You’re deliberating about a good dinner, and you already know that salmon is delicious choice. However, sometimes, you might not be in the mood for it. Or maybe you’re one of the many people that just don’t care much for the taste of a stronger, oily fish. You’ve heard a lot about heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and you know that fish are the best source of this “good” fat. But not just any fish is high in omega-3s. And if you don’t care for fish, now what? That’s where nutritional supplements come into perform.
Dietary supplements are really a great way to guarantee you’re obtaining your daily amount of critical nutrients, and fish oil supplements tend to be no exception.
What Exactly Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is a dietary supplement you’ll find at most drugstores and supermarkets. “Fish oil will support muscle group activity, all around heart health, and so much more, ” explains Steve Wilson who works at Hoffman Pharmacy inside Lock Dreamland.
Regardless of the form it comes in, fish oil products contain a pair of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
“These omega-3s are found in oily fish, which include salmon and trout, and some other seafood such as crab, ” says Wilson.
Fish Oil Health and Fitness Benefits
Their are a few different types of omega-3 essential fatty acids, but two of them provide the most benefit for several of the body’s biological systems. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) can supercharge brain healthiness, while EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) has anti-inflammatory benefits. Combined with each other, they can boost general health and even help your body steer clear of certain medical conditions.
Lowering High Blood Pressure
Consuming enough fish oil is shown to help lower blood pressure — likely more so in the case of a person who has blood pressure in the moderate to severe high range.
And while fish oil can’t completely prevent cardiovascular attacks or strokes, it might reduce the associated risk factors involving both. It does this by:
- Increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Lowering triglycerides (a fatty part of the blood)
- Lowering blood pressure
- Slowing down the formation of plaque, which hardens and clogs arteries
- Lessening the risk for developing an irregular pulse (arrhythmia)
Supercharging the Brain and Improving Overall Mental Health
Omega-3s play a large role in neural development, and consequently they are valuable in improving mild loss. They’re also able to lessen the symptoms in depression. Omega-3s are in fish, but you won’t find much in plants.
“If you’re experiencing depression or have moderate memory loss, talk with health care provider about treatment methods that may be good for you,” says Wilson. Part of that treatment may include taking omega-3 supplements.
Helps With Rheumatoid Arthritis
When you’ve got rheumatoid arthritis (RA), try eating a species of fish high in omega-3s twice weekly. That may help treat RA symptoms like joint pains and aches,stiffness or swelling in joints, and tiredness and fatigue.
“People with RA have an increased chance of developing heart issues, and taking fish oil supplements can help lower those risks, ” says Wilson.
Side Effects of Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements are often considered risk-free, but the old warning about “too much of a good thing” applies here (as it does with any nutritional supplement).
“Too much fish oil could possibly increase the probability of bruising. And it might have an effect on your immune system response too. It is unclear if taking fish oil supplements could be detrimental to those who have reactions from consuming seafood.
Other uncomfortable side effects may include:
- Fishy aftertaste
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
As with any treatment, you should consult your doctor previous to taking fish oil supplements. Your physician will know your medical history and, additionally, any possible interactions with prescription drugs.
