Fish oil is a dietary source of omega 3 fatty acids, which have recently increased in consumption among food supplements for children and adults and provide significant benefits. Omega 3 fatty acids, which the body needs for many functions from muscle building to cell renewal and which must be taken from outside, are mostly available from cold water fish such as mackerel and tuna, but are also used in liquid and tablet forms.
Omega 3 fatty acids, which should be taken in moderation in terms of the body's needs, are generally recommended to consume fish 2 or 3 days a week. However, for people who cannot do this or for individuals who do not like fish consumption, the use of tablet or liquid forms is recommended by the doctor. Supplements should be taken on the advice of a doctor and in case of any allergic reaction, use should be stopped and a doctor should be consulted.
It has many health benefits for children and adults. While supporting development during growth periods in children, it also has important benefits in cognitive development. It also provides protection against some diseases in adult individuals.
It is beneficial in lowering high blood pressure, alleviating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and reducing the risk of fatty liver disease. Today, it is a very widely used and preferred food supplement.
In addition to these, the benefits of fish oil are as follows:
Protects Against Heart and Vascular Diseases
It balances blood levels and protects the vascular structure in blood and vascular diseases. It reduces the risk of heart attack and prevents stroke. It also prevents the development of arrhythmia, high blood pressure and atheroma plaques.
Strengthens the Immune System
If consumed regularly, it has protective properties against a number of diseases such as influenza and colds, which are among the upper respiratory diseases by strengthening the immune system.
Strengthens Cognitive Functions
As mental functions decline with advancing age, some people may develop forgetfulness. In addition, the likelihood of diseases affecting nerve cells (neurodegenerative) such as Alzheimer's disease may increase. It has been observed that such problems are more common in individuals who regularly consume fish or take supplements, especially with advancing age.
Supports Bone Health
Since collagen production decreases in people with calcium and vitamin D deficiency, bone resorption or loss may occur in the future. In such cases, regular use supports and strengthens bone health.
Helps Prevent Fatty Liver
Some people's eating habits are based on excessive consumption of fat. This type of diet and lifestyle can lead to obesity and fatty liver disease. In the later stages of this disease, damage to liver function can occur and cause serious consequences. In addition, while fatty liver can be seen in cases where alcohol consumption is high, these disorders can be prevented and healed by regularly taking this nutrient, which is one of the omega 3 fatty acids.
Contributes to Protection from Psychological Problems
According to many studies, regular use of omega 3 fatty acids against psychiatric diseases such as depression and schizophrenia, which can be seen in people, has shown positive results. It also contributes to the prevention of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children.
Beneficial for Eye Health
Omega 3 fatty acids, which have important benefits in terms of eye health, can benefit by preventing the formation of some eye diseases that can be seen in later ages. The risk of eye diseases may increase when not used sufficiently in people. In terms of protecting eye health, such food supplements can be used with the advice of a doctor.
Helps in Weight Loss
There is often a belief among people that such supplements cause weight gain. However, contrary to this idea, consumption of omega 3 acids does not cause any weight gain problem when consumed in moderation. In addition, this supplement, which is also beneficial for weight loss, energizes and increases the effect while exercising.
Prevents Inflammation
Its use is beneficial in problems caused by some chronic inflammation. It is seen to have an effect against some intestinal diseases and problems related to the digestive system that may develop due to inflammation.
What are the Harms of Fish Oil?
As with every nutrient and supplement, excessive consumption and foods and supplements that are not taken in moderation can cause some problems in people. In order not to cause such problems, consumption should be done in moderation on the advice and recommendation of a doctor. The harms of fish oil can be listed as follows:
- It may leave a bad taste in the mouth of some people and cause bad odor
- May cause side effects affecting the digestive system such as heartburn, nausea and diarrhea
- Excessive consumption may also increase the risk of bleeding
- Stomach problems
- Gas formation in the intestines
- Loss of fluid in the body
- Some irritation in the stomach and diarrhea
People with such problems should use it under the supervision of a doctor and consume plenty of water for fluid loss. Measurement should be done with the doctor's advice and recommendation. Excessive consumption should be avoided. In case of allergic reactions, the person should stop using and see a doctor immediately.
Benefits of Fish Oil during Pregnancy
Omega 3 fatty acids used and consumed during pregnancy provide many benefits to the woman and the baby.
The benefits of fish oil during pregnancy are as follows:
- Contributes positively to the development of the baby
- When used regularly during pregnancy, it prevents problems such as poisoning and high blood pressure
- Prevents some psychological problems such as depression during pregnancy
- When used regularly, it prevents sleep problems in the postpartum baby
- Reduces the risk of breast cancer in girls at a later age
- Reduces the risk of prostate cancer in boys
In addition, people who can also take these supplements naturally should use them in moderation and regularly and should definitely use them under the supervision of a doctor.
How to Use Fish Oil?
While the food supplement, which ranks first in the group of omega 3 fatty acids, which has many benefits in regular and long-term use, can be consumed in many forms; It can be used in capsule, liquid, tablet and pill types. There are also forms that children can use and love as a chewable gel. As with all nutrients and supplements, it is recommended to use this supplement in moderation and under the supervision of a doctor.
Which Diseases is Fish Oil Good for?
While it has many benefits and can be used in the formation of many diseases and elimination of some deficiencies when consumed regularly; It is good and beneficial for cardiovascular diseases, skin diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure.
What should be considered when consuming fish oil?
Food and nutritional supplements should be taken reliably from natural foods and foods. For this reason, it is more beneficial for people who can consume fish to meet this need from this food 2 or 3 days a week. However, people who do not have the chance to consume and cannot consume it, it is beneficial to take it as a supplement under the advice and control of a doctor.