There are many health supplements on the market today, but few have had the impact of fish oil supplements. Since the turn of the 21st century, fish oil supplements have certainly taken the health world by storm as they provide many benefits to the body. In addition, they can be found in grocery and retail stores everywhere so they are easy to find and fairly inexpensive.
The impact that fish oil product have on the health has also been studied carefully as well and while most health professionals have acknowledged the benefits that it provides, there are also some aspects that need to be monitored as well.
What Are Fish Oil Supplements?
The fish oil mainly comes from what is extracted from certain marine life when they are caught and processed. Fish oil generally comes from these sources:
- Tuna, mackerel and herring
- Halibut, cold liver and salmon
- Whale or seal blubber
In addition, the fish oil found in stores is often supplemented with Vitamin E to keep it from spoiling along with other vitamins and minerals as well. Fish oil is generally sold in capsules that are meant to be taken after meals and they generally contain about 9 calories per gram.
The main benefit from fish oil is the Omega 3 fatty acids that are found inside the product. In turn, these fatty acids seem to provide a number of benefits for the body.
The Pros of Fish Oil
There are certainly many positive benefits that consuming modest amounts of fish oil brings to the body, especially when taken in the proper doses.
Slow Hardening of Arteries:
There is powerful evidence that fish oil keeps the arteries loose and more flexible which in turn mean reducing the chances of heart attack and stroke.
Ease Pain:
The pain caused by the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis may be significantly reduced by the intake of fish oil. In addition, there seems to be a reduction of menstrual pain as well from the use of this product.
In addition, fish oil has been shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration as well as protecting pregnant women from a certain type of miscarriage.
The Cons of Fish Oil
Although mostly safe for almost everyone when taken in the recommended doses, there are a couple of drawbacks to taking fish oil on a regular basis.
Aftertaste:
The most common side effect is the aftertaste and occasional “fish burps” that occur as the capsule is breaking down inside the stomach. When taken after meals along with a glass of water or another beverage, these effects are very mild and may not even be present.
Rare Side Effects:
Although most people will be fine when taking the product in normal doses, there are some who may experience certain side effects that include nausea, mild diarrhea, heartburn, bad breath and even a rash breaking out. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, stop taking the fish oil.
Overall, fish oil is a welcome health product that provides a boost to the body when it comes to protection against the hardening of the arteries which may lead to more serious health conditions.