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The Possible Benefits of Fish Oil
Jacob Mabille
Fish was always
recommended by the Church during Lent. Studies have shown that this may
have been a very good idea in fact, that it is a good idea to eat
certain types of oily fish at any time of the year. The fats found in
some varieties of oily fish, omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to
have many possible benefits. Here is a list of some of these:
The Heart
The American Heart Association recommends that people eat fish,
preferably oily fish, at least twice a week. Studies have shown that
diets rich in omega-3 fats decrease the levels of triglyceride a type
of fat linked to heart disease and decrease the risk of irregular
heart rhythms thus lowering the possibility of sudden cardiac arrests or
strokes. These diets have also been linked to lowering blood pressure.
Doubts have arisen about this recently because a new British study
showed that fish oil may not be any use at all in preventing heart
disease. However, many more tests need to be done.
Greenland Eskimos and the Japanese have very low rates of heart disease
and this may be because of the high quantity of oily fish in their diet.
The Brain
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may be very important for
foetal development of the brain and the eyes. Oily fish can contribute
to the health of brain tissue and the retina.
Depression
Greenland Eskimos have virtually no incidence of depression while the
Japanese have very low rates. New Zealanders, who eat the highest
amounts of omega-6 or harmful fatty acids, have the highest rates of
depression. This may be because Eskimos and Japanese consume a lot of
oily fish.
Studies have also shown that fish oil may help to control mood swings in
people with depression.
Eyes
Consuming a high quantity of omega-6 fatty acids has been linked to the
increase in the West of two eye diseases: dry eye syndrome and macular
degeneration. Eating more oily fish may help to prevent these diseases.
Cancer
A few studies have shown that fish oil may lessen the risk of developing
cancers of the breast, prostrate and lung. However, a recent review of
studies involving more than 700,000 patients, found that it probably
doesnt help to prevent cancer. Studies are continuing, however.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Fish oil can reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and may lessen
the need for patients to take NSAIDS which can have harmful effects.
Conclusion
Although the best way to obtain fish oil is by eating fish such as
salmon, tuna and mackerel, there have been recent reports about high
levels of mercury in fish. Pregnant women and those with young children
should avoid eating fish with high mercury levels.
Some doctors, such as Doctor Judith Reichman in her article "Fish Oil
Better than Risk of Polluted Fish" at MSNBC, conclude that taking fish
oil supplements is a better idea it is best to ask the doctor before
considering a radical change in diet or taking supplements.
About the Author
Jacob Mabille writes
for
Health Guides & Articles where
you can find more health tips and related articles. You may republish
this article only if you retain resource box and active hyperlinks.
Source:
ArticleTrader.com
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