Fish oil is found in edible fish, such as sardines and mackerel. For many, however, those are not particularly appetizing sources due to the strong odors and textures these fish produce. No worries!
You can enjoy many of the benefits of fish oil in supplement form. In the following article, we’ll look at the five, no, six benefits for humankind (and beyond). Let’s begin!
1. Help Support the Mind
One of the many fish oil benefits reported is that of memory and brain function. The secret lies in the omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish or fish oil supplements. If the texture of fish keeps you from eating it, as it does for many, supplements are great for getting what you need without working it into your diet.
There are two specific acids in fish oil: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, for short) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Low amounts of DHA can lead to cognitive deficiencies and memory loss.
2. Aid Heart Health
Another reason consumers go for fish oil lies in the heart benefits. Intake of fish oil supplements has been linked to improvements in cardiovascular health.
It is often taken as an over-the-counter aid for high triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and spikes in cholesterol. In this case, EPA is tied to and even used for pharmaceutical medications in the unclogging of arteries. Because fish oil shares this active ingredient with many heart medicines, many opt to take it to see if they can lower their cholesterol without a prescription.
3. Assist With Vision
Another way the omega-3 in fish oil could help is with eye health, particularly with dry eyes. Dry eyes can negatively affect both vision and eye comfort.
A steady intake of fish oil, through either diet or supplements, may assist in tear production. This has an anti-inflammatory effect that can reduce swelling, itching, and blurriness.
4. Skin Benefits
Another benefit you’ll find when asking what fish oil is good for ties back to skincare. The omega-3’s antihistamine effects can help regulate the production of skin oils and fend off conditions like eczema and acne. As with dry eyes, fish oil can help prevent dry skin as well.
5. Immune System Improvements
The best fish oil supplement can be a significant investment in your health when you return to the anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune deficiencies, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, and asthma, affect 350 million people globally.
We’ve already covered fish oil’s positive effects on eye inflammation. That may extend to the rest of the body as well.
Bonus Benefit
One other bonus benefit of fish oil is that it can be good for your best friend, too. That’s right, dog lovers, fish oil for dogs can be an inexpensive resource for most of the benefits mentioned above. And since concentrations of fish oil are similar in humans and canines, the supplements you take are generally safe for Fido, too!
Fish Oil Helps Support Health and Wellness in Many Ways
Fish oil may not be a miracle drug, but it has proven to be an effective supplement for millions of consumers across the globe. People hoping to reduce inflammation, improve vision, and stave off the mental effects of aging have incorporated it into their daily routines. For more health and wellness tips, check out some of our additional posts!