We’ve all been told that fish is a good way to add healthy fats to your diet. This is great; if you like fish. If fish isn’t something your taste buds can tolerate, you are in luck. That’s where fish oil supplements come in. These supplements take all the healthy elements of fish and combine them into a soft gel or liquid form that can easily be added to your diet.
What is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is the fat or oil that comes from the tissue of fish. If you eat one to two servings of fish per week, as recommend you most likely are eating enough. However, many people don’t consume enough fish in their regular diets to reap the benefits offered from fish oil, which is why fish oil supplements are so important. Fish oil is some good stuff, being comprised of about 30% of omega-3s and the rest is made of up fats and vitamins, such as Vitamins A and D.
Benefits of Fish Oil
Studies show that people who consume a lot of fish tend to have fewer cardiovascular issues. In terms of a healthy heart, fish oil helps:
- Control cholesterol levels by increasing your “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Lower triglycerides, which increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Regulate blood pressure, which is good for a healthy heart.
Fish oil may also help other medical conditions. Fish oil supplements contribute to overall brain health. Research suggests that omega-3s can help in the prevention psychotic disorders and may help reduce symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Studies also show fish oil contributes to a variety of health improvements including:
- Weight loss
- Reducing inflammation
- Supporting healthy skin
- Supporting pregnancy and early life development
- Improving symptoms of depression
- Improving attention and hyperactivity in children
- Preventing the symptoms of mental decline
Supplements provide the same omega-3 fatty acids in a convenient capsule that you take daily. These have become extremely popular in recent years, so it is important to pick out quality fish oil. Here is what to look for:
- Purity
- Independent testing- Choose a product that has been tested by an independent lab for purity and potency.
- Freshness
- Dosage- Most experts recommend a minimum of 500 mg per day.
- Taste- Ideally, your fish oil won’t have much of a taste make sure you read customer reviews.
