A study was recently conducted by researchers out of Harvard that determined a group of 12 risk factors that were considered preventable causes of death.

Unsurprisingly, high blood pressure and smoking were ranked right up at the top.

But coming in at a significant number 6 was an Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency!

Although this may be a surprise to some people, it really shouldn’t be, and it makes sense. 

Because people of ALL ages are vulnerable to the harmful effects of inflammation and need the protective action of Nature’s perfect anti-inflammatory—Omega-3 essential fatty acids.

And when it comes to the #1 best source of Omega-3 EFAs, nothing beats fish oil!

While it’s true that plant-based oils like flaxseed oil contain Omega-3 fatty acids, they do not and cannot provide EPA and DHA—which are arguably the two most crucial Omega-3 fats to human health.

So fish oil is the clear winner here!

Now here are…

12 Reasons why you should be taking fish oil

1- Anxiety and depression prevention

Your brain absolutely must have the Omega-3 fat Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to function properly at ALL ages. 

Studies have shown significant decreases in depressive symptoms with fish oil supplementation in both adolescents and adults.

2- Alzheimer’s prevention

The fatty acids EPA and DHA can not only slow cognitive decline but can also help prevent brain atrophy (shrinkage) in older adults.

3- Cardiovascular health

Fish oil has been medically proven to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which provides a one-two punch to lower heart disease risk!

It also helps reduce your risk of thrombosis (blood clots).

4- Counteract ADHD

Studies continue to show significant improvement in ADHD sufferers supplementing with fish oil in the following areas: restlessness, aggressiveness, finishing assignments and academic performance.

5- Arthritis relief

Research has shown that Omega-3 fish oil supplements work arguably as well as NSAIDs in reducing arthritic pain and are a far safer alternative.

6- Eye health

Omega-3 fish oil has been shown to reverse age-related eye disorders like macular degeneration, as well as lower your risk of diabetes-related eye conditions such as retinopathy.

In addition, a higher intake of Omega-3 fats has also been linked to reduced levels of cataracts.

7- Immune health

Regular consumption of fish oil can help boost your immune system, protecting you against common illnesses like colds, infections and the flu.  The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil bolster the immune system by affecting the activity and number of inflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids present in your body.

Plus fish oil has been shown to be tremendously helpful to people with lupus, helping to reduce the fever, skin rashes and fatigue they commonly suffer from.

8- Eases inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and colitis)

Fish oil’s Omega-3 fats are effective in easing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, helping to tame the chronic intestinal inflammation associated with these conditions.

9- Healthier skin

Omega-3 fish oil nourishes your skin and helps skin maintain a smooth, elastic texture. There is also evidence that it prevents wrinkles and counteracts the aging process!

Fish oil has also been shown to reduce symptoms of skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.

And the EPA in fish oil can also help heal acne!  EPA is known to inhibit androgen formation, which can affect the formation of sebum in the hair follicles and lead to acne.

10- Healthier hair too!

Fish oil helps support hair health because Omega-3 fats help provide nourishment to the follicles. It aids in both the development of hair and in preventing hair loss.

11- Cancer prevention

Studies have shown that fish oil may help to prevent and kill various cancers, including colon, prostate and breast cancer. 

12- Protection against COVID

One of the serious concerns about COVID that has emerged is the virus' ability to trigger an inflammatory “cytokine storm.”  When this occurs, the person’s ability to fight the virus and recover successfully diminishes.

The Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA have been shown to positively affect biological pathways that can help counteract the cytokine storm and stack the deck in your favor toward fighting the virus!

With all that fish oil does for your health, the question should not be, “Why should you take fish oil?” but rather, “Why SHOULDN’T you?”

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

 

The information in our articles are NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice.