subject: Fish oil and omega 3 helps to enhance your health [print this page] Fish oil and omega 3 helps to enhance your health
Have you heard about the good old cod liver oil that your grandparents or perhaps your parents used to take? You must have, definitely. Most people in olden times used to take cod liver oil to remain healthy and to keep many ailments/sicknesses at bay. People still do nowadays. In those days it was a sort of tradition to take this oil everyday. With the improvement in medical science cod liver oil became available in different forms (pills/capsules). It was very popular in countries like Scotland, Greenland and Scandinavia. Regular intake of this oil offers multiple health benefits.
Today scientists have confirmed the fact that cod liver oil helps our body in many ways. Nowadays you have fish oil supplements which are often prescribed by medical professionals. The fatty acids found in fish contains two types of acids namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) which are very vital for health enhancement. Some fish like mackerel, salmon, cod, tuna and sardines etc have abundant of these fatty acids. Even seaweed and micro algae contain these fatty acids.
If you are a vegetarian then you can look for vegetarian sources. Flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts and dark green leafy vegetables like kale and turnip greens have alpha linolenic acid (ALA). When you eat these plants your body will convert the alpha linolenic acids into EPA. Usually two enzymes (desaturase and elongase) present in our body helps in the conversion of ALA into EPA. However there is a problem here. There are people who do not have these enzymes in their bodies. Therefore a better choice is the oil supplement.
These essential fatty acids are commonly referred to as omega 3. Since there are numerous health benefits associated with these fatty acids people are urged by healthcare authorities in countries to increase their consumption of fish up to the recommended 3 1/2 ounces per week. However there is a catch here. Mercury contamination is common in fish nowadays which may pose as a health risk. Therefore it is better to opt for oil supplements. This way you are able to derive maximum benefit because supplements are free from the risk of mercury contamination.
Adequate intake of these fatty acids helps in lowering the rate of cardiovascular diseases. In addition it helps in lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, the risk of cancer (certain types) and incidence of certain psychological conditions like depression etc.
