Benefits of Fish Oil

By Dr. Brenda Higgins

• Fish oil contains a fatty acid called Omega-3 which has been found to have many essential health benefits to the human body. These nutrients can be attributed to the presence of omega 3 fatty acids like
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).. These acids treat neural disorders as well as heart problems. Here is a list of what Omega-3 can help you with.

Heart health

•  Fish oil is effective in preventing strokes and regular usage of fish oil can help avoid sudden cardiac death. It prevents the accumulation of triglycerides which are fats found in the bloodstream that the body uses for energy. A high amount of triglycerides may increase the risk of heart disease.

Mental Health

• Fat oils help stimulate brain cell growth and it is also been studied to help strengthen and improve those cells as they are growing. It provides the nutrients and chemical compounds needed for brain tissue. Fish oil also helps improve nerve communications and message relay within the brain.

Bone Health

• During old age, bones can begin to lose their essential minerals, making them more likely to break. This leads to diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. People with higher omega-3 intakes and blood levels have better bone mineral density.

What to look for…

There are many variations of Omega-3 supplements so learning to read the supplement facts will allow you to understand what to look for when purchasing fish oil. It is important to look for the concentration and amount of fatty acids when purchasing fish oil. A standard 1000 mg fish oil  capsule provides approximately 300 mg of omega-3s and to meet the 500 mg of EPA and DHA recommendation, a minimum of two soft gels would be necessary.