Fish Oil Health Benefits are Many! Learn all about Fish Oil Supplements.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Your body needs these omega-3's to make eicosanoids, which reduce inflammation in the body. ^av

A third omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic is found primarily in flax seed, chia seed and walnuts.^aw.

Grass-fed beef, grass-fed milk/butter and free-range chicken have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than conventionally raised food products. ^aw However, fish oil is still the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids.

There are numerous fish oil health benefits. It has been shown to exhibit protective effects against both Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease. ^av

Types of Fish Oil: There are many different types of fish oil...salmon oil, krill oil, halibut oil and cod liver oil are some of the most common. Each type has its benefits, however for my family and myself, we have chosen to only take fermented cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is very high in Vitamin D and Vitamin A, in addition to omega-3 fatty acids. Fermented cod liver oils contain a wider range of nutrients than the non-fermented type. They are a more traditional form of cod liver oil and are easier on the digestive system (thanks to the fermentation). The lacto-fermentation process makes certain nutrients (especially Vitamin A) more available. My husband, children and I all take Green Pasture's Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil on a daily basis.

Fish Oil and Depression: One of the best known fish oil health benefits is the prevention and treatment of depression and other mood disorders. Study after study have shown the effectiveness of fish oil in treating depression. One such study documented a decrease in assault rates at prisons when fish oil was introduced into the prisoners' diets. Other studies have shown that fish oil supplementation could delay or prevent the onset of schizophrenia. ^aw Furthermore, fish oil is an effective treatment and prevention for postpartum depression. One notable study published in the May 1999 Archives of Psychiatry performed a study in which 64% of bipolar patients exhibited marked improvement with supplementation of 10mg of fish oil/day. ^ax Now, that is a lot of fish oil and that large of a dosage may not be necessary for everyone. If you are suffering from depression or other mood disorders, consult your doctor about the appropriate fish oil dosage.

Fish Oil and Cholesterol: The American Heart Association recommends regular consumption of fish oil for those with cardiovascular disease. Regular fish oil consumption has been associated with improved cholesterol levels. The generally recommended fish oil dosage is 1 g/day for those with a history of heart disease and 2-4 g for people with high triglycerides. ^ay Fish oil has also been shown to decrease triglycerides in a dose-dependent fashion, while having little to no effect on HDL or "good cholesterol". Some people have experienced an increase in "bad cholesterol" after fish oil supplementation. However, what actually happens is that as triglycerides decrease, LDL appears to increase simply because the values are "calculated" and not absolute. Furthermore, triglycerides start out as something known as VLDL (very low density lipoproteins) and are then converted into triglycerides. Therefore, as triglycerides levels decrease, there may be a "shift" from VLDL to LDL. This shift can cause LDL levels to increase. ^az

Fish Oil Dosage: Depending on your source, the suggested fish oil dosage can vary quite a bit. To some extent, fish oil health benefits are dose dependent. One study used 10 grams a day in the treatment of bi-polar disorder, however most sources suggest a lower dosage, around 1 gram/day. Most studies use 200-400 mg/day for the prevention of depression and other mood disorders and 1000 mg/day for the treatment.

If you are taking fish oil for heart disease, it is suggested to take at least 1 gram of DHA and EPA if you have heart disease. If you have high triglycerides, then 2-4 g/day may be needed. ^ay Of course, always talk with our doctor before starting any dietary supplement, especially if you are taking prescription medication.

If you have a question or want to know more about Omega 3 Fish Oil, please visit Fish Oil and Triglycerides.

Side effects of fish oil: One minor side effect some people experience with liquid fish oil supplements is what is commonly known as "fish oil burps"...or a fishy aftertaste that is belched up after taking the liquid. This is pretty minor and while annoying, isn't harmful. A few people will also experience upset stomach after taking fish oil...although consuming it with food seems to help this.

Fish Oil Safety Guidelines: Do not take fish oil supplements before consulting with your doctor if you have diabetes as fish oil can change your blood sugar readings.

One of the major fish oil health benefits is that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil "thin" the blood and prevent blood platelets from clumping. This has lead some people to worry that fish oil may cause excessive bleeding. However, scientific studies have not shown this to be the case. ^az But, (there's always a but)...if you are deficient in Vitamin K1 (vitamin K is found in broccoli, lettuce, green peppers and other greens) or are taking blood-thinning drugs such as Warfarin..do consult with your doctor before taking fish oil supplements. In those circumstances, fish oil may cause excess bleeding so caution should be exercised. ^az

The biggest issue with fish oil is the risk of contamination from mercury and other toxic substances. The DHA and EPA in fish oil is classified by the NIH as "generally regarded as safe"...however the same can not be said for mercury and other heavy metal contaminants. Let's take a trip back to 3rd grade science class for a bit. Big fish eat little fish...right? Therefore, the big fish that are at the top of the food chain get all their omega-3 fatty acids from the consumption of other fish. Unfortunately, they also get all the toxins and mercury that have accumulated in the little fish. This is why it is recommended to limit one's consumption of predatory fish, such as mackerel, shark, albacore tuna and salmon.

So, we know that too much fish can be dangerous...but what about fish oil supplements? Mercury, PBP's and dioxins are all found in fish...however these toxins are found to a higher extent in the flesh and muscle, and less so in the oil. The International Fish Oil Standards website contains results from laboratory testing of various fish oil brands. Research conducted by ConsumberLabs.com showed no mercury, dioxins and PCB's in fish oil supplements studied. A similar study conducted by the Harvard School of Health showed similar "negligible amounts" of mercury. This means that the oil either contains no toxins to begin with or they were purified out during processing. ^ba

Fish Oil Supplements During Pregnancy: There are many fish oil health benefits to the developing baby. DHA and EPA are essential to the healthy development of the baby's brain. Furthermore they prevent both prepartum and postpartum depression. The most commonly suggested dosage is 1000-1200 mg/day. Naturally, be careful to only use reliable brands and those which are purified to remove all toxins.

Fish Oil Health Benefits: home remedies for allergies, home remedies for arthritis, home remedies for asthma, blood pressure, cholesterol, chronic fatigue syndrome, natural cure for depression, home remedies for eczema, home remedies for headaches, memory loss, natural remedies for pms, home remedies for psoriasis, home remedies for warts, wrinkles.

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