Fish Oil
This
is an educational site for anyone looking for information on fish
oil. None of the information is a substitute for expert medical advice
and should not be taken over the advice of a physician.
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are a
class of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that have been found
to be vital in certain body functions. Fish oil has been found to
prevent heart disease, and has been recommended by the American
Heart Association (see article below). It has also been found to
be helpful for depression, diabetes, Systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE), and cancer among others.
Research carried out over the past 20 years has clearly shown
that omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are essential elements in human nutrition.
The primary source of DHA and EPA is fatty fish and oils from the
tissues of such fish. DHA is a vital component of the phospholipids
in cell membranes throughout the body, but is particularly abundant
in the brain, retina, and sperm. Fish oils either from whole fish
or in the form of supplements have been found to aid in preventing
or ameliorating coronary heart disease, stroke, lupus, nephropathy
(kidney disorders), Crohn's disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer,
colon cancer, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oils
have been found particularly effective in preventing arrhythmias
and sudden death from cardiac arrest. Several studies have shown
that people who eat fish once or more each week can reduce their
risk of sudden cardiac death by 50-70 per cent. EPA has been found
to inhibit blood clotting and EPA and DHA contained in fish oils
inhibit the development of atherosclerosis. Fish oil supplementation
also significantly lowers overall triglyceride and cholesterol levels
without affecting the level of HDL ("good" cholesterol).
Recent
research has shown that the consumption of high fat meals can initiate
the development of atherosclerotic deposits. This effect can be
substantially reduced by taking fish oil prior to eating such meals.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to fetal development and a deficiency
of DHA during gestation can lead to visual impairment and perhaps,
lower intelligence quotients.
With all this research is it any wonder that more people are taking
fish oil supplements? This website is meant to be an informative
introduction to fish oil, because we have experienced the benefits
of it in our lives and are eager to share this information with
others in the hope that it will improve your health and quality
of life.
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