10 Uses of Fish Oil Based on Scientific Evidence by:Larry L. Taylor

Scientific evidence that fish oil is beneficial for some health conditions is based on research

, studies and some human trials as well as on animals. Fish oil has been found to be of more benefit to some health problems than others. Some conditions respond very well, while others are more limited if at all. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Fish oil is recommended for a healthy diet because it contains the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors to eicosanoids that reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Here are Fish Oil Uses Based on Scientific Evidence:

High blood pressure

"Multiple human trials report small reductions in blood pressure with intake of omega-3 fatty acid. DHA may have greater benefits than EPA. However, it may be necessary to take high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids per day to obtain these health benefits, and high doses may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, a qualified healthcare provider should be consulted before starting treatment with fish oil supplements."

Hypertriglyceridemia (fish oil / EPA plus DHA)

"There is strong scientific evidence from human trials that omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements (EPA + DHA) significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels. Benefits appear to be dose-dependent. Fish oil supplements also appear to cause small improvements in high-density lipoprotein ("good cholesterol"); however, increases (worsening) in low-density lipoprotein levels (LDL/"bad cholesterol") have also been observed. It is not clear if alpha-linolenic acid significantly affects triglyceride levels."

Primary cardiovascular disease prevention (fish intake)

"Several large studies of populations (called epidemiological studies) report a significantly lower rate of death from heart disease in people who regularly eat fish. Other epidemiological research reports no such benefits. It is unclear if benefits only occur in certain groups of people, such as those at risk of developing heart disease. Fish oil is also associated with improved blood vessel functioning and decreased resting heart rate. Overall, the evidence suggests benefits of regular consumption of fish oil."

Secondary cardiovascular disease prevention (fish oil / EPA plus DHA)

"Several studies report that regular consumption of oily fish or fish oil/omega-3 supplements reduces the risk of non-fatal heart attacks, fatal heart attacks, sudden death, and deaths due to any cause in people with histories of heart attacks. Most patients in these studies were also using standard heart drugs, suggesting that the benefits of fish oils may add to the effects of other therapies."

Pregnancy nutritional supplement

"DHA has been found to be important for healthy pregnancies. Research shows that fish oil supplementation from the 22nd week of pregnancy until delivery improves the amount of n-3 LC-PUFA in the fetus and the mother."

Nutrition (in gastrointestinal disorders)

"Early evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may be a good source of nutrition for patients with Crohn's disease or for those who need to be tube fed after abdominal surgeries."

Inflammation

"Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation. Scientists believe that their anti-inflammatory effects may help protect against heart disease."

Infant eye / brain development

"Early evidence suggests that infants have improved problem solving skills but not memory if their mothers consume DHA-containing functional foods during pregnancy. Other research suggests that DHA supplementation during pregnancy plays an important role in the development of the visual system."

Protection from cyclosporine toxicity in organ transplant patients

"There are many studies of heart transplant and kidney transplant patients taking cyclosporine (Neoral), who received fish oil supplements. Most trials report improvements in kidney function and reduced high blood pressure compared to patients not taking fish oil. Although several recent studies report no benefits for kidney function, the weight of scientific evidence favors the beneficial effects of fish oil."

Rheumatoid arthritis (fish oil)

"Many studies report improvements in morning stiffness and joint tenderness with the regular intake of fish oil supplements for up to three months. Fish oil has been shown to increase the effects of anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen). However, because of weaknesses in study designs and reporting, better research is needed before a strong favorable recommendation can be made." For more information please see my website listed below. Thanks, Larry L. Taylor

About the author

Please visit http://www.XtendFishOil.com for Larry's recommended source of Omega-3 Fish Oil and Nutritional Supplements that are guaranteed to be safe and effective. A FREE Health Newsletter is available.

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