Fish is the richest source of Omega-3 fatty Acids. The tremendous benefits that Omega-3 fatty acids provide the human body with can never be underestimated. Fish oil supplements are composed of poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). They are also called Omega-3 fatty acids and n-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids. The three important acids in fish oil are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).
As these nutrients are not manufactured in the human body it is necessary to take them as supplements. Another reason for the intake of these supplements is that we cannot consume the right amount of these nutrients in our daily diet.
The benefits:
MedlinePlus, a service of the United States National Library of Medicine lists the following benefits of fish oil supplements
Reduces risk of
1. Abnormal heart rhythms
2. Heart attack
Lowers
1. Triglyceride levels
2. Build up of atherosclerotic plaques
3. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Prevents or improves symptoms of
1. Arthritis
2. Alzheimer’s disease
3. Cancer
4. ADHD
5. Diabetes
6. Depression
7. Heart ailments
8. Pre menstrual syndrome
Improves
1. Mental faculties
2. Functioning of the Nervous System
3. Concentration
4. Muscle Functioning
5. Bone and muscle strength
7. Sperm cell count in men
The benefits accrued form consumption of the fish oil supplements, as mentioned above, have been endorsed by studies conducted all over the world.
Why supplements?
The source of all fish oil supplements are predator fish like tuna, mackerel, herring, trout, sardine and salmon. It appears that one can consume the marine life instead of opting for supplements. However, supplements are safer and better than eating the actual fish because
· Fish contain toxic substances on their bodies like mercury, pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyl
· All substances that cause pollution of the marine environment are found on the fish
· By trying to get the Omega-3 fatty acid nutrients directly from marine life may lead to a host of health disorders (if the fish is contaminated) like diarrhea, dizziness, skin and digestion problems
· The nutrients present in these fish, are freed from all impurities and prepared in convenient tablet, capsule as supplements.
Another major advantage of taking fish oil supplements is that there is no known adverse reaction to Omega-3 fatty acids. The daily recommended dose of fish oil supplement is 3 grams.
Medical advice regarding fish oil supplements is needed for
· Pregnant women
· Toddlers who have just been weaned from breast milk
· Older children
· Those allergic to fish oil
· Those who seek to consume more than the daily recommended dose of 3 grams
Blurb: Fish oil supplements, minus the contaminants present in the actual marine source provide a wide range of health benefits. They emulsify the plaque and fats that get accumulated in the arteries to help improve heart problems. They also help in the overall strengthening of the body and in improving the immune system. The daily recommended dose is 3 grams for an adult. Pregnant women and children of all ages can also take these supplements.