What is Fish Oil and what does it do?

One of most exciting health breakthroughs has been about fish oil. Researchers are finding numerous benefits for those people who are using fish oil supplements. This has led to many people wondering if fish oil, is a supplement they should be taking. The good news is that there is significant data that is showing that fish oil provides benefits, for a number of conditions.

One of the major conditions, that Fish Oil has come to play a prominent role in, is the fight against heart disease. Millions of people every year develop heart disease and many of them are unaware of the benefits of Fish Oil. Researchers have found that Fish oil, acts as a protection of the heart, by reducing the chances of high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Along with these major benefits Fish oil, has been found to be highly effective in reducing overall cholesterol, and lowering the risk of blood clots. This is critical since both of these factors, are directly related to the risk of having a heart attack.

Fish oil has also been researched, for its potential on brain health, and behavior. This is because Omega 3 (which is the main component of fish oil), has been recognized for the crucial role, it plays in structural development, and nerve function. Research has shown that a lack of Omega 3 may have a negative impact on mood. There people with the following conditions that have benefited, from treatment with Fish oil. These include but are not limited to:

• Treating depression


• Treating bipolar disorder, anxiety, and mental decline


• Treating learning and behavior disorders in children


• Postpartum depression


• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)


• Bipolar disorder

Fish oil supplements have been shown to help diminish anxiety, improve mood, and protect against mental decline. It should be noted that children need adequate intake of fish oil. There are several learning, and behavioral disorders, that are associated with a lack of Omega-3 fatty acids. These problems have been found to respond well to Fish oil. Children with serious behavior disorders, and underachieving children, have been shown to improve dramatically, after receiving fish oil supplementation.

It should be noted that not all fish oil is the same. Studies have shown that there are some advantages, to taking fish oil, over plant sources of Omega 3. For example, one of the problems of plant sources is flax seed which has been highly touted as a source of Omega 3. This is because it contains Alpha-linolenic acid, which the body converts into DHA and EPA. Unfortunately, not everyone can make the conversion. Another advantage is that the Omega 3 that is found in fish oil is able to produce prostaglandins. These are substances which are important in many body functions, such as maintaining hormone production, blood pressure, and kidney function.

The good news is that today it has never been easier to get fish oil supplementation.Consumers, who are interested in beginning this type of supplementation, should know that there is a type of fish oil that is available, which is called pharmaceutical grade fish oil.It is felt that this is far superior to all previous fish oils. This type of Fish oil contains a highly concentrated form of EPA, DHA, and Omega 3 fats, which are free from heavy metals like mercury. Consumers should understand that it is important to verify that a product claiming to be pharmaceutical grade is authentic. One way to know is if the label has USP printed on it.This is important to have on the label because USP is one of the chief governing bodies, which insure products have been tested for quality, and potency.