Fish oil: benefits and harms

This tasteless, but very useful product is considered by many to be a panacea for all diseases. And scientists quite agree with this - the benefits of fish oil have been confirmed by more than one generation.

Many people remember how mothers in childhood were forced to drink fish oil, assuring that it only benefits the body and there is no harm. And until now, parents continue to regale their children with this “medicine”. But is everything so clear, let's try to figure it out.

It contains a lot of useful substances:

  • polyunsaturated acids Omega-3 (docosahexaenoic, docosapentaenoic, eicosapentaenoic) and Omega-6;
  • esters of saturated acids (oleic and palmitic);
  • vitamins A, D, E;
  • potassium;
  • calcium;
  • bromine;
  • phosphorus;
  • magnesium;
  • zinc;
  • sodium;
  • iron.

It's a natural substance regulates metabolic processes.

Most (over 70%) of fish oil is oleic acid, about 25% is palmitic (hexadecanoic) acid and about 5% is Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated acids (not synthesized by the body and are the main value of this substance). These acids reduce the risk of blood clots and stimulate the production of prostaglandins.

Vitamin A improves the growth and repair of skin cells, has an excellent effect on vision. Vitamin E strengthens the immune system, nourishes the cardiovascular system. Vitamin D helps the body absorb phosphorus, calcium and potassium, stabilizes teeth and strengthens bones.

Fish oil is quite high in calories - 900 kcal per 100 g.

How useful is the product

Due to the rich composition of this the drug has an excellent anti-carcinogenic effect and not only reduces the risk of developing cancer, but also prevents a critical drop in body weight in cancer patients.

Fish oil helps to minimize the risk of cardiovascular diseases and is an arrhythmia prophylactic. Daily use of the drug reduces blood pressure and has a great effect on the skin (even brings relief in psoriasis).

The popularity of fish oil was brought by the Norwegian pharmacist P. Meller, who used it as an additional supplement to restore the body.

This product is vital for people suffering from arthritis. He increases joint mobility, reduces pain and helps stop inflammation. In addition, this product is prescribed if it is necessary to remove the level of aggression and anxiety. And Omega-3 slows down the process of death of brain cells, protecting against insanity and senile dementia.

Sport

The question of whether fish oil affects the rate of muscle building has been discussed quite often lately. Opinions are very different, but they agree on one thing: it brings no less benefit to athletes than to ordinary people.

This product, whether in capsules or liquid form, normalizes the functioning of the circulatory system during physical exertion and serves as an excellent prevention of various joint problems. In addition, this Omega-3s help you recover faster after workouts.

Nutrition

Thanks to vitamin A, fish oil is considered an indispensable product for those who want to lose weight. After all, this vitamin speeds up the process of digestion and normalizes metabolism.

Cosmetology

fish oil instructions advised to take for problems with hair, skin and nails. It promotes cell regeneration, restores hormonal balance and, accordingly, rejuvenates the body as a whole.

At home, you can make a mask that will improve complexion and smooth fine wrinkles. To do this, mix a teaspoon of the drug, honey and water. The resulting gruel is applied to the face for 10 minutes and washed off with cool water. A weekly course will give the face a healthy look, and the number of wrinkles will decrease.

This drug is also successfully used to improve the condition of the hair. In the form of a warm wrap in combination with castor or burdock oil, you can get rid of split ends.

To stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss, it is recommended to make a fish oil and egg white mask. To get rid of the smell of the product, the hair is rinsed with water with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

Rules for the use and dosage of fish oil

When using this product, it is worthwhile to correctly approach the dosage, which depends on age, the presence of chronic diseases and the period of their exacerbation, and also take into account the general condition of the body.

Absolutely healthy people can consume the product no more than 1 gram per day (1 teaspoon = 5 g), in capsules and only before meals.

However, The dosage of fish oil depends on the indications for use:

  • Osteoporosis of the initial stage. 3 times a day for a teaspoon. Moreover, if there are heart diseases, they take only 2 grams per day for 2 doses, for multiple (multiple) sclerosis - up to 3 g for 3 doses, for depression - 0.5 tbsp. spoons per day.
  • Strengthening immunity. The daily dose for women is 1.6 g, for men - 2 g.
  • Power sports. The daily norm is 3 grams. It must be taken with food.

To improve the condition, it is enough to use the substance 3 times a year for a course of 1 month.

  • lack of vitamins A and D;
  • eye diseases;
  • dry skin and mucous membranes;
  • poor condition of nails and hair;
  • depression and memory impairment;
  • wounds and burns.
  1. The daily norm for an adult is 15 ml (1000-2000 mg). Reception - 2-3 times a day.
  2. The daily norm for children: up to a year - 0.5-1 tsp 2 times a day, 1-2 years - 2 tsp, 3-6 years - a dessert spoon 2-3 times a day, after 7 years - 2 -3 times a tablespoon.
  3. After a 3-4-week course, a break is made.
  4. Best taken from September to May.
  5. The product can only be stored in the refrigerator.

Contraindications

Due to the complex chemical composition, this product cannot be attributed to traditional medicine. Therefore, before using fish oil as a medicine, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will talk about its benefits and harms, and also advise how to take it.

Who should limit consumption

Each organism is individual and reacts differently to the components of the product. Some of these components may cause allergic reactions.

Caution should be taken when taking fish oil while taking other medications. At best, it neutralizes the properties of the drug, at worst, it will negatively affect the general condition.

  • problems with the work of the heart;
  • hypothyroidism;
  • reduced pressure;
  • duodenal ulcer;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • To old people;
  • pregnancy and lactation.

To whom the drug is contraindicated

No matter how harmless the fish oil in capsules may seem, it brings benefits and a significant improvement in general condition to some, and to others can harm. For example, both in pure form and in the form of additives it is not recommended to take in case of:

  • allergies to fish and the product itself;
  • thyroid disease;
  • high blood cholesterol;
  • before surgery or if there are unhealed wounds, ulcers on the body (the product thins the blood);
  • cholelithiasis or urolithiasis;
  • tuberculosis in active form;
  • increased levels of calcium in the blood;
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

A good product is obtained from polar salmon. However, recently there may also be drugs with a sufficient content of Omega-3. That's why When choosing fish oil, you should follow these rules:

  1. The supplement must be prepared by molecular differentiation. This method is used only in the manufacture of the best drugs. At the same time, the most useful qualities are only getting better.
  2. Try to get as much information as possible about the manufacturer of the product. In this case, you can use the Internet.
  3. Try not to choose fish oils made from fish muscles of different varieties. This product contains a minimum of vitamins and more fat. At the same time, the amount of polyunsaturated acids in it is sufficient.

About 50% of fish oil comes from salmon. This product contains at least 25% Omega-3.

As you can see, fish oil, like any drug, can not only help a person cope with some health problems, but also harm the body. Therefore, before use, it is definitely recommended to visit a doctor.