In the middle of the 19th century, the Norwegian pharmacist P. Möller noticed that the inhabitants of his country, who regularly consumed cod liver oil, almost did not complain about health problems. After much research, he learned to produce oil from freshly caught fish, which very soon became known all over the world. Why do they drink fish oil? You will learn about this by reading the article.
Why did the natives of Greenland not have a heartache?
In 1975, a study was conducted by American scientists. The objects were residents of Denmark, the USA, Canada and the natives of the USA - the Eskimos of Greenland. Scientists tried to prove the harmful effects of fats on humans. It turned out that the prevalence of diseases of the cardiovascular system in the Danes and North Americans was 10 times higher than in the Greenlanders.
The reason was in the composition of consumed fats. The diet of Americans and Danes was based on fats containing omega-6 acids, while the Eskimos had fats with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from sea fish.
Recent studies of omega-3 acids
Over the past 40 years, the situation has not changed. Discoveries made in the mid-19th century and in 1975 found more and more evidence. So, in 2006, as a result of a study of the action of Omega-3 acids, a decrease in mortality was found among smokers with diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension.
Biological effects of fish oil exposure
Why do they drink fish oil? It is 95% absorbed by the human body. In addition, it is worth highlighting the following biological effects:
- Antiatherogenic. Promotes the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis and the formation of blood clots and plaques.
- Antihypertensive. It is associated with a decrease in intracranial pressure, accompanied by headache, rapid fatigue and drowsiness.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Hypocoagulation, that is, helps to reduce blood coagulation.
- Lipotropic . With knitted normalization of cholesterol and lipid metabolism in the body.
- Antiarrhythmogenic . Normalizes heart rate, blood pressure, reduces the load on the cardiovascular system.
Elements that make up fish oil
Why do they drink fish oil? It contains many useful vitamins and minerals. Let's talk about some of them.
Vitamin A is used to maintain the integrity of the hair, skin, mucous membranes of the body. It has a positive effect on visual acuity and the coordinated functioning of the digestive system, and affects the processes of rapid bone regeneration. Its deficiency leads to stratified squamous epithelium in the bronchi and bladder (metaplasia), as well as blindness and the formation of sclerotic plugs.
Vitamin D in the body is produced in scanty amounts from exposure to the sun. It stimulates the body's self-regulation, promotes the penetration of calcium and phosphorus into cells, maintains the state of bones, favorably affects the functioning of the nervous system, strengthens the immune system, affects the genetic apparatus of intestinal cells and increases protein production. The condition of the heart and skin depends on the presence of vitamin D. The lack of this substance disrupts the metabolism of calcium, its concentration decreases, which affects the condition of the parathyroid glands.
Omega 3 acids
Why do they drink fish oil? Omega-3 acids are not able to be produced in the human body on their own. Their only source is oily fish. They play the role of stimulating immune and hormonal activity. A deficiency entails the inability of the body to withstand inflammatory reactions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The benefits of fish oil for adults
Why do you need to drink fish oil for adults? It restores the wrinkled, coarsened intestinal membrane and increases its weight by 15%, which improves the functioning of the digestive tract and increases the resistance to allergies. By suppressing the production of toxic polyamides, it successfully fights against psoriasis.
Why drink fish oil? Scientists have found that the combination of vitamin E and fish oil is good for the skin, so it’s better to use them together. This combination increases the elasticity of bone tissue and maintains phosphorus content. Fish oil is an excellent prevention of cough, sore throat, if taken in early autumn 3 weeks before meals, day and evening. This product is also a source of iodine.
It is enough for a normal adult to actively consume 1 gram per day. It is recommended to stew, boil, dry, fish, in which beneficial substances are found, but in no case do not fry. It must be remembered that fish oil is a medicine, and its intake must be agreed with a doctor. In some cases, this product is used to treat wounds and burns.
The benefits of fish oil for children
Why do you need to drink fish oil for children? Lack of omega-3 fats in them causes behavioral abnormalities and mental disorders. Observed impaired attention, difficulty learning reading, autism, dyspraxia, visual impairment. If the baby did not receive this substance in the right amount during pregnancy, then this affects the mental development of the child: impaired coordination of movements, inadequate social behavior. Visible signs are anxiety, poor organization, low self-esteem. Such children often have problems at school, family, among peers. Taking fish oil restores your child’s health. After a systematic intake, positive changes and a gradual elimination of pathological symptoms are observed.
Why drink fish oil? It must be prescribed to children as a prophylaxis. This contributes to the formation of brain tissue development, as well as:
- the formation of good vision;
- eliminate signs of attention deficit;
- strengthening the immunity of the child;
- improving bone structure.
Official studies conducted in a number of countries (Great Britain, USA, Germany) showed that 48% of children who took fish oil less often than others visited a pediatrician in the autumn-winter period. This effect was especially noticeable after a 4-month intake of the drug.
Children are prescribed fish oil from four weeks of age. Reception begins with 3 drops and bring the amount of consumption to 1 teaspoon by 1 year. For the prevention of rickets, an appointment of 2 months is prescribed and continue for 2 years. Schoolchildren are shown fish oil as a means of stimulating the development of intelligence.
The benefits of fish oil for women
Why should a woman drink fish oil? The cosmetic component of the product is important for them: the presence of minerals and vitamins, omega acids, which saturate and resist finesse, brittle hair and improve skin condition. There is a technical fish oil added to various masks, thanks to which every day the hair will shine more and more. A tangible effect for others will be visible after 2 weeks.
Prescribing fish oil to pregnant women
Fish oil for pregnant women is prescribed for the normal bearing of the child and as a prevention of complications:
- premature birth;
- postpartum depression;
- to maintain visual acuity in mother and baby;
- prevention of inflammatory processes;
- prevention of edema;
- increase in pressure;
- urinary loss of proteins;
- preventing seizures;
- reduction in mortality of the fetus or baby in the first 7 days from birth.
A positive effect from taking is possible only if the daily norm is observed, based on the norm of 0.5-2 grams per day.
Fish oil for athletes
Why do athletes drink fish oil? As a source of protein and creatine, it is one of the most beneficial supplements for bodybuilders. Fish oil strengthens the immune system, constantly decreasing under the influence of systematic training, activates the brain, reduces the fatigue of athletes and people with severe physical exertion. Helps protect tissue from destruction, promoting its growth, favorably affects joints and skin, protects the immune system and provides healthy energy supply in tissues.
Fish oil not only promotes muscle growth, but also reduces the production of cortisol, which positively affects the conservation of energy resources of the body. On the athlete's table 2-3 times a week should be present dishes of salmon and salmon. Fatty acids contained in fish oil increase insulin sensitivity, promote the production of testosterone and other necessary hormones. After training, men are advised to consume a cocktail of folic acid, fish oil and vitamin B. Children and the elderly are less likely to consume fats.
Men need a balanced intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids, which is achieved by taking specially formulated pharmaceutical additives.
Fish oil capsules
Why drink capsules of fish oil? Advantages of such a drug:
- masking the smell of "fish";
- dosing accuracy;
- convenience of reception;
- polyene compounds, prone to oxidation and destruction in the open air, are sealed.
There are two types of encapsulation:
The composition of the capsules includes glycerin, gelatin, non-crystallizing sorbitol. Before use, it is necessary to conduct a study of the instructions and consult a doctor. The palmitic and oleic acids contained in the capsule contribute to lowering blood cholesterol, which was proved during clinical trials of patients.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of pharmaceutical fish oil: hemophilia, thyroid dysfunction. Fish oil is contraindicated in excess of vitamin D and calcium, if there is a pulmonary form of tuberculosis, renal failure, urolithiasis, disorders of the gall bladder, thyroid gland.
As a result of numerous studies, Belarusian scientists came to the conclusion about the harmful effects of overdose on patients with impaired glucose tolerance and hypertriglyceridemia. More recently, on the pharmaceutical market of Russia, preparations based on Omega-3 were presented only by foreign manufacturers.
Be healthy!