Fish oil
DEFINITION
Fish Oil is a good source of two Omega-3 fatty acids known as
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These
fatty acids, which are mainly found in cold water fish, are
believed to have a number of health applications relating
especially to heart disease, blood pressure and inflammation.
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These
fatty acids, which are mainly found in cold water fish, are
believed to have a number of health applications relating
especially to heart disease, blood pressure and inflammation.
DESCRIPTION
Both EPA and DHA occur naturally in the body and are found in
especially large amounts in brain cells, nerves and the eyes,
adrenal and sex glands. These fatty acids have a very low melting
point and a strong urge to disperse. So strong is the urge to move
apart that EPA and DHA help to prevent cholesterol and saturated
fatty acids from clumping together in the body. Saturated fats can
increase LDL cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein) which encourages
deposits of fat in the arteries and raises the risk of heart attack
and thrombosis (blood clots).
especially large amounts in brain cells, nerves and the eyes,
adrenal and sex glands. These fatty acids have a very low melting
point and a strong urge to disperse. So strong is the urge to move
apart that EPA and DHA help to prevent cholesterol and saturated
fatty acids from clumping together in the body. Saturated fats can
increase LDL cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein) which encourages
deposits of fat in the arteries and raises the risk of heart attack
and thrombosis (blood clots).
Fish Oil can be obtained by eating fresh fish or it is available
as a nutritional supplement in capsule form. If a Fish Oil
supplement is being taken it is best to choose a product which
declares on the label that it is ‘pure fish oil’ to ensure that the
oil has not been chemically processed which may reduce the
effectiveness of the fatty acid content.
as a nutritional supplement in capsule form. If a Fish Oil
supplement is being taken it is best to choose a product which
declares on the label that it is ‘pure fish oil’ to ensure that the
oil has not been chemically processed which may reduce the
effectiveness of the fatty acid content.
The high fatty acid content in the flesh of cold water fish exists
to insulate the body of the fish which is living in very low
temperature waters and helps to prevent the fish from freezing.
Cold water fish usually have a diet which is high in red and brown
algae, both of which are good sources of EPA and DHA fatty
acids.
to insulate the body of the fish which is living in very low
temperature waters and helps to prevent the fish from freezing.
Cold water fish usually have a diet which is high in red and brown
algae, both of which are good sources of EPA and DHA fatty
acids.
Cold water fish that are especially rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
are listed in order of strength:
are listed in order of strength:
- Mackerel.
- Herrings.
- Sardines.
- Tuna (fresh, not tinned – the fish oil is often drained off
before the fish is tinned). - Salmon.
- Anchovies.
- Halibut.
- Bass.
MEDICAL USE
Eskimos in Greenland have a diet that consists mainly of fish,
seal and whale meat, all of which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies have shown that, compared with Western-European
populations, there is a much lower incidence of heart attack,
diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis amongst these
people.
seal and whale meat, all of which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies have shown that, compared with Western-European
populations, there is a much lower incidence of heart attack,
diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis amongst these
people.
HEART DISEASE
High levels of triglycerides (fat molecules) in the
bloodstream can hinder the body’s natural ability to break down
blood clots. This can lead to thrombosis which is caused when a
clot forms within a blood vessel and blocks the blood supply to
important areas of the body such as the heart, lungs and/or brain.
Thrombosis can result in a heart attack or stroke. A major effect
of omega-3 fatty acids is to reduce the triglyceride levels in the
blood and prevent platelets (blood cells responsible for clotting)
from clumping together. This may have a protective effect on the
heart and also reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis.
bloodstream can hinder the body’s natural ability to break down
blood clots. This can lead to thrombosis which is caused when a
clot forms within a blood vessel and blocks the blood supply to
important areas of the body such as the heart, lungs and/or brain.
Thrombosis can result in a heart attack or stroke. A major effect
of omega-3 fatty acids is to reduce the triglyceride levels in the
blood and prevent platelets (blood cells responsible for clotting)
from clumping together. This may have a protective effect on the
heart and also reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis.
The DHA component of fish oil can improve the functioning of a
diseased heart and clinical trials have found that it also helps to
improve the functioning of a healthy heart. Fish oil improves the
energy production in the heart and has properties to prevent
irregular heart beats (arrythmias). Fish oil is often recommended
to heart patients as part of a programme to prevent a second heart
attack.
diseased heart and clinical trials have found that it also helps to
improve the functioning of a healthy heart. Fish oil improves the
energy production in the heart and has properties to prevent
irregular heart beats (arrythmias). Fish oil is often recommended
to heart patients as part of a programme to prevent a second heart
attack.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Fish Oil may be of help in patients with high blood pressure.
This use for Fish Oil should be under the supervision of a medical
practitioner as the dosage may vary depending on the medications
that the patient may be currently taking.
This use for Fish Oil should be under the supervision of a medical
practitioner as the dosage may vary depending on the medications
that the patient may be currently taking.
ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is an example of a common inflammatory condition
that may be helped by Fish Oil. Supplementation with Fish Oil can
help to decrease the severity of osteo and rheumatoid arthritis and
regulate the number or molecules in the body which cause
inflammation.
that may be helped by Fish Oil. Supplementation with Fish Oil can
help to decrease the severity of osteo and rheumatoid arthritis and
regulate the number or molecules in the body which cause
inflammation.
SKIN PROBLEMS
Psoriasis is a skin problem also associated with inflammation.
Treatment with Fish Oil may help to reduce the symptoms of this
condition. Dietary Fish Oil may also help to relieve the itching
caused by a number of other skin conditions e.g. eczema.
Treatment with Fish Oil may help to reduce the symptoms of this
condition. Dietary Fish Oil may also help to relieve the itching
caused by a number of other skin conditions e.g. eczema.
DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS
Studies have also shown that Fish Oil may be of benefit to
people suffering from ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel
disease and Crohn’s Disease. People with Crohn’s Disease often
experience a cycle of having a period of freedom from symptoms
followed by a relapse. Fish Oil may help to keep people with
Crohn’s Disease, symptom-free.
people suffering from ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel
disease and Crohn’s Disease. People with Crohn’s Disease often
experience a cycle of having a period of freedom from symptoms
followed by a relapse. Fish Oil may help to keep people with
Crohn’s Disease, symptom-free.