There are tons of vitamins, minerals and supplements out there. Why take fish oil supplements? Fish oil (including cod liver oil) includes lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial to your health. Taking a supplement can help you meet your one to two recommended weekly servings of fish per week, especially if you don’t like fish.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in both fish and plant form, but the fish variety is more effective. Here are some of the key benefits you’ll find in fish oil supplements:
- Reduces inflammation: Your body creates inflammation to heal wounds and fight off disease, but when you’re in a state of chronic inflammation, you may suffer from new health issues. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing joint pain, stiffness and perhaps even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.
- Supports heart health: Heart disease is the number one killer across the globe. Fish oil supplements can help by reducing cholesterol and triglycerides, lowering blood pressure, preventing arterial plaques and reducing fatal arrhythmia. There’s no clear evidence that it prevents heart or stroke, but since it supports heart health in other important ways, it may help reduce your risk.
- May aid weight loss: In combination with diet and exercise, fish oil supplements may help you lose weight. It improves the body’s composition and can help lower obesity, including the waist-to-hip ratio. If you’ve been trying to lose weight to no avail, adding a fish oil supplement may be the healthy boost you need to get off the plateau.
- Fertility and pregnancy support: When you’re pregnant—or trying to get pregnant—you need plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. They’re essential to early developing life as well as breastfeeding. In fact, omega-3s might improve hand-eye coordination in infants.
- Can help depression and mood disorders: Fish oils rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can reduce depression symptoms more than fish oils high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Whichever type you choose, taking a fish oil supplement can reduce the symptoms of major depression. It can also reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar and psychotic disorders. If your current medication isn’t doing the trick, fish oil might be able to help support your needs.
- Supports cognitive health: Alzheimer’s and dementia are neurodegenerative diseases which affect cognitive function. People who eat more fish tend to show less cognitive decline as they age. Fish oil may help slow your cognitive decline.
- Improves bone health: Fish oil supplements may help improve your bone mineral density. They also seem to reduce markers of bone breakdown. While you still need to take calcium and vitamin D, fish oil may help keep you strong.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why you should take fish oil supplements—especially if you don’t like to eat fish. Regular supplements ensure that you receive all the omega-3s your body needs and can contribute to the healthy effects listed above.
When you need quality fish oil supplements, be sure to visit Bee Hive Natural Foods. We carry a variety of healthy foods, supplements and other products. Call or stop by today to see our selection.