Fish oil: health benefits and harms

Fish oil is a type of animal fat produced from certain varieties of fish, most often from cod. Also among the varieties most often used for cooking fat should be noted herring, mackerel and all types of red fish.

Fish of these varieties, as well as fat produced from it, has been used since ancient times as a valuable product. This is due to the content of essential vitamins and fatty acids. Since ancient times, fat has been included in its menu by people who care about their own health and appearance.

To date, fat from some varieties of fish has not only not lost its relevance, but has become even more popular in both traditional and traditional medicine.

What is the difference between fish oil and omega-3

Fish oil and omega-3 are often confused, and sometimes even believe that they are one and the same. In fact, omega-3 is part of fish oil, that is, it is its component. From this it becomes clear that both substances have almost the same characteristics, but fish oil has a wider range of beneficial properties.

The similarity of the substances in question is that they help:

• treatment of pathologies associated with the musculoskeletal system;
• optimization of the work of the organs of the cardiovascular system;
• stabilization of the nervous system;
• tissue regeneration, early healing of wounds;
• stabilization of the nervous system;
• rapid elimination of inflammatory processes.

However, the most important criterion that makes the substances in question similar to each other is the content of unsaturated fatty acids in each of them. To maintain good health, you need to include 3 to 6 grams of these acids in your diet.

Thus, the assertion that omega-3 and fish oil are completely identical is erroneous. They differ in a number of other features, for example, in the manufacturing method. So, fish oil is always an animal product made from oily fish, while omega-3 can be produced from plants (most often flax). The differences are noticeable in the composition: omega-3 does not include vitamins A and D, which are characteristic of fish oil.

Which is better: linseed oil or fish oil

Flaxseed oil and fish oil are substances known for their healing properties. Although these products are mainly valued for their unsaturated fatty acid content, they have different characteristics. So, fish oil includes substances such as DHA and EPA, which are necessary for brain health. But if they are synthesized from flax, they will have slightly different qualities and composition. In order to understand which of the considered products is more useful, it is necessary to analyze their differences:

1. Oil has a more pleasant taste, in contrast to fish fat, in which a specific taste is felt, especially in the liquid form of the drug.
2. Harmful substances practically do not accumulate in flaxseeds, while fish (depending on living conditions) can have heavy metals in their bodies.
3. To replenish the daily norm of fatty acids, you will have to use flaxseed oil 7-8 times more than fish oil.
4. Flaxseed oil is poorly absorbed by the male body, so it is indicated to include it mainly in women.
5. Fish oil has a wider list of valuable substances than oil.

Composition and calorie content

Fish oil contains many unique components necessary for human health. The most useful ones are omega-3 and omega-6 - these are fatty acids, which are very important for the proper functioning of the body, since a person does not produce them independently.

In addition to these two acids, vitamins E and D are present in fat, as well as calcium, iron, iodine, chlorine, bromine, etc. All the elements included in its composition are necessary for the full existence of the body and well-being, from which we can conclude that fish oil should be present in the diet of every person, whether in the form of drugs or fish dishes.

Fish oil, along with other types of animal fats and vegetable oils, has a significant calorie content: about 900 kcal per 100 g (depending on the variety and processing method). But this should not frighten those who are busy putting their figure in order, since there are not many calories in the daily amount of fat that the body needs.

What is useful fish oil

The rich composition of fish oil with an abundance of various vitamins and minerals suggests that this product has a beneficial effect on the body. Fish oil has the ability to improve the functioning of many systems, as well as prevent the development of various diseases and pathologies.

For women

Fish oil is becoming more popular among women. This is due to a number of reasons, each of which should be mentioned separately:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to weight loss. It sounds a little strange that such a high-calorie product can reduce weight, but it really is. Japanese scientists conducted a study and proved that taking fish oil preparations contributes to a faster burning of calories from food. In addition, fish oil accelerates metabolism and, in particular, fat metabolism, which is also important in the process of losing weight. To reduce weight by 1.5 kg per week, it is necessary not only to limit nutrition and increase physical activity, but also include 1-2 g of fish oil per day in your menu. This supplement will speed up the process of losing weight, and also help maintain women's health and beauty.
2. Fish oil is a valuable hair beauty product. The substances contained in fish oil have a beneficial effect on the scalp and hair, contributing to their healing and early growth. It is recommended to take fish oil inside and make masks based on it in the presence of problems such as split ends, dandruff, thinness of hair, slow growth and even baldness.
3. Fish oil helps to improve the condition and appearance of the skin, namely, to prevent early aging and eliminate the signs of already occurring age-related changes, even out skin tone, smooth out scarring, heal wounds that have appeared, and also remove acne and blackheads.
4. The beneficial effect of fish oil on the health and beauty of nails is also known. This valuable food supplement makes nails stronger, more beautiful and more shiny. Fish oil can be used both inside and in the form of masks.
5. Fish oil has an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to this drug, you can reduce the likelihood of developing allergies, as well as quickly eliminate the symptoms of allergic manifestations. This property of fish oil is explained by the fact that the vitamins and microelements that make up the preparation make the cell membrane more resistant to allergens.
6. Osteoporosis is an unpleasant disease that is most often characteristic of women after 40. Fish oil will help reduce the likelihood of its development, as well as relieve symptoms of osteoporosis that has already appeared. Thanks to vitamin D, which is part of it, the absorption of calcium is improved. Trace elements such as calcium and phosphorus, which are also present in fish oil, are essential for healthy and strong bones.

For men

Fish oil has a general beneficial effect on the human body. But, if we consider the effect of this drug on men's health, several important facts should be noted. So, the vitamins and trace elements that make up this substance can act as a prophylactic for prostatitis, prostate cancer, and various inflammatory processes.

Also, fish oil is able to increase the production of male sex hormones - testosterone, which positively affects potency. This drug is also indicated for athletes, since it reduces the level of cortisol (stress hormone) and can accelerate the process of muscle gain, as well as improve fat metabolism.

During pregnancy

A pregnant woman should start taking this or that drug only after consulting a doctor. This applies not only to medicines, but also, at first glance, harmless vitamins and food additives. So, the use of fish oil by a future mother may not be useful in all cases. But most often, a fish oil preparation can be used during pregnancy, while its quality and shelf life must be taken into account.

Vitamin D, which is part of fish oil, is useful to the expectant mother and the emerging fetus. It positively affects the skeletal system of mother and baby, and also helps to prevent the development of rickets in a newborn. Omega-3 promotes mental activity and brain development of the child. Vitamin A is the most important element for the beauty of the skin and hair of the expectant mother, which also positively affects the functioning of the placenta, namely, the supply of it with oxygen.

There is such a property of fish oil as preventing the development of diabetes in the mother and the unborn child. This drug can also be prescribed in the presence of problems with blood pressure, nervous system and mood swings.

When breastfeeding

Fish oil is an important product for human health. However, during breastfeeding, his admission should be treated very carefully. As a rule, women who have recently given birth do not have vitamin D deficiency, but newborns may miss it. But in order to make up for vitamin D deficiency in children, a liquid preparation is used, so there is no urgent need for the use of fish oil by a nursing mother.

If a woman still decided to start taking this drug, she should consult with a pediatrician or a breastfeeding specialist to determine the required dose. During lactation, a small amount of fish oil is allowed, if necessary for the health of the mother. Exceeding the dose threatens the appearance of an allergy in the baby and an increase in the fat content of milk, which does not always favorably affect the health of the newborn, whose digestive system has not yet been fully formed. In addition, too fatty milk is worse separated from the milk ducts, which can lead to complications of lactation in the form of stagnation, lactostasis and even mastitis.

For kids

A few decades ago, fish oil was considered an obligatory supplement for children. This drug was produced in liquid form and did not have the most pleasant taste, because of which not everyone liked it. For some children, taking fish oil turned into a real torture. Modern medicine has gone far ahead, and today fish oil is available in capsules, but this does not mean that everyone should take it, without exception.

So, the famous domestic pediatrician Komarovsky notes that children do not need to drink fish oil at all, whether in liquid form or capsules, since vitamin D deficiency is not so common among modern babies. All the necessary elements, including this vitamin, can be obtained with food. But an overdose of such a seemingly harmless, at first glance, vitamin can lead to irreversible consequences.Therefore, it is extremely important before you start giving your child fish oil, consult a pediatrician to determine whether its use is justified in a particular case.

Children who are breast-fed, fish oil is completely contraindicated, since it is contained in sufficient quantities in milk mixtures. And if you need to make up for the deficiency of vitamin D in infants, then other drugs that contain it, for example, Vigantol or Aquadetrim, are most often prescribed.

It turns out that it is not necessary to add fish oil to the diet of the child, and in some cases even dangerous. But if the mother still decides to feed the child a valuable product, she should consult a doctor.

Is capsule fish oil good for you?

Until some time, fish oil was available only in its natural liquid form, but in the modern pharmacy assortment you can find a wide variety of this drug, including the capsule option. This form makes the reception of this valuable product much more comfortable, because a person does not experience unpleasant taste sensations that are inherent to fish oil in liquid form. In addition, capsules are easier to dose, while a liquid preparation has to be measured with spoons.

The capsules containing fish oil are made up of regular gelatin, which is completely harmless to humans. It dissolves without problems in the intestines and does not form negative reactions from the digestive system. However, this applies only to really high-quality drugs, but cheap analogues can contain harmful additives.

Encapsulated fish oil is characterized not only by positive properties, but also by negative ones. For clarity, we list the pros and cons of this form of release of the drug separately.

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• dosage accuracy;
• protection against oxidation.

Disadvantages:

• the cost of the capsule preparation is higher;
• some preparations (capsule shell) contain harmful impurities.

Not all manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements try to make their product as safe as possible. So, an encapsulated preparation of low quality may contain sorbitol and glycerol - substances that have a negative effect on the digestive organs, and also often cause allergic reactions. Given this fact, it is better to choose liquid preparations or to find really high-quality fish oil in capsule form.

How to use

Fish oil preparations in capsules, as a rule, are prescribed in a dosage of 0.25 g for an adult per day. Depending on the characteristics of a particular drug, it can be from 10 to 12 capsules. They must be consumed in 2-3 doses during the day. You do not need to chew the capsules, they are taken whole, washed down with plain water. It is recommended that fish oil be taken with meals, but not on an empty stomach or at bedtime, in order to avoid effects such as nausea and indigestion.

To achieve a significant result, it is necessary to take the drug on an ongoing basis, since a single use of fish oil will not give any results. Usually the course of taking this supplement is about 4 weeks, but in some cases it can be extended to 2 or 3 months.

The benefits of fish oil in sports

Professional athletes know that fish oil is essential for intense sports. Correctly selected dosage of fish oil contributes to a faster set of muscle mass, a decrease in the percentage of fat, and also increases endurance and simplifies the recovery process after training.

Fish oil contains vitamins and minerals necessary not only for professional athletes, but also for those who visit the gym a couple of times a week to maintain physical fitness. Thanks to fatty acids, catabolism is inhibited and anabolism is stimulated, as well as the level of the stress hormone cortisol is reduced, the energy potential and physical strength are increased, which makes training more effective.

Omega-3 improves the condition of the heart and blood vessels, which is especially important for athletes. In addition, omega-3 lowers cholesterol, which prevents the formation of blood clots, as well as the development of strokes and heart attacks.

To get the maximum benefit from the fish oil preparation, you must take it in accordance with the instructions. If amateur athletes need 1-2 g of fish oil per day, then for bodybuilders the daily dose is increased to 3-6 g. The drug should be taken in three doses, with meals. Athletes are advised to take fish oil in a one-month course, repeating the intake three times a year.

How to take fish oil for weight loss

No matter how many methods of losing weight, overweight people try to find some kind of superfood that will help solve the existing problem. In fact, such products do not exist, but some supplements really contribute to weight loss, however, their effect will be noticeable only with integrated measures.

Fish oil is one of the products that positively affects the process of losing weight. The benefits of fish oil are determined by its ability to increase metabolism and restore the body in the process of losing weight. But since fish oil is a drug, it should be taken after consulting a doctor and only if a deficiency of vitamin A and D is detected.

In order to lose weight, this drug is usually prescribed in a dosage of 4.5-6 g per day. The entire volume should be divided into 2-3 doses, taking fish oil with food and drinking plenty of water. The course of the drug for weight loss is usually 1-2 months, and you can repeat the reception 3-4 times a year. It is important to choose a high-quality drug, as well as observe storage rules, which will avoid digestive problems.

Fish oil in medicine

Fish oil is a drug that is widely used in both traditional and traditional medicine. It is prescribed for people with a deficiency of vitamins A and D, as well as for general weakness of the body and during the recovery period after operations. The drug is prescribed for adults and adolescents, but children under 1 years old should not take it, contrary to the prevailing opinion that fish oil is mandatory for them.

With diabetes

In the presence of diseases such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, excessively fatty foods are contraindicated. This is due to the fact that a large amount of fat interferes with the normal absorption of glucose that enters the body of a diabetic, which leads to difficulties in eliminating harmful lipids and clogging of blood vessels. In this regard, the question arises: is it possible to take fish oil for people suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

In fact, fish oil can be taken by diabetics, but only in purified form. Modern preparations contain well-processed fish oil, which does not have a negative effect on blood vessels, but the use of fatty varieties of fish should be discarded, since in this case the fat will enter the body in its pure form.

High-quality preparations of fish oil can reduce blood cholesterol, which favorably affects the state of the cardiovascular system. Repeated studies have shown that fish oil can not only lower bad cholesterol, but also increase healthy blood cholesterol, which is often not enough for diabetics.

Thus, taking a fish oil preparation will allow avoiding the transition of type 2 diabetes mellitus to an insulin-dependent form, and when using this drug with type 1 diabetes, you can achieve a significant reduction in the symptoms of the disease and, as a result, reduce the amount of insulin injected.

Important: glycemic index of fish oil 0 units.

With pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a rather dangerous disease, the treatment of which should be carried out strictly in agreement with the doctor. Reception of fish oil to people suffering from pancreatitis is not allowed in all cases. This drug is contraindicated in the acute form of the course of the disease, and in the phase of remission it should be strictly dosed.This limitation is due to the fact that the damaged pancreas is not able to produce enough enzymes to digest pure fat. A lack of lipase can lead to digestive disorders, manifested by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, upset stools and abdominal pain.

However, the complete exclusion of fats from the menu for pancreatitis is an absolutely wrong decision. The body needs healthy fats, but unsaturated fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, should be preferred. And the presence of antioxidants in the composition helps to eliminate inflammatory processes, as well as protect pancreatic cells from various negative factors.

With pancreatitis, fish oil is prescribed only in the remission phase and in a small dosage - up to 5 g per day. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the total amount of fat in the diet. So, you can replace 5 g of butter or vegetable oil with 5 g of fish oil and get much more nutrients. If any adverse reactions occur, you should immediately stop taking fish oil and consult a doctor.

With gastritis

Patients with gastritis should carefully consider the question of whether they can take fish oil. The fact is that this drug has a number of contraindications, and before taking it, you should consult a doctor.

In general, fish oil is useful for gastritis, as it has several positive effects:

• struggles with inflammatory processes;
• reduces stress level;
• protects the walls of the stomach from irritation;
• slows down tumor processes and prevents their occurrence;
• boosts immunity.

For the intestines

Omega-3 acids in fish oil have a positive effect on intestinal health. This drug helps to overcome the inflammatory processes in the intestines, as well as diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative formations.

Before starting taking fish oil for medicinal purposes, it is necessary to consult a doctor to eliminate the appearance of unpleasant consequences in the form of allergies and complications of the disease. A fish oil preparation can be prescribed as an additional, but not the main means in the treatment of intestinal diseases.

For constipation

Fish oil can help solve a problem such as constipation, including chronic. Due to its enveloping and laxative effect, it is just prescribed to patients with such a problem. To eliminate constipation, both a single dose of the drug (up to 10 g) and a course (3-5 grams per day for a month) can be prescribed.

With gout

Fish oil can be used to alleviate the condition in a disease such as gout. Thanks to polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as vitamins A and E, this drug is able to relieve joint pain and block inflammatory processes. The antioxidant properties of the product prevent cell damage and improve the regeneration process.

For the liver

Due to its rich composition, fish oil is able to have a beneficial effect on the liver. Omega-3s prevent inflammation in the liver. Vitamin A normalizes the separation of bile and glycogen production, E inhibits stress and the effects of negative factors on liver cells, D is the best way to prevent liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Thus, fish oil can be used for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. But due to the fact that this drug is pure fats, it should be used very carefully and only after consulting a doctor.

With hemorrhoids

Such an unpleasant problem as hemorrhoids can be solved once and for all with the help of fish oil. This drug is used not only inside, but also in the form of microclysters, with the help of which it is possible to achieve healing of microcracks, as well as facilitate bowel movement. The recipe for microclysters is simple: for 1 tsp. liquid fish oil must take 2 tbsp. chopped leaves of pharmacy chamomile, pour 200 ml of hot water and insist for 30-40 minutes. After this, strain the composition and apply it in the form of microclysters: 10 ml of infusion should be injected into the rectum with a syringe, then left in a lying position for about an hour.

With cholecystitis

If the gallbladder is disturbed, most fatty foods are contraindicated. But this does not apply to a high-quality preparation of fish oil, which not only does not harm the gallbladder, but also contributes to the separation of bile.

In order to overcome a disease such as cholecystitis, it is necessary, in addition to other medications, to include fish oil in the intake. However, it is important to monitor the quality of the drug used - no harmful substances such as sorbitol and glycerol should be present in the composition. In connection with these, it is better to give preference to liquid form, since harmful substances are contained, as a rule, in the capsule shell.

With varicose veins

Contained in large quantities of omega-3 in fish oil can help overcome a disease such as varicose veins. In order to prevent and treat this disease, it is recommended that you regularly include fatty fish in your menu. For those who do not like fish, the option of encapsulated fish oil is suitable. Preparations in this form do not have an unpleasant taste and smell and are very simple to use.

Fish oil in cosmetology

Fish oil is a valuable product for humans. Since ancient times, mankind has used the healing properties of oily fish not only for health purposes, but also for cosmetics. Women who regularly consume oily fish or pharmacy fish oil look younger than their age, have healthy glowing skin and chic hair. Fish oil is used both internally and for the preparation of useful cosmetic masks. Consider several options for beauty recipes, which include fish oil.

For face

The composition of the mask from premature aging and to eliminate existing wrinkles includes: 1 tsp fish oil, 1 tbsp starch, 2-3 drops of ginger oil. Combine all ingredients and grease the skin with the resulting composition, wash off after 30-40 minutes.

A mask based on fish oil (5 ml) and several parsley branches will help protect the delicate skin around the eyes from early aging. To prepare the mask, it is necessary to grind the parsley, mix it with fat and apply on the area around the eyes. After 30 minutes, rinse with water or pat dry with a cloth.

Such a mask will be able to rid the skin of rashes: 1 tsp combine fish oil with 10 g of black or gray clay and 15 drops of tincture of calendula. Apply the mask to pre-cleansed skin, and rinse off with warm water after half an hour. After such a mask, it is advisable to wipe the skin with water mixed with a few drops of lemon juice.

For hair

You can get rid of dandruff and at the same time accelerate hair growth using a mask that includes fish oil (1 tablespoon), honey (1 tsp) and a slice of grated garlic. Apply the mask to the hair roots, and after half an hour thoroughly rinse with shampoo.

To strengthen thin and weak hair, you can use a mask that includes fish oil (the amount depends on the length and thickness of the hair) and a few drops of almond oil. Heat the composition to a warm state, apply to the hair along the entire length and, after holding for 30-60 minutes, rinse.

A mask based on fish oil with the addition of olive, corn and sunflower oil helps to improve hair growth.All ingredients must be taken in equal amounts, mixed, slightly warmed up in a water bath, then applied to hair from roots to ends, wrapped in plastic wrap, and wrapped in a terry towel on top. Keep the mask for at least 30 minutes, then wash your hair with shampoo (if once is not enough, you can wash it twice).

Harm and contraindications

Fish oil is very beneficial for the human body. However, a number of contraindications should be considered:

1. You should not take fish oil for a long time, as this will adversely affect the state of the body, namely the cardiovascular system, liver and other organs.
2. Fish oil should not be consumed in certain kidney diseases. Also, this drug can cause the appearance of blood impurities in the urine, which also indicates the negative effect of fish oil on the kidneys.
3. In large quantities, fish oil can make the walls of blood vessels weaker, which can lead to the formation of abrasions and other skin lesions even with minor mechanical influences.
4. Fish oil preparations are also contraindicated for people suffering from high blood pressure.
5. For children under the age of 12, modern pediatricians are not at all recommended to take fish oil in the form of pharmaceutical preparations.

This product has a number of other restrictions, in connection with which the reception of fish oil should be preceded by a consultation with a doctor.

How to choose and store fish oil

The choice of a particular fish oil preparation should be based on a study of the composition. So, in a high-quality encapsulated preparation should not contain such substances as glycerol and sorbitol, in liquid form they are absent initially.

Also, choosing an additive is based on the variety of fish from which it was obtained. Most useful would be fish oil made from cod liver or other marine fish species. Cheap analogues of the drug are made from fish of small varieties.

Is it possible to give animals fish oil

Fish oil is a valuable product not only for humans but also for animals. This supplement is available in a special form and is prescribed for cats, dogs, poultry, as well as horses, cows and other animals. The dose of the drug should be determined by the veterinarian in accordance with the weight, age of the animal and other indicators of its health.

Interesting facts about fish oil

1. For the first time, a fish oil preparation was released more than 150 years ago by Norwegian pharmacist Peter Möller.
2. The bulk of pharmaceutical preparations of fish oil is made from cod liver.
3. Only 1 g of fish oil contains from 350 to 1000 IU of vitamin A.
4. Thanks to fish oil, you can preserve youth and beauty, as well as clarity of mind for many years.

Summing up, it should be noted that fish oil is a truly valuable product. With it, you can not only prevent many different diseases, but also cure existing ones, as well as maintain the beauty of the skin, hair and nails, improve memory, attention and generally improve the body.

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