The Health Benefits Of Taking Fish Oil Capsules
Fish oil contains the omega 3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are known to have great benefits in terms of the health. Large-scale studies have shown that DHA & EPA, when taken in recommended quantities through fish meals or fish oil capsules, reduce the risk of heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, strokes, hardening of the arteries and blood pressure.
The United States National Institute of Health recommends intaking fish oil for the following conditions: Hypertriglyceridemia, Secondary cardiovascular disease prevention, and High blood pressure. Among the conditions fish oil could be of benefit are 27 other conditions! Evidence in these cases are not of the highest level.
Fish oil has also been shown to have a positive impact on the personal behavior. In some studies done on prisioners of violent crimes in England and Finland there has been a noticed lower level of fatty acids. There are also some safety concerns though. A consumption of more than 3 grams of fish oil a day can lead to bleeding.
Unlike popular perception, fishes don't by themselves produce the omega 3 fatty acids. Instead, these fatty acids get accumulated in their bodies. Micro algae produce these fatty acids. Fishes eat micro algae and that's how the accumulation of omega 3 fatty acids in the fishes starts. Some bigger fishes eat other fishes and if these happen to have consumed micro algae, the big fishes will accumulate omega 3 fatty acids.
The majority of fish that are high in omega 3 are the top predators in their environments. Because of this they tend to have higher levels of toxic substances, such as mercury. It is recommended that the consumption of fish is limited to avoid these toxins. Fish oil supplements can be used to help increase the intake of omega 3 with out the additional risk of the toxins.
Fish oil supplements are made available in the form of fish oil capsules. One should ensure to go for a product that is specifically drawn from a single species while choosing fish oil capsules. You should select a brand which uses fish species well graded for human consumption and are certified to be toxin free. Make sure to look for a company that extracts their fish oil from the flesh of a healthy fish. This minimizes the contaminants and hidden vitamin A and D.
Certain fatty acids, including perhaps the most important omega 3, are found in fish and provide multiple health benefits by reducing the risk of hypertension, Secondary Cardiovascular Disease and arterial blockage. The US National Institute of Health recommends consumption of these fatty acids. However, fish also accumulate mercury and other toxins. To derive the benefits without ingesting toxic substances, fish oil supplements in capsule form are the ideal solution. Consumers should buy fish oil capsules from companies that use a single species, that purify the oil for human consumption and certify the product to be toxin free are preferable.
Published May 31st, 2007
