General

10 Amazing Health Benefits of Including Fish Oil in your Diet

Alpa Momaya

August 16, 2023

You are what you eat. It is truly said that the body reflects what we consume. Hence, it is essential to pack your body with all the essential nutrients that are deemed to make us healthy. 
Inculcating healthy diets promote healthy living. There are plenty of nutrient-filled food items that have to be consumed regularly in order to bring a positive change in the lifestyle. When it comes to nutrients that benefit your body in multiple ways, fish oil is an excellent addition to your diet. It is one of the common dietary supplements that benefit our bodies in different ways. 

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is the fat or oil that is extracted from fish tissue. Fish oil is highly rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Though every fish has oil or fat, there are some specific fish like tuna, herring, anchovies, and mackerel that have a higher concentration of oil in their body. Generally, the fish liver is where all the oil is reserved. Hence, it is extremely beneficial to consume fish liver, as it provides us with the required omega 3 fatty acids. 
Moreover, with the intake of fast foods and processed foods leading to accumulation of saturated and trans fats, the so called “bad fats” in our body are causing various ailments. 
Therefore, it is recommended that eating 1-2 portions of fish at least once a week is highly beneficial to create a protective shield in your body against severe diseases. It is also found that fish oil is rich in fat soluble vitamins – A and D. If you are not able to eat at least 1-2 fish servings per week, you can always add fish supplements to your diet to get enough omega 3 acids.

Benefits of Fish Oil

Furthermore, fish oil provides the body with various other benefits as well. To know more, read on below:

1. Supports Heart Health

Fish oil helps improve heart health

One of the major benefits of omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil is that it improves your heart health, protects it from plaque build up, high cholestrol levels and arrhythmias, etc. 

2. Help Treat Mental Disorders

The human brain is made up of 60% of omega 3 fatty acids, so your brain requires the right concentration of omega 3s to sustain its function. Omega 3s in fish oil can prevent as well as improve severe symptoms  associated with mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.

3. Helps in Weight Loss

Fish oil helps in improving your metabolism and reduces the risk factors of obesity. Some studies even prove that fish oil with regular exercises can promote healthy weight loss.

4. Improves Eye Health

fish oil improves eye sight

Just like your brain, your eyes also need omega 3 fatty acids to improve its function. Your eye health tends to take a downfall with growing age. Hence it is important to increase the consumption of fish to get the essential oil for your improved eye health. 

5. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation can be caused by many reasons, such as muscle stiffness and joint pain. Chronic inflammation can be caused by heart diseases, indigestion, obesity, diabetes, and even depression. Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial to dampen the symptoms of inflammation. Fish oil comprises of anti-inflammatory properties that help in healing chronic inflammation. A fish oil supplement is also great for arthritis patients.

6. Provides Healthy and Glowing Skin

Your skin needs the required nutrients to keep the glow intact. Skin health tends to decline with age, and fish oil will help safeguard from major skin diseases. It has been found that fish oil supplements are extremely beneficial to treat major skin diseases like psoriasis and dermatitis. 

7. Makes Your Pregnancy and Motherhood Easier

fish oil aids in pregnancy and motherhood

Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial for building enzymes and strengthening your immune system. It is beneficial to consume fish oil in pregnancy for proper brain development of the fetus. Consuming fish oil during lactation can also improve infants eyesight and reduce their risk of developing allergies. 

8. Reduces Liver Fat

Fat metabolism takes place in the liver as well as excess fat can accumulate in the liver causing fatty liver. Fish oil consumption can improve liver function and reduce inflammation and help in treating fatty liver. 

9. Improves symptoms of  Depression

According to a recent study, it was found that depression is the second largest cause of mental illness. It is found that people with depression issues have a lower level of omega 3 fatty acids that is essential to improve brain functions. Consuming fatty fish helps in combating depression.  

10. Enhances Attention and Concentration Power

Another major benefit of fish oil on mental health is that it improves attention and concentration power. Lack of attention and concentration among children can also lead to behavioral disorders, and fish oil can effectively tame the situation by providing your body with required omega 3 fatty acids.

Summary

Fish oil has omega 3 fatty acids in abundance, and as you know, your body requires this essential nutrient for many purposes. From safeguarding your heart health to helping in weight loss, fish oil can help your body in several ways. Fish oil supplements can be consumed if a person does not include fish in their diet. Including fatty fish like salmon is highly beneficial – from tackling obesity to imparting a healthy glow to your skin. Therefore, adding fish oil to your diet can help you reap its benefits. 

About the Author

As the holder of a Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics from the University of Mumbai, Alpa Momaya has always understood the value of good nutrition in an individual's life. She is a Registered Nutritional Practitioner (Canada) with over 15 years of experience in the field. Specializing in Clinical Nutrition, Pre & Post Natal Diets, and Weight Management, Alpa found her calling as a Sr. Nutritionist with HealthifyMe. Alpa's love for cooking and good nutrition has seen her contribute several recipes to the HealthifyMe database over the years. Additionally, she takes a keen interest in reading and painting.


Related Articles

 

One response to “10 Amazing Health Benefits of Including Fish Oil in your Diet”

  1. Hi I have been having aloe Vera juice from the last 3 months empty stomach in morning….shall I discontinue it for a few days…pls suggest

Talk to our Health Experts
whatsapp
Chat With Us