Friday, August 6, 2010

Top 9 Benefits Of Fish Oil Affirmed Through Scientific Science

By Brittany W. Wallace

A great deal of studies indicate that, not only are the benefits of fish oil numerous, many of them are really quite amazing! It seems sometimes like new studies are being published everyday, as scientists and doctors learn even more about how and why it is tremendously beneficial. The omega-3 fatty acids that appear in fish oil are "good fats" that are necessary for well-being. They are essential for our health but our bodies can't make them - you have to obtain them from your diet. Here are some proven fish oil health benefits that should convince you to consume more oily, wild fish and/or begin taking a quality fish oil supplement if perhaps you're not currently!

Promotes Cardiovascular Health & Prevents Heart Attack and Strokes

Fish oil continues to increase in medical reputation as a significant promoter of heart health. According to the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in reducing the occurrence of heart disease and helps to reduce risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Research trials of heart attack survivors have discovered that daily consumption of fish oil capsules dramatically minimize the risk of death, subsequent heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also reduce blood triglycerides, help correct abnormal heart rhythms, and can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by preventing the development of plaque and blood clots, which typically clog arteries.

Reduces Pain & Inflammation

Omega-3s have a great anti-inflammation impact. Lab trials show that diets high in omega-3s (and low in the pro-inflammatory omega-6s) may benefit people with inflammatory disorders -- anything that ends in -itis!. Fish oil has also been utilized to successfully treat neck, back and menstrual pain, enabling study patients to lower their own consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Contributes to Healthy Joints and Minimizes Symptoms of Arthritis

The omega-3s in fish oil reduce joint tenderness, pain intensity and morning stiffness produced by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, quite a few lab studies have found that omega-3s actually reduce the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. More than 13 published clinical trials have shown that fish oil supplements are highly effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped people with RA to reduce their dependence on pain killers.

Enhances Mental Focus & Long-Term Cognitive Functioning

Did you know that omega-3s, particularly DHA, are highly prevalent in the brain? They're important for optimum cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function, as well as normal growth and development. Trials demonstrate that omega-3s might help in maintaining proper cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or holding off the onset of Alzheimer's disease. We additionally now know it's seriously imperative that pregnant women get enough DHA, because it's essential to the developing fetus -- during the third trimester of being pregnant, the brain of the fetus grows at a rate of a quarter million new neurons each minute! Kids are also helped by omega-3 consumption, as myriad studies show that omega-3s enhance learning, focus, vocabulary and reading skills. Countless studies have even shown efficacy in treating ADHD.

Contributes to Happy Mood & Psychological Well-being

In countries where fish is a significant part of the diet, nationwide rates of depression are lower. So, it's not surprising that studies have found that fish oil supplements can alleviate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Many studies have found that participants who took omega-3s in addition to prescription anti-depressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those that only took antidepressants, with individuals getting a stabilization effect and fewer mood swings. Research has also demonstrated that, when those in prison were given omega-3s, there was a significant reduction in aggressive behavior. Omega-3s also seem to lower the risk of postnatal depression.

Promotes Vision Wellness

Studies show that people with a greater omega-3 intake seem to have a decreased risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing AMD, or age-related macular degeneration. Preliminary studies also show that omega-3 supplements help in lessening dry eye signs and symptoms, could help to slow macular degeneration for people already experiencing it and helps ocular wellness in general.

Pregnancy, Infancy Brain/Vision Development & Less Occurrence of Childhood Conditions

DHA makes up 15-20% of the cerebral cortex and approximately 30-60% of the retina, so it is unquestionably key for normal development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also appears to decrease likelihood of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and hyperactivity/behavior later in the child's life. Omega-3s also help to lower the chances of premature birth and low birth weight.

Enhances Metabolism of Fat and Weight Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s trigger "I'm full" signals to the brain and aid in inhibiting hunger signals. Research has also shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing body fat. Volunteers who were alloted fish oil as part of their diet showed greater weight loss as contrasted with those who did not consume fish oil. Exercise combined with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the volunteers.

Lowers Risk of Breast, Prostate & Colorectal Cancers

Though more research in this area is certainly needed, we now know that the omega 3's that appear in fish oil help in the prevention and treatment of testicular, prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. Early studies suggest that consuming fish oil daily can help inhibit the progression of colon cancer in those with early stages of the disease and may even have the capacity to cause apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells.

More could be said about the many fish oil benefits. And, as the science community and doctors continue to research omega-3s, you can be certain that fish oil will keep making headlines as the best source of these essential fatty acids that are so vital to our bodies. Even if you're currently in good shape, a quality fish oil supplement is the simplest, safest way to achieve and maintain optimal health!

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