The Benefits of Fish Oil for Fitness and Our Health
When the words oils and fats are mentioned, health-conscious individuals tend to run for cover. What they do not realize is that there are good fats and bad fats. Complete avoidance of intake of oils and fats would actually be detrimental – rather than beneficial – to their health.
The Truth About Fish Oil
Essential fatty acids must always be part of our daily diet – without them, we take a step closer to our death. Essential fatty acids are divided into two families: omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAs.
Although only very small differences of the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other to distinguish the studies showed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news 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
Doctors and scientists are of the same opinion that the reason behind the increasing cases of heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain types of cancer is none other than an imbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs.
As mentioned earlier, can omega-6 EFAs are found in vegetable oils. This includes, but is not limited to, corn oil and soybean oil, both of which contain high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other side can also be found in the marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils. It should note that significant fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids, which many perceived benefits to provide for the human body, too. In the early 1970s, a study on Greenland Eskimos showed that one of the main reasons why they rarely suffer from heart diseases due to their high-fat diet (which consists mainly of fish).
The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA is also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food have also proven to be useful in treating diseases such as 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.
Make the heart healthier
The heart is inarguably one of the most important parts of our body and having an unhealthy heart means that a relatively limited life to suffer. Sure, it’s in our best interests to keep our hearts happy and healthy and one way of doing things that the food consists of fish oil food.
In Athens, Greece, for example, was a study showing whether there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results showed that those who fish more than others have lower levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used probability of blood vessel inflammation measuring ate. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.
Fish too thin
In Perth, Australia, a study showed that fish consumption may be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss diet that a regular amount of fish consumption can be very effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.
Fish Oil to Combat Asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be regarded as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be happy to learn that certain studies the benefits of fish oil showed asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that about 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at some point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason behind it.
Researchers of UW (University of Wyoming) conducted a study by subjecting a number of children in a high-fish diet while others continued their usual diet. Results indicate that participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and was able to breathe easier as well.
Consult Your Nutritionist Now
Nothing is good when consumed or used too much, but complete avoidance of a particular food type is equally harmful. Ask your nutritionist for the right amount of fish intake for your age and health status.