8 Fish Oil Benefits Proven By Research

A plethora of research indicates that, not only are fish oil benefits numerous, some of them are really quite extraordinary! It seems like new studies are being published every day, as scientists and doctors learn more and more about how and why it is so beneficial.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are “good fats” that are vital to wellbeing. They are necessary for human health but the body can’t make them — you have to get them through diet (you can read about the other sources of omega-3). Here are some proven fish oil benefits that should convince you to eat more oily, wild-caught fish and start taking a quality fish oil supplement if you aren’t already!

Promotes Cardiovascular Health & Protects Against Heart Attack and Stroke Fish oil continues to grow in scientific credibility as a key component to heart health. According to the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in reducing the incidence of heart disease and helps to reduce risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Clinical studies of heart attack survivors have found that daily omega-3 supplements dramatically reduce the risk of death, subsequent heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also lower blood triglycerides, help correct abnormal heartbeats, and can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the development of plaque and blood clots, which tend to clog arteries.

Reduces Inflammation/Pain and Promotes Healthy Joints Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and reduce joint tenderness, pain intensity and morning stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Lab studies also suggest that diets rich in omega-3s (and low in the inflammatory omega-6s) may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders (anything that ends in itis!).

In fact, several test tube studies have found that omega-3s decrease actually reduce the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. Omega-3s have also been used to successfully treat neck, back and menstrual pain, enabling study patients to reduce their intake of NSAID drugs.

Supports Mental Focus & Long-Term Cognitive Function Did you know that omega-3s, especially DHA, are highly concentrated in the brain? They’re important for optimal cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function, as well as normal growth and development.

Studies show that omega-3s may help in maintaining adequate cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or delaying the onset of dementia. We also now know that it’s very important that pregnant women get enough DHA, which is crucial to the developing fetus. In fact, numerous studies show that omega-3s improve learning, concentration, reading and vocabulary skills in children.

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 fish oil supplements can alleviate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis.

Several studies have found that people who took omega-3s in addition to prescription antidepressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those who took antidepressants alone, with patients experiencing a stabilizing effect and fewer mood swings. Research has also shown that, when prisoners were given omega three fatty acids, there was a significant drop in aggressive behavior. Omega-3s also seem to lower the risk of postpartum depression.

Promotes Eye Health Evidence shows that people with a higher omega-3 intake appear to have a lower risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing macular degeneration. Early research also shows that omega-3 supplementation helps to alleviate dry eye symptoms, may help to slow macular degeneration for those already developing it and improves ocular health in general.

Pregnancy, Infant Brain/Eye Development & Less Incidence of Childhood Disorders DHA makes up 15-20% of the cerebral cortex and 30- 60% of the retina so it is absolutely necessary for normal development of the fetus and baby.

Prenatal DHA availability also appears to decrease likelihood of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and behavior/hyperactivity later in the life of the child. Omega-3s also help to lower the risk of low birth weight and premature birth.

Promotes Optimal Fat Metabolism According to the National Institutes of Health, omega-3s trigger “I’m full” signals to the brain and help quash hunger signals. Research has also shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing weight.

Volunteers who were given fish oil diet showed greater weight loss as compared to those who did not consume fish oil diet. Exercise combined with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the patients.

Lowers Risk of Prostate, Breast & Colorectal Cancer Though more research in this area is urgently needed, we now know that the omega 3s found in fish oil assist in the prevention and treatment of prostrate, testicular, breast, and ovarian cancers.

Preliminary studies suggest that taking fish oil daily can help slow the progression of colon cancer in people with early stages of the disease and may even have the ability to cause apoptosis (cellular death) of cancer cells.

More could be written about the many fish oil benefits. And, as the scientific community and health professionals continue to study omega-3s, you can bet that fish oil will keep making news as the best source of these essential fatty acids that are so vital to our bodies. Even if you’re currently in good physical condition, a quality fish oil supplement is the simplest, safest way to achieve and maintain optimal health!

Find out How Much Fish Oil Should I Take and read more about Side Effects of Fish Oil here: http://fishoilbenefitshq.com/