The Top 9 Fish Oil Benefits Proven by Research
A great deal of research studies show that, not only are fish oil benefits numerous, many of them are really very amazing! It seems like new studies are being written about everyday, as researchers and doctors learn even more about how and why it is so effective. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils are “good fats” that are vital to optimal wellness. They are necessary for human health but our bodies can’t produce them – you must get them through diet. Here are some proven fish oil benefits that should persuade you to eat more oil rich, wild fish and/or start taking a highly refined omega-3 supplement if you aren’t already!
Promotes Cardiovascular Health & Prevents Heart Attacks and Strokes
Fish oil continues to increase in scientific reputation as a key promoter of heart health. According to statements from the American Heart Association, omega-3 is effective in reducing the occurrence of heart disease and helps to reduce risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clinical studies of heart attack survivors have discovered that daily fish oil supplements drastically minimize the risk of dying, additional heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also lower blood triglycerides, help correct abnormal heart rhythms, and can help avoid and treat atherosclerosis by preventing the development of plaque and blood clots, which often clog arteries.
Decreases Inflammation/Pain
Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammation effect. Research trials suggest that diets rich in omega-3s (and low in the pro-inflammatory omega-6s) may benefit people with inflammation-based conditions — anything ending with -itis!. Fish oil has have also been used to effectively treat neck, back and menstrual pain, enabling study participants to reduce their intake of NSAID drugs.
Promotes Healthy Joints and Reduces Symptoms of Arthritis
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce tenderness in the joints, pain intensity and morning stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, several test tube studies have demonstrated that omega-3s actually decrease the action of enzymes that break down cartilage. At least 13 published research studies have demonstrated that fish oils are extremely beneficial at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped people with rheumatoid arthritis to reduce their need for pain medication.
Increases Mental Focus & Concentration and Long-Term Cognitive Function
Did you know that omega-3s, especially DHA, are incredibly concentrated in our brains? They’re essential for optimal cognitive (brain memorization and performance) and behavioral functioning, as well as normal growth and development. Trials demonstrate that omega-3s might aid in maintaining adequate cognitive functioning and possibly in avoiding or staving off the onset of dementia. We also have learned that it’s extremely important that pregnant women get adequate DHA, because it’s essential to the developing fetus — during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the fetus’ brain grows at a rate of 250,000 new neurons every minute! Kids are also helped by omega-3 intake, as many studies demonstrate that omega-3s increase learning, concentration, vocabulary and reading skills. Numerous studies have even shown benefits in treating ADD.
Supports Positive Mood & Emotional Well-Being
In countries where fish makes up a large part of the diet, national rates of depression are lower. So, it’s not surprising that studies have found that omega 3 supplements can alleviate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Numerous studies have shown that people who took omega-3s with their prescribed anti-depressants had a larger improvement in symptoms than those who took anti-depressants alone, with patients experiencing a stabilizing effect and fewer mood swings. Research has also shown that, when prisoners were administered omega three fatty acids, there was a huge drop in hostile behavior. Omega-3s also appear to reduce the risk of postnatal depression.
Promotes Eye and Vision Health
Studies show that people with a greater omega-3 intake appear to have a decreased risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing age-related macular degeneration. Early research also shows that omega-3 supplementation helps in lessening dry eye symptoms, may help to slow macular degeneration for people already experiencing it and improves ocular health in general.
Pregnancy, Infant Brain/Eye Development & Reduced Incidence of Childhood Disorders
DHA makes up 15-20% of our cerebral cortex and about 30-60% of the retina, so it is absolutely necessary for normal development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also seems to reduce the chances of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and behavior/hyperactivity later in the child’s life. Omega-3s also assist in lowering the chances of low birth weight and premature birth.
Enhances Metabolism of Fat and Promotes Weight Loss
According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s trigger “I’m full” signals to the brain and aid in inhibiting hunger signals. Research has also shown that fish oil improves the effectiveness of exercise in reducing weight. Volunteers who were given fish oil as part of their diet showed greater decreases in weight as compared to those who didn’t consume fish oils. Exercise along with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the volunteers.
Decreases Chance of Prostate, Breast & Colorectal Cancer
Though additional research in this area is urgently needed, we now are aware that the omega 3’s found in fish oils assist in the prevention and treatment of testicular, prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. Preliminary trials imply that consuming fish oils everyday can help inhibit the progression of colon cancer in people with early stages of the disease and may even have the capacity to cause apoptosis (cellular death) of cancerous cells.
Much more could be written about the many fish oil benefits. And, as the scientific community and health professionals continue to examine omega-3s, you can be certain that fish oils will keep making headlines as the ideal source of these essential fatty acids that are so vital to our bodies. Even if you’re currently in great physical condition, a high quality fish oil supplement is the simplest, safest way to achieve and maintain optimal health!
Copyright by Marshall Sontag. All Rights Reserved.
Marshall Sontag has been studying nutrition and health for over a decade, and has become an expert on health supplements and omega 3 in particular. He has operated a fish oil benefits website for the last 5 years, which features hundreds of studies on the benefits of omega-3 and was selected by Google as the #1 website for their “fish oil” search.
