Fish oil is the fat or oil that’s extracted from fish tissue. It usually comes from oily fish, such as herring, tuna, anchovies, and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids constitute around 30% of fish oil.
Intake of omega-3s contributes to normal brain and eye development. They fight inflammation and may help prevent heart disease and a decline in brain function. While omega-3s are also found in some plant sources, the ones found in fish oil have greater health benefits. If you don’t eat fish, then fish oil supplements are a good alternative for you.
Fish oil is a dietary supplement that is extracted from the tissues of certain kinds of oily fish. The most vital components of fish oils are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-3 fatty acids, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These components are considered to have many health benefits like the ability to enhance mood & immunity, reduce oxidative damage or inflammation in the body.
What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is the fat or oil that’s extracted from fish tissue. It usually comes from oily fish, such as herring, tuna, anchovies, and mackerel.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating 1–2 portions of fish per week. This is because the omega-3 fatty acids in fish provide many health benefits, including protection against several diseases.
What is fish oil good for?
The essential nutrients in fish oil such as omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA offer health benefits from tip to toe. Many studies have proven the benefits of fish oil supplements, especially the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in various kinds of medical conditions like mental health including anxiety and depression. Even though fish oil has numerous health benefits, the top 9 benefits of fish oil are discussed here.
1. Benefits of taking fish oil in recovering from a stroke:
Taking fish oil can benefit during recovery from stroke. Stroke survivors can benefit from the brain-boosting qualities of DHA and omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil has also been noted to reduce the risk of thrombotic stroke.
2.Benefits of taking fish oil for the heart:
Fish oil is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids. These components are deemed to have cardioprotective qualities. Omega 3 fatty acids help in lowering the levels of triglycerides, consequently reducing a person’s risk of stroke and heart attack. It is also believed that fish oil promotes the suppression of irregular heartbeats and thus contributes to heart health.
3. Benefits of taking fish oil for mood:
Mood and cognition are controlled by a chemical called serotonin that is secreted in the brain. Regular consumption of fish oil promotes the release of serotonin. An uninterrupted release of serotonin thus helps in improving social behaviour and uplifts mood. Taking fish oil regularly helps serotonin to work better by reducing brain inflammation and facilitating its release.
It will help to improve mood and social behaviour and overall happiness. Improvement of brain functioning also helps in faster cognition and decision-making processes.
4. Supplements for memory:
Omega 3 fatty acids make an essential building block for the brain cell structures and membranes. As a result, they are vital for optimal brain functions. Further, Omega 3 acids are also necessary for the adequate performance of the nerve cells.
Benefits of taking fish oil for immunity
The number and activity of the disease-fighting cells of the body called B-cells go up with regular consumption of omega 3 fatty acids. This along with its anti-inflammatory action boosts in building stronger immunity.
6. Benefits of taking fish oil to counter the effect of air pollution:
Difficult to the popular belief that air pollution affects the respiratory system, air pollutants affect every organ and system of the body.
Omega 3 fatty acids due to their ability to reduce and prevent inflammation can also help reduce the oxidative stress on organs caused due to pollution and other environmental factors. Some scientists believe that up to 35-40% of the damage caused by pollution can be reduced by fish oil supplements.
7. Benefits of fish oil supplements for eyes:
Fish oil is deemed to be of benefit for preventing dry eyes if consumed regularly due to moisture retention capabilities of omega 3 fatty acids.
8. Fish oil as nourishment for skin:
Omega 3 fatty acids can help in overhauling damage to the skin cells due to their ability to restore cell membranes from the inside.
Skin conditions causing redness and irritation can also benefit due to the anti-inflammatory effects of omega 3 acids making the skin more even.
Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. The researcher implies that these fatty acids can improve skin health, as well as specific skin conditions, such as eczema and acne.