Fish Oil for Fitness and Health
The mention of oils and fats will make some health-conscious individuals run for cover. What many do not realize is that there are bad fats and good fats. Completely avoiding oils and fats would be detrimental to their health.
The Truth about Fish Oil
Essential fatty acids should always be consumed as part of our daily diet since without them we are not as healthy. Essential fatty acids can be divided into two groups: omega-3 EFAS and omega-6 EFAs.
Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other, studies have revealed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news, however, is that the opposite is true for omega-3 EFAs. Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while omega-3 EFAs can be found in fish oils among other foods.
Omega-6 vs. Omega-3
Scientists and doctors share the opinion that the increase of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, premature aging, obesity,and certain cancers are caused by an imbalanced intake of the essential omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs.
As mentioned earlier on, omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils. This includes but is not limited to corn oil and soy oil, both of which contains high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can be found also in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils. It is significant to note that fish oils and fatty fish contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids which have been known to provide the human body with many benefits. A study in the early 1970s involving Greenland Eskimos showed that a large reason they rarely had heart diseases was due to the high fat diet consumed which was mainly composed of fish.
EPA and DHA, two essential fatty acids are helpful in preventing depression, some forms of cancer, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis. Fish oil supplemented food have also proven to be useful in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Other Benefits of Fish Oil
There are a lot more illnesses and situations in which intake of fish oil has proven to be significantly beneficial.
Making the Heart Healthier
The heart is inarguably one of the most important parts of our body and having an unhealthy heart means having to suffer a rather limited lifespan. Naturally, it’s in our best interests to keep our hearts happy and healthy and one way of doing that is eating food that contains fish oil.
A study in Athens Greece showed a direct relationship between inflammation of blood vessels and high fish diets. Results revealed that those who consumed larger amounts of fish had lower C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels, factors commonly used to measure blood vessel inflammation. Even when these risks which were associated with high fish diets were taken into account, these benefits remained.
Fish for Weight Loss
A study in Perth, Australia showed fish consumption could be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers at the University of Western Australia found that a weight loss diet that included fish consumption was very effective in improving glucose tolerance and reducing blood pressure.
Fish Oil to Combat Asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil for asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that approximately 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoletic acid content as the reason behind it.
Researchers at the University of Wyoming conducted a study which subjected a number of children to a diet high in fish while others ate a regular diet. Results revealed that the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.
Consult Your Nutritionist Now
Nothing is good when consumed or used excessively but complete avoidance of a particular food type is equally harmful as well. Ask your nutritionist for the right amount of fish intake for your age and health status. Give fish oil a try and see the benefits to your health. You can try fish oil for free and discover for yourself if it works for you.
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