Over the last couple of decades the qualities of fish oil have been praised to the roof. No one is unaware of the valuable contribution of Omega-3 to a healthy diet. Indeed, it is a complementary supplement that sparked a media frenzy and remains a big seller. Though we all picked up the value of fish oil, how many of us actually know why it’s so good for us?
The contribution of fish oil to physical wellness has been scientifically proven beyond doubt. Your brain, heart, joints, muscles and skin make use of omega-3 fatty acids to function at their peak performance. There are five specific ways that fish oil aids health and wellbeing:
Fish oil reduces inflammation – two of fish oil’s most powerful omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both have been shown to soothe inflammatory responses in the body, making fish oil an ideal supplement for joint problems and arthritis, among other conditions.
Fish oil helps prevent cancer – EPA and DHA have been shown to strongly inhibit the development of cancer. Studies undertaken in 2010 and 2001 were shown to prevent the onset of breast cancer, and prostate cancer, respectively.
Fish oil slows the aging process – we have already seen that fish oil reduces inflammation, which is one of the main causes of rapid aging. The other main cause is the degeneration of DNA, which is actually strengthened by omega-3s.
Fish oil aids healthy physical development – the anti-inflammatory qualities of fish oil mean that it acts as an excellent lubricant for joints. As such, it is a vital supplement for those who exercise a lot, or do heavy physical work. In addition to this, EPA and DHA can help the build up of muscles if taken in high doses as part of a well-balanced diet.
Fish oil helps the heart and the brain – omega-3 fatty acids have repeatedly been shown as an excellent cardio protector. They protect against high cholesterol, normalise blood pressure and protect against heart disease. Since a large amount of brain tissue is made up of fatty acids, omega-3 can also have a significant effect in cases of depression, stress, dementia and neurological disorders.