Fish oil is sourced from fatty fish anchovies, salmon, sardines, and trout. In supplement form, fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support good health.
What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is oil from the tissues of oily fish, such as anchovies, salmon, sardines, and trout. Fish oil supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, namely docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Some fats increase the risk of being overweight and having obesity. In contrast, the omega-3s in oily fish help support good health.
Omega-3s have several benefits, such as:
- Helping create new cells and tissues
- Providing your body with energy
- Supplying other nutrients like vitamins A, E, and K
Benefits of Fish Oil
Research has found that the omega-3s in fish oil may have several benefits. Of note: Consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, including fish oil.
Can help People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how people communicate, interact with others, and learn.6 Fish oil does not affect symptoms but may improve attention and working memory in adults with ASD.
Another small study—this one in children with ASM—found that those who took omega-3 capsules daily for eight weeks had improvements in behaviors and social communication.
Has Been Shown To Manage Arthritis Symptoms
Fish oil may alleviate painful symptoms in people with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
OA wears down the cartilage in your joints, causing chronic pain and disability. OA is the most common cause of arthritis.9 RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks its healthy cells. As a result, you may develop painful, stiff, and swollen joints.
A study published in 2020 found that fish oil helped lessen chronic pain and improved overall well-being among people with OA who were overweight or had obesity.
Some evidence suggests that fish oil helps reduce inflammation that causes painful joints in people with RA.11 Although, the data showing that fish oil is as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs is inconsistent.
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
A review published in 2022 reported that the optimal intake of DHA and EPA to reduce blood pressure is two to three grams daily.13 High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death among adults in the United States.
Helps Protect Eye Health
Some evidence suggests that older adults with high DHA and EPA levels in the outer coating of their red blood cells have a strongly reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD causes irreversible vision loss among people older than 60 in the United States.15 In its later stages, AMD may lead to blurry and wavy areas or the loss of your central vision, which you need to see details straight ahead.
Helps Reduce Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can partly block many aspects of inflammation.1 Consuming omega-3s like DHA and EPA through fish oil may reduce long-term inflammation.
Long-term inflammation that lasts months to years raises the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.
Linked to Reduced Anxiety and Depression Risk
Research has found that low blood levels of omega-3s may increase the risk of anxiety and depression.18 Fish oil may complement traditional therapies that treat depression.
A review published in 2018 found that a diet rich in omega-3s helps reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. The researchers noted that omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that may treat mental health conditions. Inflammation in the brain often causes anxiety and depression.
May Help Slow Bone Density and Muscle Loss
People naturally lose bone density and muscle mass as they age, which increases the risk of falls and fractures.
For example, consuming omega-3s may protect bone mineral density in the spine among older adults.22 A study published in 2021 linked fish oil to reduced fracture risk, especially among people with a high genetic risk.
Likewise, research has found that, among adults aged 60–85, a fish oil supplement slowed the average age-driven decline in muscle mass.
inputs from https://www.health.com/
