known component of fish oil is omega-3.
Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This element is necessary for the body, but it can only be obtained from the outside. Its deficiency can provoke nervous disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems.
However, it is impossible to put an equal sign between omega-3 and fish oil. The composition of the latter is much richer: various types of acids (in particular, acetic, oleic, palmitic), omega-6 PUFAs, as well as vitamins A and D.
Benefits for the body.
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Work of the heart
- Studies have shown that in regions where there is a lot of fish, people have much fewer problems with the cardiovascular system.
- Eating fish or fish oil helps
- lower cholesterol
- normalize triglycerides (TG) – these fats are considered the main source of energy for body cells, but an increase in their level increases the risk of cardiovascular disease
- lower blood pressure
- deal with arrhythmias. Fish oil is also beneficial for people suffering from heart rhythm disorders. This is a fairly serious heart disorder that can cause an attack.
Although fish oil can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders, it is certainly not a panacea.
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Mental health.
The brain is almost 60% fat, most of which are omega-3 fatty acids. So for the normal functioning of the gray matter, they are simply necessary. Studies have shown that people with mental disorders have lower blood levels of omega-3s.
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Depression.
Depression is often deficient in omega-3s. Adding fish oil to your diet may improve the condition and relieve symptoms.
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Brain activity.
As we age, our brains work more slowly, increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Taking fish oil can slow down the decline in brain activity.
Some research confirms that taking this supplement improves memory in older people.
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Normalization of weight.
The use of fish oil helps to normalize weight. Of course, in combination with diet and exercise, the effectiveness is much higher. Just taking a supplement will not lead to weight loss.
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Vision.
To see well and not have problems with the eyes, omega-3 is also needed – its deficiency can lead to diseases of the organs of vision. Regular consumption of fish oil helps improve eye health and prevent some of the visual problems that occur in older people, such as age-related macular degeneration.
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Inflammation.
The body’s response to an infection or injury is the immune system’s way of dealing with it. And fish oil helps the body cope with the inflammatory process faster.
In addition, a fish oil supplement can reduce joint pain associated with arthritis.
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Skin health.
The skin contains a large amount of omega-3, and the lack of these PUFAs can lead to discomfort: dehydration, peeling, and redness. The intake of fish oil allows you to get rid of these symptoms, and also significantly improves the condition of patients with skin diseases, such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
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Pregnancy.
The addition of fish oil to the diet of pregnant women and nursing mothers helps to improve vision and motor skills in infants. What’s more, fish oil may reduce the risk of allergies.
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Attention and hyperactivity in children.
Behavioral disorders in childhood can be prevented by taking enough omega-3s. In addition, fish oil supplements help reduce inattention, impulsivity, and aggression in children.
