Cod liver oil or fish oil can also help prevent cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, promote skin and joint health and even make hair shiny. Fish is considered one of the best foods because of its high quality protein and long-chain, unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids.
What are the Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to overall health and in particular heart, brain and eye function. There are three types of omega-3 acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is from plant-based sources such as olive oil, walnuts and flax. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are found only in fish, but small amounts can be converted from ALA in the body.
DHA is required in the brain for optimal memory and learning ability, as well as in the retina of the eye for visual acuity. EPA works primarily in the areas of mood and inflammation. In pregnant and lactating women omega-3 fats are especially important for the proper brain and eye development of the fetus and newborn.
Fish such as sardines, tuna, salmon, rainbow trout, bass and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and should be eaten at least twice a week. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential which means they cannot be manufactured by the body and must be consumed in the diet. Fish oil supplements can help meet these needs. Cod-liver oil is also rich in vitamin A and D. Fish oil A family doctor can provide important advice on taking any nutritional supplement, particularly for pregnant women.
How the Body Stores Good Fats
The way fats are stored and their ability to be used as an energy source differ significantly. Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids are an efficient energy source and can actually promote weight loss because they induce optimum metabolism and accelerate fat burning.
These good fats from fish and plant-based sources are stored mainly in lean muscle tissue. While saturated fats in meat, dairy, and fried foods are a poor energy source and usually stored in areas such as the abdomen instead of being burned for energy.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, omega-3 fat can prevent blood platelets from clotting and sticking to the walls of arteries. They lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke and even certain cancers. In osteoarthritis, enzymes cause cartilage damage and joint pain and stiffness. Fish oil counters these enzymes and reduces inflammation in this disorder as well as in digestive disorders and other inflammatory diseases. Additionally, omega-3 fats work to balance blood sugar, and improve energy levels, mood, memory and sleep.
Reference:
Heart and Stroke Foundation: TRANS FATTY ACIDS ('TRANS FAT') AND HEART DISEASE AND STROKE (Accessed March 3, 2010)
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
