What Does Fish Oil Do?

What does fish oil do?

Fish oil is well lauded for its many health benefits, and these useful properties stem from the fact that fish oil is rich in the omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Generally speaking, fatty or cold water fish contain a lot more of these essential fatty acids as compared to other types of fish. Fish with good amounts of omega 3's include anchovies, herring, hoki, salmon and sardines.

There is much research and many studies supporting the benefits which DHA and EPA bring to brain health, heart health, joint health, skin health as well as hair health, among many other beneficial effects. They can help to improve memory, lift moods and alleviate depression. They also fight inflammation and help reduce or remove inflammatory conditions like arthritis and psoriasis. They help to boost immune function and prevent serious illnesses like cancer, too.

In addition, omega 3 fatty acids protect the heart and lower cardiovascular disease mortality. Well, specifically, what does fish oil do to protect the heart and the cardiovascular system? The omega 3 fatty acids present in fish oil help to lower bad cholesterol levels; thin the blood and prevent clumping; regulate and improve vascular function; regulate heart rhythm; lower triglyceride levels; among other effects, and all these directly and indirectly help to benefit the heart and blood vessels.

Quite simply, the health benefits of fish oil, thanks to its omega 3 acids DHA and EPA, are quite far-reaching and astounding. As fish nowadays tend to be contaminated with mercury, dioxins, PCBs and other pollutants, it is a good idea to seek out a high quality, pure and certified toxin-free fish oil supplement (capsules, pills, tablets, etc), instead of simply picking any cheap one from the shelf.

So, the answer to the question, what does fish oil do to our health, is - potentially, lots! And with such a large portion of the population today being deficient in the very important omega 3 fatty acids, the benefits which fish oil can bring become even more magnified.