Benefits Of Fish Oil – Omega 3 Vs Omega 6

The health benefits of fish oil may include reduced risk of heart disease, cancer and arthritis, as well as four types of eye diseases. Research indicates that it is a beneficial anti-inflammatory agent that helps to prevent cancerous growths and tumors.

Another research indicates that the omega-3s prevent both arthritis and heart disease, but that it may take a year or more of daily supplementation before the benefits are seen. But, the good news is that the DHA content of omega-3s are not lower after supplementation.

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids. They must be present in the diet, because the body will not produce them. Since the body uses omega-3 fatty acids in building cellular membranes, it is important to get enough in the diet. According to nutritionists, most American’s do not get enough omega-3s.

In two double blind, placebo controlled trials, fish oil supplementation was beneficial for psoriasis patients. In sustained treatment studies, it was beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

The most recent research indicates that it helps to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. High blood triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

A look at cholesterol levels when blood triglycerides are high or normal and correlation with age-related macular degeneration. The macula is a small spot in the back of the eye, responsible for central vision. Studies indicate that a person who has high triglycerides in the blood has a 60% greater risk than a person that has low levels of triglycerides.

In people with normal triglyceride levels, taking 4 grams of omega-3s per day decreased the blood triglyceride levels by 26%. Numerous studies have shown that it takes 4 – 8 years for large risk reductions to occur. Following heart disease, the most common cause of death, there has been a reduction in the risk of death due to heart disease of between 26% and 31%.

Fish oil containing the omega-3s also helped reduce or prevent atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries and adequate levels of omega-3s help prevent blood clotting and inflammation. There was a reduction of almost 60% in deaths from heart disease and about 40% in deaths from heart attacks.

Taking the fish oil supplements was recommended by the American Heart Association and the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. It is or was for the first time recommended for lowering triglycerides and for other purposes. Fish oil is available in both liquid and capsule forms. There are refrigerated brands. There are “Put back the Fish” brands. Apparently, fishy tasting burps are a problem for some people, but otherwise, it is a totally safe nutrient.

Fish oil is not the only natural substance that may help reduce cholesterol and help prevent heart disease. The spice, turmeric, is a similar compound and one that has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine for liver and gallbladder ailments. The leaves of the cardamom tree, from which turmeric is derived, have been used since ancient times to reduce intestinal inflammation, improve digestion and treat some intestinal diseases. Some studies indicate that a plant like theiw dailyin their Modernist days.