Anxiety Self HelpFind helpful information about anxiety.

A huge amount of studies indicate that, not only are fish oil benefits numerous, some of them are actually very amazing! It seems like new research is being published all the time, as researchers and doctors learn even more about how and why it is so good for health. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are “good fats” that are vital to well-being. They are essential for human health but the body can’t produce them – you have to get them from your diet. Here are some proven fish oil benefits that should persuade you to consume more oil rich, wild fish and/or start taking a quality fish oil supplement if you’re not already!

Promotes Heart Health & Protects Against Heart Attack and Stroke

Fish oil continues to grow in scientific reputation as a key component to heart health. According to the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in minimizing the occurrence of heart disease and aids in reducing risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clinical studies of heart attack survivors have found that daily consumption of omega-3 supplements dramatically minimize the risk of dying, additional heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also reduce blood triglycerides, help correct irregular heartbeats, and can help avoid and treat atherosclerosis by preventing the formation of plaque and blood clots, which typically clog arteries.

Reduces Inflammation and Pain

Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammation effect. Research trials show that diets high in omega-3s (and low in the inflammatory omega-6s) may help people with inflammation-based disorders — anything that ends in -itis!. Fish oil has have also been used to successfully treat neck, back and menstrual pain, allowing study patients to reduce their consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

Contributes to Healthy Joints and Reduces Arthritis Symptoms

The omega-3s in fish oil reduce joint tenderness, pain intensity and morning stiffness produced by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, several test tube studies have shown that omega-3s actually reduce the action of enzymes that break down cartilage. At least 13 published research trials have demonstrated that fish oils are highly beneficial at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped those with RA to reduce their dependence on pain medication.

Enhances Mental Acuity & Long-Term Cognitive Function

Are you aware that omega-3s, especially DHA, are highly concentrated in the brain? They’re essential for optimum cognitive (brain memorization and performance) and behavioral function, as well as normal growth and development. Trials show that omega-3s may help in maintaining adequate cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or staving off the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. We also have learned that it’s very important that pregnant women get adequate DHA, because it’s essential to the developing fetus — in the third trimester of pregnancy, the fetus’ brain grows at a rate of 250,000 new neurons every minute! Kids are also helped by omega-3 consumption, as myriad studies demonstrate that omega-3s enhance learning, concentration, vocabulary and reading skills. Many studies have also shown efficacy in treating ADD.

Supports Happy Mood & Emotional Well-being

In nations where fish is a major part of the diet, national rates of depression are lower. So, it’s not surprising that studies have found that fish oil supplements can mitigate the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Several clinical trials have shown that those that took omega-3s in addition to prescribed anti-depressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those who took anti-depressants alone, with patients experiencing a stabilization effect and fewer mood swings. Research has also demonstrated that, when those in prison were administered fish oil, there was a significant drop in violent behavior. Omega-3s also appear to lower the risk of postpartum depression.

Promotes Vision Wellness

Studies show that people with a greater omega-3 intake seem to have a decreased risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing macular degeneration. Early research also shows that fish oil supplementation helps in reducing dry eye symptoms, may help to slow macular degeneration for people already developing it and improves eye health in general.

Pregnancy, Infant Brain/Eye Development & Less Incidence of Childhood Conditions

DHA makes up 15-20% of our cerebral cortex and approximately 30-60% of the retina, so it’s absolutely essential for normal growth and development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also appears to reduce likelihood of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and behavior/hyperactivity later in the child’s life. Omega-3s also help to lower the chances of low birth weight and premature birth.

Promotes Optimal Fat Metabolism and Weight Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s trigger “I’m full” messages to the brain and help quash hunger signals. Research has also demonstrated that fish oil improves the effectiveness of exercise in reducing weight. Volunteers who were alloted fish oil as part of their diet showed greater weight loss as compared to people who didn’t consume fish oil. Exercise plus fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the volunteers.

Lowers Risk of Prostate, Breast & Colorectal Cancer

Though additional research in this area is urgently needed, we now know that the omega 3′s found in fish oil assist in the prevention and treatment of testicular, prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. Preliminary studies imply that taking fish oil daily can help retard the progression of colon cancer in those with early stages of the disease and may even have the ability to cause apoptosis (cellular death) of cancer cells.

Much more can be said about the many fish oil benefits. And, as the science community and health professionals continue to study omega-3s, you can be certain that fish oil will keep making headlines as the ideal source of these essential fatty acids that are so vital to our bodies. Even if you’re already in great physical condition, a quality fish oil supplement is the fastest, safest way to achieve and maintain optimal health!

Brittany M. Wallace is a health and nutrition expert who has been studying fish oil benefits for nearly 10 years. You can learn all about the benefits of fish oil by visiting her site.