Fish oil is derived mostly from the fatty tissues of cold water, fatty fish such as mackerel, herring, trout, sardines, and albacore tuna. Fish oil is considered an essential fatty acid (EFA) and contains mostly the omega 3 fatty acid.

Fish oil has long been considered by doctors around the world to be one of the most effective remedies for improving physical performance, treating depression and arthritis, and improving concentration and memory. It is also widely considered to be effective in preventing heart disease because of its rich omega-3 component. 

There have been several human studies on fish oil and fat loss in the last ten years or so and the majority of the findings have been positive. The research is compelling and there have been numerous, and very plausible mechanisms of action proposed. A handful of small studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids can help smooth out the mood swings of bipolar disorder.

Nutritionists have recommended including cold water fish as part of a heart healthy diet for years, as it contains two of the most important and easily absorbed Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.

The Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil are essential for heart health, and offer the following heart specific benefits, among others:

Benefits of Fish Oil:

Extensive scientific research has concluded that Omega 3 fish oil health benefits include:

 

 

• Lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body.
• Stopping the buildup of fatty deposits (triglycerides) in the arteries.
• Increasing the body's HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
• Reducing inflammation in the blood.

 

Fish oil has also been used to treat conditions such as depression, eczema, IBD, macular degeneration and arthritis. Fish oil benefits the heart significantly, as well as the rest of the body. Fish oil lowers triglycerides, reduces the likely hood of blood clots, can lower high blood pressure, and reduces the chance of stroke.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids appear to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and to improve heart health in general. Researchers at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center report that docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a primary component of Omega-3's, provide significant protection against the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Their study involved over 6,000 middle-aged men.

Many people who try to lose weight believe that they have to cut out as much fat as possible. This is simply not the case and indeed, extremely low fat diets can be harmful as the body needs a certain amount of fat to survive. The secret lies in getting the right kind of fat. The types of fats to be avoided are the "trans" fats or hydrogenated fats that are found in abundance in processed foods. This type of fat will not facilitate weight loss and indeed is harmful to the body in general. Omega 3 fatty acids on the other hand can improve fat metabolism.

Fish oil also aids in weight loss process. At the University of South Australia has shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing weight. Volunteers who were given fish oil diet showed greater weight loss as compared to those who did not consume fish oil diet. Exercise combined with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the patients.
- Research conducted by Professor Peter Howe

 

Research has shown that fish oil seems to turn on the body’s fat burning mechanism and even better, it was shown that most of the fat loss was in the abdominal region. Fish oil is useful in delaying weight loss in patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. Fish oil supplements can also be helpful to patients suffering from cancer related hyperlipidemia.

Diabetic patients are more prone to cardio vascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke. As mentioned above, fish oil is helpful in treating various heart problems. Research conducted at the University of Oxford, UK, has proved that fish oil is useful in reducing triglyceride levels in diabetes as well.

Fish oils are excellent sources of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA in turn are important components of cell membranes and as such play a vital role in overall health. Studies have shown that Greenland Eskimos, who have a very high intake of fish oils, have a very low incidence of heart attacks, asthma, diabetes, psoriasis, and allergies. Other studies have shown that an adequate DHA supply is essential for normal eye and brain development in infants and children.

Fish oil contains the essential Omega 3 fatty acids, as these fats cannot be synthesized in the body; they have to be obtained from the diet. Most of us do not get adequate amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids in our diet and some health professionals believe that this is responsible for a number of diseases that are on the increase in the 21st Century such as heart disease, inflammatory diseases, allergies and even depression.

More research is required to establish just how effective fish oil is at promoting weight loss but in the meantime, there is every reason to believe that fish oil is certainly worth a try, not only might you shed some extra pounds, you could improve your general health too.