Fish oil is produced from the flesh of fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and trout.
It is especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
The real value of fish oil is found in the concentration of these components in its contents.
EPA and DHA, are important to human health, and contribute significantly to the prevention of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
Omega-3 fatty acids are present mainly in oily fish, as mentioned above, and also in soybeans in flaxseed, green vegetables, nuts and foods fortified with omega-3 such as margarines.
The omega-3 fatty acids are also available in supplements.
While all the omega-3 nutrients enhance and support the immune system, omega-3 from fish oil, namely EPA and DHA, are more biologically potent than omega-3 fat alpha-linolenic acid found in plant sources like flaxseed.
Unfortunately, the western-style diet which prevails in much of the developed nations like ours is low in omega-3.
The absence of satisfactory quantities of these fatty acids in our diet may contribute to the increase of many chronic diseases associated with or giving rise to chronic inflammation.
A diet rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 nutrients can help prevent the development of such chronic diseases.
Medical research has shown that fish oil may promote better heart function by: -Favorably affecting the balance of body fat.
-Reducing the likelihood of blood clotting.
-Making the heart less prone to arrhythmias.
-Help prevent heart disease by helping raise good cholesterol HDL, lower homocysteine levels and reduce hypertension.
Pregnancy Eating fish is necessary during pregnancy.
This is suggested because more and more studies show that omega-3 fatty acids are vital to the development of the brain and the nervous system of the baby.
Because the first six months of a baby's nutrition consist of mainly milk, it is best for mothers to breastfeed, making sure that they diet is rich in omega-3, preferably from a mainly fish-based diet.
Arthritis Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are helpful to people with arthritis.
Specifically, they have been noted to aid in the improvement of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in patients treated with fish oil supplements.
Mental Health Scientific studies have found that the supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with depression, significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of the episodes.
Most research on depression and omega-3 has been focused on fish oil-supplemented diets.
Studies have also found that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory decline and greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
However, as many studies also have shown, an important element for good mental health is not only just an omega-3-rich diet, but also the correct ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.
Our modern habits of food consumption tend to contribute more omega-6 fatty acids (various vegetable oils, corn oil, peanut oil), which disrupt the proper ratio of omega-3 and omega-6.
Osteoporosis Studies have shown that women who take fish oil in combination with calcium supplements, have better bone density and fewer fractures than women taking only calcium supplements.
Cancer Prevention Positive results have also been found in the action of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of breast cancer, colon and prostate.