Thyroid Remedies 411

A plethora of research studies show that, not only are the benefits of fish oil numerous, many of them are actually quite amazing! It seems sometimes like new research is being produced everyday, as scientists and physicians learn so much more about how and why it is so beneficial. The omega-3 fatty acids that appear in fish oil are \”good fats\” that are necessary for well-being. They are essential for human health but the body can\’t produce them – you have to obtain them from your diet. Here are some proven fish oil health benefits that should convince you to eat more oily, wild fish and start taking a high quality fish oil supplement if you\’re not already!

Promotes Heart Wellness & Prevents Heart Attacks and Stroke

Fish oil continues to increase in scientific reputation as an important component to heart health. According to the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in lessening the occurrence of heart disease and helps to reduce risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clinical studies of heart attack survivors have discovered that daily consumption of omega-3 supplements drastically reduce the risk of death, additional heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also lower blood triglycerides, help correct irregular heartbeats, and can help avoid and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the development of plaque and blood clots, which typically clog arteries.

Minimizes Inflammation and Pain

Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammation effect. Lab trials suggest that diets rich in omega-3s (and low in the inflammatory omega-6s) may help people with inflammation-based conditions — anything that ends in -itis!. Fish oil has have also been used to successfully treat back, neck and menstrual pain, enabling study participants to reduce their consumption of NSAID drugs.

Contributes to Healthy Joints and Reduces Arthritis Symptoms

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce joint tenderness, pain intensity and morning stiffness produced by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, many test tube studies have found that omega-3s actually inhibit the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. More than 13 published research studies have shown that fish oils are very beneficial at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped those with RA to reduce their need for pain medication.

Supports Mental Acuity & Long-Term Cognitive Functioning

Did you know that omega-3s, especially DHA, are highly concentrated in the brain? They\’re essential for optimum cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral functioning, as well as normal growth and development. Trials show that omega-3s may aid in maintaining proper cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or holding off the onset of dementia. We also have learned that it\’s extremely important that pregnant women get enough DHA, which is crucial to the growing fetus — during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the brain of the fetus grows at a rate of 250,000 new neurons every 60 seconds! Children are also aided by fish oil intake, as many studies show that omega-3s improve learning, concentration, vocabulary and reading skills. Countless studies have even shown efficacy in treating ADD.

Produces Positive Mood & Emotional Well-being

In countries where fish is a major part of the diet, national rates of depression are lower. So, it\’s not surprising that studies have discovered that fish oil capsules can alleviate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Many studies have shown that participants who took omega-3s with their prescribed anti-depressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those who took anti-depressants alone, with patients experiencing a stabilization effect and less mood swings. Studies have also demonstrated that, when prisoners were administered omega-3s, there was a huge drop in violent behavior. Omega-3s also appear to reduce the risk of postnatal depression.

Promotes Eye Health

Studies show that people with a higher fish oil intake appear to have a decreased risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing macular degeneration. Early research also shows that omega-3 supplements help in reducing dry eye symptoms, may help to inhibit macular degeneration for those already developing it and improves ocular health in general.

Pregnancy, Infant Eye & Brain Development & Reduced Incidence of Childhood Disorders

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

Enhances Fat Metabolism and Weight Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s transmit \”I\’m full\” signals to the brain and help quash hunger signals. Research has also demonstrated that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing body fat. Volunteers who were given fish oil as part of their diet showed greater decreases in weight as contrasted with those who didn\’t consume fish oil. Exercise along with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the volunteers.

Reduces Risk of Prostate, Breast & 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 breast, prostate and ovarian cancers. Preliminary studies imply that taking fish oil daily can help inhibit the progression of colon cancer in people with early stages of the disease and may even have the ability to cause apoptosis (cell death) of cancerous cells.

Much more can be written with regards to the many fish oil benefits. And, as the science community and health professionals continue to research omega-3s, you can bet that fish oil will keep producing headlines as the ideal source of these essential fatty acids that are so vital to our bodies. Even if you\’re currently in great physical condition, a high quality fish oil supplement is the simplest, safest way to realize and maintain optimal health!

Brittany M. Wallace is a health and nutrition expert who has been studying the benefits of omega 3 for nearly 10 years. You can learn all about the benefits of omega 3 fish oil by visiting her site.

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