It sounds quite surprising that fish oil can bear any fruit in the medical field. But it really does!
First of all fish oil is recommended for a healthy diet because it contains the omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation throughout the body.However, the preferred source of Omega 3 should be from the fish’s body, not the liver.
The liver and liver products (such as cod liver oil) of fish and many animals (such as seals and whales) contain Omega-3, but also the active form of vitamin A. At high levels, this form of the vitamin can be dangerous.
Studies were conducted on prisoners in England where the inmates were fed seafood which contains Omega-3 Fatty acids. The higher consumption of these fatty acids led to a drop in the assault rates. Another Finnish study found that prisoners who were convicted of violence had lower levels of omega–3 fatty acids than prisoners convicted of nonviolent offenses. It was suggested that these kinds of fatty acids are responsible for the neuronal growth of the frontal cortex of the brain which, it is further alleged, is the seat of personal behavior.
The American Heart Association recommends the consumption of 1g of fish oil daily, preferably by eating fish, for patients with coronary heart disease.
The US National Institutes of Health lists three conditions for which fish oil and other omega-3 sources are most highly recommended: hypertriglyceridemia, secondary cardiovascular disease prevention and high blood pressure. It then lists 27 other conditions for which there less evidence. It also lists possible safety concerns: “Intake of 3 grams per day or greater of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding, although there is little evidence of significant bleeding risk at lower doses. Very large intakes of fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids (“Eskimo” amounts) may increase the risk of hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke.”
According to a study from Louisiana State University in September 2005, fish oil may help protect the brain from cognitive problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease. That’s good news for me. My mother died of Alzheimer’s and I’m telling you, I’m taking these capsules at the rate of two a day.
It was proved by a group of researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Tags: , Fish Oils, Food Supplements
4 Comments
Omega three fatty acids are also available from plant sources, such as flaxseed oil, but the composition differs somewhat from the fish derived ones. I am a bit concerned about the population drop of cold water fish, so if plant sources that are useful can be developed, that would be good.
Besides, flax makes wonderful cloth as well. Warmest regards, Doc.
Thanks for this diary which I am just now reading. Since inflammation plays a large part in the various autoimmune disorders that I deal with, I’ll be vigilant about the fish oil and increase to three capsules a day to be sure of getting enough.
I also love sardines in oil (you mentioned them in your canning diary). I looked them up and find that it takes only about 3 ounces (85 g) to supply the 1000 mg Omega-3 per day. I can eat that much on a cracker!
I’ve lived on sardines cans in my youth and was given cod liver oil for years, which would explain my solid constitution.
That, and the fact that you didn’t grow up in the US eating poisoned food.
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