Why is fish oil good for you and when is it bad for you?

What is the difference between fish oil and omega-3

Fish oil and omega-3 are often confused and sometimes even thought to be the same thing. In fact, omega-3 is part of fish oil, that is, it is a component. From this it becomes clear that both substances have almost the same characteristics, but fish oil has a wider range of beneficial properties.

The similarity of the substances in question is that they help:

• treatment of pathologies associated with the musculoskeletal system;
• optimization of the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• stabilization of the nervous system;
• tissue regeneration, speedy wound healing;
• stabilization of the nervous system;
• rapid elimination of inflammatory processes.

However, the most important criterion that makes the substances in question similar to each other is the content of unsaturated fatty acids in each of them. To maintain high levels of health, you need to include 3 to 6 g of these acids in your diet.

Thus, the statement that omega-3 and fish oil are completely identical is erroneous. They differ in a number of other characteristics, for example, in the manufacturing method. Thus, fish oil is always an animal product made from fatty fish, while omega-3 can be produced from plants (most often flax). The differences are also noticeable in the composition: omega-3 does not include vitamins A and D, which are characteristic of fish oil.

Impact on the body

Numerous studies have proven the benefits of consuming fish oil in tablets, capsules and liquid form. The drug is indicated for use to improve the absorption of calcium from the digestive tract, as well as its absorption.

This fat can be made from the following components:

• subcutaneous fatty tissue of seals;
• whale fat;
• cod fish livers.

Each type of organic fat requires additional industrial processing. If it has not been produced, the food additive will have a transparent color and a pronounced specific odor.

Unlike the quality of fish oil, there is a special classification:

• veterinary;
• technical;
• medical.

The composition of medical and technical fat includes the most valuable lipids. The industry produces products that contain vitamins A and D. Thanks to special processing, the product is completely free of unpleasant odor and taste.

In veterinary medicine, fat is used to produce a large number of medications, including vitamin complexes.

The use is due not only to the presence of calcitriol in the product, but also to the content of omega-3 fatty acids. This segment has always had high potential, which prevents the development of obesity. It is extremely important for people with diabetes to take it, since this category of people is prone to gaining excess weight and problems with blood vessels.

If a child regularly consumes fish oil, his body will have the opportunity to restore the structure of bone tissue during rapid growth.

Which is better: flaxseed oil or fish oil?

Flaxseed oil and fish oil are substances known for their healing properties. Although these foods are valued primarily for their unsaturated fatty acid content, they have different characteristics. Thus, fish oil includes substances such as DHA and EPA, which are necessary for brain health. But if they are synthesized from flax, they will have slightly different qualities and composition. In order to understand which of the products under consideration is healthier, it is necessary to analyze their differences:

1. The oil has a more pleasant taste, unlike fish oil, which has a specific taste, especially in the liquid form of the drug.
2. Flaxseeds practically do not accumulate harmful substances, while fish (depending on living conditions) may have heavy metals in their bodies.
3. To replenish the daily requirement of fatty acids, you will have to consume 7-8 times more flax oil than fish oil.
4. Flax seed oil is poorly absorbed by the male body, so it is recommended to include it in the diet mainly for women.
5. Fish oil contains a wider range of valuable substances than oil.

What should you know about fish oil?

The first recommendations for the use of such a popular supplement appeared in the last century - from the early 70s. Scientists have proven that peoples in the Far North, whose main diet is fish, rarely suffer from heart disease. The cholesterol level of such people was always within the normal range, regardless of age. The main reason is the high amount of omega-3 fats that the body receives through fish.

Fish oil is a squeeze from fatty fish (herring, mackerel and others). The unique liquid contains vitamins and fatty acids that are important for the body:

• omega-3;
• retinol;
• vitamin D;
• antioxidants and so on.

Why take fish oil? Previously (during the times of the USSR), they were forced to drink the supplement only because of the need to replenish vitamin D in the body, as a preventive measure for rickets. Today it has been proven that fish oil is useful in a number of other areas:

• strengthening the immune system;
• normalization of heart function;
• cleaning blood vessels;
• decrease in cortisone levels and so on.

Retinol also has a positive effect on the condition of hair, nails and skin. It protects the body from free radicals and improves visual acuity. As for vitamin D, it helps the body absorb the most useful minerals (phosphorus and calcium), which is especially important for building bone tissue.

Composition and calorie content

Fish oil contains many unique components necessary for human health. The most useful are omega-3 and omega-6 - these are fatty acids that are very important for the proper functioning of the body, since a person does not produce them on his own.

In addition to these two acids, fat contains vitamins E and D, as well as calcium, iron, iodine, chlorine, bromine, etc. All elements included in its composition are necessary for the full existence of the body and good health, from which we can conclude that that fish oil should be present in every person’s diet, whether in the form of drugs or fish dishes.

Fish oil, along with other types of animal fats and vegetable oils, has a significant calorie content: about 900 kcal per 100 g (depending on the variety and method of processing). But this should not frighten those who are busy getting their figure in order, since there are not many calories in the daily amount of fat that the body needs.

Who needs a vitamin supplement?

The instructions for use attached to the dietary supplement with fish oil in capsules indicate that the indications for using the dietary supplement are:

• frequent colds;
• abnormalities in bone growth in children;
• the appearance of brittle nails and hair;
• dryness and flaking of the skin;
• memory impairment;
• crumbling teeth;
• frequent bone fractures;
• decreased vision and other eye diseases;
• indigestion;
• tendency to thrombosis;
• atherosclerosis.

The biological supplement is recommended for use to prevent atherosclerosis and cardiovascular pathologies. In older people, using the drug will reduce the likelihood of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease and age-related dementia.

What are the benefits of fish oil?

The rich composition of fish oil with an abundance of various vitamins and microelements suggests that this product has a beneficial effect on the body. Fish oil has the ability to improve the functioning of many systems, as well as prevent the development of various diseases and pathologies.

For women

Fish oil is becoming increasingly popular among women. This is due to a number of reasons, each of which should be mentioned separately:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids promote weight loss. It sounds a little strange that such a high-calorie product can reduce weight, but this is true. Japanese scientists conducted a study and proved that taking fish oil preparations helps to burn calories from food more quickly. In addition, fish oil accelerates metabolism and, in particular, fat metabolism, which is also important in the process of losing weight. To lose weight by 1.5 kg in a week, you need to not only limit your diet and increase physical activity, but also include 1-2 g of fish oil per day in your menu. This supplement will speed up the weight loss process and also help maintain women's health and beauty.
2. Fish oil is the most valuable product for beautiful hair. The substances contained in fish oil have a beneficial effect on the scalp and hair, promoting their healing and rapid growth. Taking fish oil internally and making masks based on it is recommended if you have problems such as split ends, dandruff, thin hair, slow growth and even baldness.
3. Fish oil helps improve the condition and appearance of the skin, namely, prevent early aging and eliminate signs of age-related changes that have already occurred, even out skin tone, smooth out scar formations, heal emerging wounds, and also remove pimples and blackheads.
4. The beneficial effects of fish oil on the health and beauty of nails are also known. This valuable food supplement makes nails stronger, more beautiful and shiny. Fish oil can be used both internally and in the form of masks.
5. Fish oil has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. Thanks to this drug, you can reduce the likelihood of developing allergies, as well as quickly eliminate the symptoms of allergic manifestations. This property of fish oil is explained by the fact that the vitamins and microelements included in the preparation make the cell membrane more resistant to allergens.
6. Osteoporosis is an unpleasant disease that is most often characteristic of women after 40. Fish oil will help reduce the likelihood of its development, as well as relieve the symptoms of osteoporosis that has already appeared. Thanks to the vitamin D included in its composition, calcium absorption improves. Microelements such as calcium and phosphorus, which are also present in fish oil, are essential for healthy and strong bones.

For men

Fish oil has a general beneficial effect on the human body. But, if we consider the issue of the effect of this drug on men's health, several important facts should be noted. Thus, the vitamins and microelements that make up this substance can act as a prophylactic against prostatitis, prostate cancer, and various inflammatory processes.

Fish oil can also increase the production of male sex hormones - testosterone, which has a positive effect on potency. This drug is also indicated for athletes, as it reduces the level of cortisol (stress hormone) and can speed up the process of muscle gain, as well as improve fat metabolism.

During pregnancy

A pregnant woman should start taking this or that drug only after consulting a doctor. This applies not only to medications, but also to seemingly harmless vitamins and food additives. Thus, the use of fish oil by an expectant mother may not be useful in all cases. But most often, fish oil preparation can be used during pregnancy, and its quality and shelf life must be taken into account.

Vitamin D, which is part of fish oil, is beneficial for the expectant mother and the developing fetus. It has a positive effect on the skeletal system of mother and baby, and also helps prevent the development of rickets in the newborn. Omega-3 promotes mental activity and brain development of a child. Vitamin A is an essential element for the beauty of the skin and hair of the expectant mother, which also has a positive effect on the functioning of the placenta, namely, its supply of oxygen.

One of the properties of fish oil is known to prevent the development of diabetes mellitus in the mother and unborn child. This drug can also be prescribed if there are problems with blood pressure, nervous system and mood swings.

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When breastfeeding

Fish oil is an important product for human health. However, during breastfeeding, it should be taken very carefully. As a rule, women who have recently given birth are not deficient in vitamin D, but newborns may be deficient. But in order to compensate for vitamin D deficiency in children, a liquid preparation is used, so there is no urgent need for a nursing mother to consume fish oil.

If a woman decides to start taking this drug, she should consult with her pediatrician or breastfeeding specialist to determine the appropriate dose. During lactation, fish oil can be taken in small quantities if necessary for the health of the mother. Exceeding the dose threatens the appearance of allergies in the baby and an increase in the fat content of milk, which does not always have a beneficial effect on the health of the newborn, whose digestive system has not yet fully formed. In addition, milk that is too fatty is less easily separated from the milk ducts, which can lead to complications of lactation in the form of congestion, lactostasis, and even mastitis.

For children

Just a few decades ago, fish oil was considered a mandatory supplement for children. This drug was produced in liquid form and did not have the most pleasant taste, which is why not everyone liked it. For some children, taking fish oil turned into real torture. Modern medicine has come a long way, and today fish oil is available in capsules, but this does not mean that it should be taken by everyone without exception.

Thus, the famous domestic pediatrician Komarovsky notes that children do not need to drink fish oil at all, be it in liquid form or capsules, since vitamin D deficiency is not so common among modern children. All necessary elements, including this vitamin, can be obtained from food. But an overdose of such a seemingly harmless vitamin can lead to irreversible consequences. Therefore, it is extremely important, before you start giving your child fish oil, to consult with your pediatrician to determine whether its use is justified in a particular case.

For children who are bottle-fed, fish oil is completely contraindicated, since it is contained in sufficient quantities in infant formula. And if you need to compensate for the lack of vitamin D in a baby, then most often other drugs containing it are prescribed, for example, Vigantol or Aquadetrim.

It turns out that introducing additional fish oil into a child’s diet is not necessary, and in some cases it is even dangerous. But if a mother still decides to feed her child a valuable product, she should consult a doctor.

Benefit

As already mentioned, fish oil comes in two forms – liquid and capsule. Since the liquid form has a specific smell and taste that only true connoisseurs and gourmets can appreciate, its cost is much lower compared to capsules, which are practically tasteless and odorless.

Beneficial properties of Omega-3

To determine the benefits of a product, you need to look at the composition of fish oil. Its main components are:

• oleic acid;
• palmitic acid;
• omega – 3;
• omega - 6.

These acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids and, despite the fact that the word “fat” is scary and associated with obesity, high cholesterol and blood clots, in this case it’s quite the opposite. It is for these components that fish oil is so valued, since the human body is not capable of producing them. Polyunsaturated fats have a beneficial effect on the body, namely:

• Helps expand and increase the elasticity of blood vessels.
• The risk of blood clots is reduced.
• It has a beneficial effect on preventing inflammatory processes in the body.
• Cholesterol levels are reduced.
• Promotes weight loss.
• Promotes the production of serotonin – the hormone of joy.

Omega-3 fats can prevent the development of the terrible disease of old people - Alzheimer's. They also have a positive effect on a person’s mental activity, and if you feel slight inhibition in mental and analytical processes, then fish oil will become your integral assistant and friend in eliminating this ailment.

Benefits of fish oil

Fish oil contains vitamins A and D, which is especially beneficial for hair, nails and skin. This duet can have a direct effect on color perception and the ability to see better in the dark, in other words, it improves vision. We can say that this is a “magic wand” for women who want to be healthy and attractive, as well as maintain youth for a long time, because vitamin A helps normalize metabolic processes in the body and plays an important role in the functioning of our immune system.

Fish oil for weight loss

Many will be skeptical that fish oil promotes weight loss, but this fact has been scientifically confirmed by the Japanese. This is due to the effect on accelerating metabolic processes, which directly affect the elimination or gain of excess weight. Don’t forget to take it regularly, as this is when weight loss is possible.

Nutritional value of fish oil

But do not forget that you need to adhere to proper nutrition; it is obvious that regular overeating will interfere with the beneficial effects of dietary supplements. Also, do not overestimate the capabilities of the product. If you have more than 20 extra kilos, then you should not pin all your hopes on dietary supplements, since it can only deprive you of a couple of extra kilos.

Effect on hair

With regular intake of fish oil, there is a positive effect on the hair structure. The dietary supplement is also able to regulate the pigment contained in it, therefore it is able to prevent the appearance of premature gray hair, saturate the hair with color, shine and elasticity. As we all know, hair is practically the most important component when assessing female beauty. A woman with healthy and beautiful hair will always be admired.

Effect on skin

Regular consumption of fish oil helps prevent the appearance of inflammatory processes on the skin, has a positive effect on its elasticity, and fights wrinkles. If you suffer from acne or pimples, then you need to pay attention to eliminating the cause of their appearance from the inside, this product will help you with this. But remember, if treatment fails and does not produce results for more than a month, then it is better to consult a specialist. Also, the vitamins included in the composition can reduce the manifestation of external allergic reactions. In addition to ingestion, fish oil can be used in various face and hair masks by simply opening the gelatin shell.

Effect on the skeleton, bones

High-quality fish oil contains a sufficient amount of the daily requirement of vitamin D, which is necessary for a person to actively absorb microelements, namely calcium and phosphorus. These microelements are necessary for our bone tissue, its proper growth and strengthening. This is especially true for elderly and elderly people, because everyone knows that with age, calcium and phosphorus are washed out of the bones, which contributes to the development of their fragility. To maintain the condition of teeth, fish oil is an essential element.

Is fish oil in capsules good for you?

Until some time, fish oil was available only in natural liquid form, but in modern pharmacy assortments you can find a wide variety of this drug, including a capsule version. This form makes taking this valuable product much more comfortable, because a person does not experience the unpleasant taste sensations that are characteristic of fish oil in liquid form. In addition, capsules are easier to dose, whereas the liquid drug has to be measured out with spoons.

The capsules containing fish oil consist of ordinary gelatin, which is absolutely harmless to humans. It dissolves easily in the intestines and does not cause negative reactions from the digestive system. However, this applies only to really high-quality drugs, but cheap analogues may contain harmful additives.

Capsulated fish oil is characterized not only by positive properties, but also by negative ones. For clarity, we list the pros and cons of this form of release of the drug separately.

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• dosage accuracy;
• protection against oxidation.

Flaws:

• the cost of the capsule drug is higher;
• Some medications (capsule shells) contain harmful impurities.

Not all manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements try to make their products as safe as possible. Thus, a low-quality encapsulated drug may contain sorbitol and glycerol - substances that have a negative effect on the digestive organs, and also often cause allergic reactions. Given this fact, it is better to choose liquid preparations or find really high-quality fish oil in capsule form.

How to use

Fish oil preparations in capsules are usually prescribed in a dosage of 0.25 g per adult per day. Depending on the characteristics of a particular drug, this can be from 10 to 12 capsules. They must be consumed in 2-3 doses during the day. There is no need to chew the capsules; they are taken whole with plain water. It is recommended to take fish oil with meals, but not on an empty stomach or before bed, to avoid side effects such as nausea and intestinal upset.

To achieve a significant result, it is necessary to take the drug on an ongoing basis, since a single use of fish oil will not give any results. Typically, the course of taking this supplement is about 4 weeks, but in some cases it can be extended to 2 or 3 months.

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Features of application

Both fish oil in capsules and the product in liquid form are suitable for internal use. Only one is prescribed in milliliters, the other in pieces. They are identical in quality and benefits, but, of course, fat in capsules is much easier and more enjoyable to take. take the supplement after or during meals, but not on an empty stomach.

The dosage and duration of use (1-3 months) are determined by the purposes of use:

• For weight loss, it is recommended to consume fish oil after meals in the amount of one teaspoon (in liquid form) or one capsule (1000 mg). At the same time, it is important to combine it with dietary restrictions and an active lifestyle.
• For children, fish oil is usually given in liquid form to make it easier to swallow. The dosage is minimal: usually, from the age of one month, babies are given 3-5 drops three times a day, children over one year old are given a teaspoon once a day. It is more convenient for older children to take the supplement in capsules, since the taste of liquid fish oil becomes real torture for them. The dosage is determined by the weight and age of the child. Children over 7 years old can take a teaspoon (capsule) three times a day for 2-3 months. But your doctor should give you the exact dosage regimen.
• To improve the condition of hair and nails, both liquid and capsule fish oil can be used for a fairly long period. It is taken orally after meals, along with vitamins. You can also use it for application to hair, skin, nails, mixing with other ingredients.

Now you know what fish oil does to the body, how, why and who is recommended to take it. Follow all precautions and recommendations, and then it will be extremely beneficial. It is recommended to consult with a specialist who will prescribe the optimal regimen for you.

The benefits of fish oil in sports

Professional athletes know that fish oil is essential during intense sports activities. A properly selected dosage of fish oil helps to gain muscle mass more quickly, reduce the percentage of fat, and also increases endurance and simplifies the recovery process after training.

Fish oil contains vitamins and microelements necessary not only for professional athletes, but also for those who visit the gym a couple of times a week to maintain physical shape. Thanks to fatty acids, catabolism is inhibited and anabolism is stimulated, and the level of the stress hormone cortisol is reduced, energy potential and physical strength are increased, which makes training more effective.

Omega-3 improves the condition of the heart and blood vessels, which is especially important for athletes. In addition, omega-3 lowers cholesterol, which prevents the formation of blood clots, as well as the development of strokes and heart attacks.

To get the maximum benefit from a fish oil product, you must take it according to the instructions. If for amateur athletes 1–2 g of fish oil per day is enough, then for bodybuilders the daily dose increases to 3–6 g. The drug should be taken in three doses, with meals. Athletes are recommended to take fish oil in a course of one month, repeating the intake three times a year.

Contraindications

For some diseases, consuming fish oil is not recommended. Among them:

• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• excess calcium, iodine and vitamins A and D in the body;
• acute form of cholecystitis, pancreatitis, cholelithiasis;
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract (including ulcers of the duodenum and stomach);
• sarcoidosis;
• chronic renal dysfunction, urolithiasis;
• active form of tuberculosis.

During the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding, fish oil is consumed only with the permission of a doctor. The active components are transferred to the baby along with mother's milk. This may cause an allergic reaction.

If the product is taken for a long time without following the recommended dosage, side effects may occur. These include gag reflex and diarrhea. People suffering from pancreatitis experience an exacerbation of the symptoms of the disease.

How to take fish oil for weight loss

No matter how many ways to lose weight there are, overweight people are trying to find some kind of superfood that will help solve the existing problem. In fact, such products do not exist, but some supplements do promote weight loss, but their effect will only be noticeable if comprehensive measures are taken.

Fish oil is one of the products that have a positive effect on the process of losing weight. The benefits of fish oil are determined by its ability to increase metabolism and restore the body during weight loss. But since fish oil is a medicine, it should be taken after consultation with a doctor and only if a deficiency of vitamin A and D is detected.

For the purpose of losing weight, this drug is usually prescribed in a dosage of 4.5–6 g per day. The entire volume should be divided into 2-3 doses, taking fish oil with meals and drinking plenty of water. The course of the drug for weight loss is usually 1–2 months, and the dose can be repeated 3–4 times a year. It is important to choose a high-quality drug, as well as follow storage rules, which will avoid digestive problems.

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Fish oil benefits and harms

The main value of this product is the fatty acids EPA and DHA, which we can take only from purebred fish (salmon, salmon, chum salmon, trout). The better the quality of the raw materials used for production, the more expensive the product is for sale. There’s nothing you can do here, it’s the law of the market.

The supplement has been used as a medicine for more than 120 years, having proven its effectiveness for more than one generation. Research and development is still underway on the effects of fish oil on the body. An additional intake is especially relevant for residents of Russia and the USA, where, according to statistics, the consumption of polyunsaturated acids in food is significantly lower than the norm.

Educational video about positive qualities

The benefits for humans from Omega-3 have been proven and tested by practice:

• Strengthening the cardiovascular system.
• Reducing the level of “bad” cholesterol.
• Improves the condition during menopause.
• Reduces the risk of developing blood clots (thin the blood).
• Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Protecting the body from neoplasms.
• Improves brain function.
• Losing weight and increasing muscle mass.

In addition, they note a positive effect on metabolism and brain function, although the research is quite contradictory, the “experiments” continue. And in terms of improving the condition of the skin and nails, there are only advantages.

For cardiovascular pathology

Most scientific articles have been written about the effects of omega 3. Research has been actively conducted since 1970, and drugs with polyunsaturated fatty acids are included in the standard of therapy.

One of the important properties of EPA and DHA is the ability to integrate into the cell membrane (a kind of membrane of all our cells, which determines its integrity). In this layer, acids replace existing lipids, triggering a range of metabolic reactions. PUFAs accelerate metabolic processes and also affect anti-inflammatory reactions.

Studies have proven the effectiveness of fish oil in the treatment of arrhythmias, coronary heart disease and heart failure. Regular intake of increased levels of Omega 3 also reduces the likelihood of sudden cardiac death.

Extensive research has been carried out on the relationship with fatty acid intake in the USA and Europe. Japan and Greenland. For the first two participants, the percentage of sudden cardiac death was about 0.2% per 10,000 population, while in Japan it was 0.04% (which is 5 times lower than in Europe). The Japanese have been using supplements for more than 50 years and are the longest-livers in the world, and the United States and Europe are about 20 years old. Fish oil can reduce the conductivity of calcium ions by the cell membrane of the myocardium, namely, its increased accumulation can cause arrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation.

Fact: a large consumption of fish oil is observed among the northern peoples - the Eskimos. They have an extremely low incidence of cardiovascular complications. And the mortality rate from heart disease does not exceed 7% (for example, in the USA this figure is 45%). Impressive?

Reduces bad cholesterol

Omega 3 regulates lipid metabolism, which reduces cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Also, polyunsaturated acids have mild hypotensive effects (reduce blood pressure); they participate in the synthesis of special hormone-like enzymes (prostaglandins), which dilate and tone blood vessels.

PUFAs improve blood condition, reducing the likelihood of developing blood clots, and therefore reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Fish oil capsules act as anticoagulants, preventing platelets from sticking together, i.e. thins the blood.

Before the upcoming surgery, it is better to cancel it to avoid bleeding.

Benefits for menopause

The use of fish oil during menopause is very important. During this period, metabolic processes are disrupted, hormonal imbalances provoke an increase in blood viscosity, an increase in body weight and a decrease in vascular tone. The benefits of fats from fish reduce complications from the cardiovascular system, cancer, especially breast cancer, in addition, they improve the condition of the skin by moisturizing it and serve as additional sources of vitamin A and D (prevention of osteoporosis).

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Anti-inflammatory effect

EPA and DHA are precursors of special biologically active substances in our body - prostaglandins. They are produced by almost all tissues and have a wide range of metabolic effects. If we do not get important fatty acids from food, then the synthesis of these enzymes is simply not possible.

PUFAs are involved in the creation of anti-inflammatory E3 enzymes, which reduce pain and inflammatory reactions (arthritis). This effect has an effect on atherosclerosis - by relieving inflammation from the walls of blood vessels.

Protects against neoplasms

There are a number of studies on the benefits of fish oil in preventing aggressive forms of cancer. Japanese scientists have found that with regular use of Omega 3, the likelihood of cancer is reduced. This fact is also associated with the activity of prostaglandin E3.

Improved brain function

The human brain is almost 2/3 fat. For normal functioning, it requires a sufficient supply of fatty acids, which help improve the metabolic processes of gray matter.

It is recommended to use fat not only for the elderly in order to prevent senile dementia, but also to use it during pregnancy - in mothers who included a sufficient amount of omega 3 in their diet, children were less likely to suffer from mental and mental disabilities and develop better. A fairly large-scale study was carried out, in which more than 12 thousand expectant mothers participated.

Fish oil in cosmetology

Fish oil is a valuable product for humans. Since ancient times, humanity has used the healing properties of oily fish not only for health purposes, but also for cosmetic purposes. Women who regularly consume oily fish or pharmaceutical fish oil look younger than their age, have glowing healthy skin and gorgeous hair. Fish oil is used both internally and to prepare useful cosmetic masks. Let's look at several options for beauty recipes that include fish oil.

For face

The composition of the mask against premature aging and to eliminate existing wrinkles includes: 1 tsp. fish oil, 1 tbsp. starch, 2-3 drops of ginger oil. Combine all the ingredients and lubricate the resulting mixture onto your face, rinse off after 30–40 minutes.

A mask based on fish oil (5 ml) and several sprigs of parsley will help protect the delicate skin around the eyes from early aging. To prepare the mask, you need to chop the parsley, mix it with fat and apply it to the area around the eyes. After 30 minutes, rinse with water or blot with a napkin.

This mask can relieve skin from rashes: 1 tsp. combine fish oil with 10 g of black or gray clay and 15 drops of calendula tincture. Apply the mask to previously cleansed skin, and after half an hour, rinse with warm water. After such a mask, it is advisable to wipe the skin with water mixed with a few drops of lemon juice.

For hair

You can get rid of dandruff and at the same time speed up hair growth with the help of a mask that includes fish oil (1 tbsp), honey (1 tsp) and a clove of grated garlic. Apply the mask to the hair roots, and after half an hour, rinse thoroughly with shampoo.

You can strengthen thin and weak hair with a mask containing fish oil (the amount depends on the length and thickness of the hair) and a few drops of almond oil. Heat the composition until warm, apply to hair along the entire length and, after holding for 30–60 minutes, rinse.

A mask based on fish oil with the addition of olive, corn and sunflower oil helps improve hair growth. All ingredients must be taken in equal quantities, mixed, slightly heated in a water bath, then applied to hair from roots to ends, wrapped in plastic wrap, and a terry towel wrapped on top. Keep the mask on for at least 30 minutes, then wash your hair with shampoo (if once is not enough, you can wash it twice).

Harm and contraindications

Fish oil is very beneficial for the human body. However, a number of contraindications should be taken into account:

1. You should not take fish oil for a long time, as this will negatively affect the condition of the body, namely the cardiovascular system, liver and other organs.
2. Fish oil should not be consumed if you have certain kidney diseases. Also, this drug can cause the appearance of blood in the urine, which also indicates a negative effect of fish oil on the kidneys.
3. In large quantities, fish oil can make the walls of blood vessels weaker, which can lead to abrasions and other skin damage even with minor mechanical stress.
4. Fish oil preparations are also contraindicated for people suffering from high blood pressure.
5. Modern pediatricians do not recommend taking fish oil in the form of pharmaceutical preparations for children under 12 years of age.

This product has a number of other restrictions, and therefore you should consult your doctor before taking fish oil.

Benefits of dietary supplements

After taking fish oil in capsules, under the influence of digestive juices, the gelatin shell dissolves, and the beneficial elements are absorbed through the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, and delivered to the tissues through the bloodstream.

The substances included in the vitamin supplement have a positive effect on the body:

• increase immunity;
• improve vision;
• stimulate brain function;
• normalize cholesterol metabolism;
• accelerate cell regeneration;
• strengthen blood vessels;
• improve myocardial function;
• speed up metabolism;
• promotes fat burning (useful for weight loss);
• normalizes blood pressure.

The components of fish oil have an antioxidant effect by binding free radicals. This property allows you to prevent earlier aging.

Children need dietary supplements no less than adults. Omega fatty acids and vitamins will provide the body with the elements necessary for the growth of bones and muscles, strengthen the immune system and improve school performance.

How to choose and store fish oil

The choice of a particular fish oil preparation should be based on a study of the composition. Thus, a high-quality encapsulated preparation should not contain substances such as glycerol and sorbitol; they are initially absent in liquid form.

It is also worth choosing an additive taking into account the type of fish from which it was obtained. The most useful fish oil is made from cod liver or other types of marine fish. Cheap analogues of the drug are made from small varieties of fish.

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