Fish Oil: Reap The Beneifts Of Omega 3
Fish oil is very important to human health and development. Many scientists believe that for much of human evolution our ancestors lived in coastal areas and got much of their nutrition from fish and especially shellfish. Recent studies seem to bear this out - showing that the human brain is composed of a significant percentage of oils who's only main source is fish.
Consuming fish oil has a number of health benefits. This controls blood serum cholesterol thereby preventing cardio-vascular disease and as well as high blood pressure. Treatment for depression cases is also done using this oil. It is also claimed that this oil helps cases with mental problems, Alzheimer's disease and also improves people's memories.
Perhaps the most important ingredient in fish oil is omega 3. These essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the human body and are rarely found in plants, even then only in small quantities. It is especially important for pregnant women to take omega 3 since the development of the unborn child's brain and eyes may suffer if the mother does not consume enough.
Along with deficiencies in omega 3 number of health problems are associated. Studies have suggested that asthma and other allergies as well as Attention Deficit Disorder may be linked to insufficient intake of omega 3. Some scientists have said that a lesser consumption of omega 3 by pregnant women leads to poor hand-eye coordination, lower IQ level and poor social skills of the new borns.
Fish which contain large amounts of omega 3 include salmon, sardines and herring. However, eating large quantities of fish is not necessarily safe since dangerous heavy metals from water pollution can accumulate to hazardous levels in the bodies of fish. In addition, fish livers may contain high levels of rentinol - an active form of Vitamin A - which can be dangerous at high doses.
Because fish oil supplements are so highly recommended, companies have made them in a capsule form. Be sure they are made as safe as possible by being certified mercury-free, and free of any other dangerous metals. The supplement should be purified so humans can assimilate them easier. While the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids are becoming more widely known, still only 2% of the US population takes the recommended daily amount.
Fish oil contains many important nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids are among the most beneficial and best known of these. Only 2% of the US population is getting enough of these essential oils which is alarming since they can have a huge impact on health. High blood pressure and depression are just two of the many ailments which they have been used to treat. Omega 3 benefits the development of unborn children's eyes and brains as well as the development of children. People are recommended to take supplements made from the flesh of fish to avoid the heavy metal contamination and Vitamin A poisoning.
Published May 31st, 2007
