Fish Oil: An Important Part Of Your Diet
June 5th, 2007Recent studies have suggested that human brain is composed of lot of oils. The main source of these oils is found to be only fish. Hence it can be stressed that fish oil is very essential for human health and development. It is believed that our ancestors lived in coastal areas, which helped them to get much of their nutrition from fish, especially shellfish.
There are many health benefits from consuming fish oil. It can help control blood serum cholesterol so preventing cardio-vascular disease as well as high blood pressure. It is also sometimes used in the treatment of depression, others have claimed that it can help with other mental problems, Alzheimer’s disease and even improve people’s memories.
Probably the most vital components of fish oil are omega 3 fatty acids. The human body is not able to make omega 3. Omega 3 are generally not found in plants and when they are found in plants it is in very small amounts. The development of an unborn child’s brain and eyes are dependent upon the availability of omega 3; for this reason it is vital that expecting mothers get enough omega 3.
Along with deficiencies in omega 3 number of health problems are associated. Studies have suggested that asthma and other allergies as well as Attention Deficit Disorder may be linked to insufficient intake of omega 3. Some scientists have said that a lesser consumption of omega 3 by pregnant women leads to poor hand-eye coordination, lower IQ level and poor social skills of the new borns.
Salmon, sardines and herring are the fish which contain large amounts of omega 3. But at the same time, eating large quantities of fish is quite unsafe as dangerous heavy metals from water pollution may accumulate to dangerous levels in the body of a fish. Moreover, a fish liver may contain very high amount of rentinol which is an active form of Vitamin A and which can be very dangerous.
Because fish oil supplements are so highly recommended, companies have made them in a capsule form. Be sure they are made as safe as possible by being certified mercury-free, and free of any other dangerous metals. The supplement should be purified so humans can assimilate them easier. While the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids are becoming more widely known, still only 2% of the US population takes the recommended daily amount.
Fish oil controls blood serum cholesterol and helps in treating high blood pressure, prevention of heart disease and neurological conditions such as depression and memory loss. It also boosts resistance to allergies including asthma and Attention Deficit Disorder. An important ingredient, called omega 3 benefits pregnant women in helping the unborn child’s proper development of brain and eyes. This fatty acid is extracted from sardines, salmons and herrings. Many companies market the oil supplements in capsules. Consumers should look for those that are certified as free from mercury and other harmful metals.
- Michael Byrd
