Fish oil: useful properties and uses

Fish oil is a kind of animal fat produced from some varieties of fish, most commonly cod. Also among the most commonly used varieties for cooking fat are herring, mackerel and all kinds of red fish.

Fish of these varieties, as well as the fat produced from it, has been used as a valuable product since ancient times. This is due to the content of essential vitamins and fatty acids. Fat has been included in the menu of people who care about their own health and appearance since ancient times.

Nowadays, the fat of some kinds of fish not only has not lost its relevance, but has become even more popular in both traditional and folk medicine.

What is the difference between fish oil and omega-3

Fish oil and omega-3 are often confused, and sometimes it is thought that they are the same thing. In fact, omega-3 is part of fish oil, that is, it is a component of it. This makes it clear that both substances have almost the same characteristics, but fish oil has a wider range of useful properties.

The similarity of the substances in question is that they help:

• The treatment of pathologies associated with the musculoskeletal system;
• optimization of the cardiovascular system;
• stabilization of the nervous system;
• tissue regeneration, speedy healing of wounds;
• stabilization of the nervous system;
• rapid removal of inflammatory processes.

However, the most important criterion that makes the considered substances similar to each other is the content of unsaturated fatty acids in each of them. To keep your health at a high level, you need to include 3 to 6 g of these acids in your diet.

Thus, the statement that omega-3 and fish oil are completely identical is wrong. They differ in a number of other ways, such as the way they are made. For example, fish oil - it is always an animal product made from fatty fish, while omega-3 can be produced from plants (most often - flax). The differences are also noticeable in the composition: omega-3 does not include vitamins A and D, which are characteristic of fish oil.

Which is better: flax oil or cod liver oil?

Flaxseed oil and fish oil are substances known for their healing properties. Although these products are valued mainly for their content of unsaturated fatty acids, they have different characteristics from each other. For example, fish oil includes substances such as DHA and EPA, which are essential for brain health. But if they are synthesized from flax, they will have slightly different qualities and composition. In order to understand which of the products in question is healthier, it is necessary to analyze their differences:

1. Oil has a more pleasant taste, in contrast to the fat of fish, which feels a specific taste, especially in the liquid form of the drug.
2. Flaxseeds practically do not accumulate harmful substances, while fish (depending on the living conditions) may have heavy metals in their bodies.
3. To replenish the daily norm of fatty acids you will have to consume 7-8 times more flax oil than fish oil.
4. Flax seed oil is poorly absorbed by the male body, so it is shown to be included in the diet primarily for women.
5. Fish oil has a wider list of valuable substances than oil.

Composition and calories

Fish oil contains many unique components necessary for human health. The most useful ones are omega-3 and omega-6, which are fatty acids that are very important for the proper functioning of the body, because humans do not produce them on their own.

In addition to these two acids, fat contains vitamins E and D, as well as calcium, iron, iodine, chlorine, bromine, etc. All the elements in its composition are necessary for the full existence of the body and good health, from which we can conclude that fish oil should be present in the diet of every person, whether in the form of preparations or fish dishes.

Fish oil, along with other kinds of animal fats and vegetable oils, has a significant caloric value: about 900 kcal per 100 grams (depending on the type and method of processing). But this should not scare those who are busy putting their figure in order, since there are not so many calories in the daily volume of fat that the body needs.

How is fish oil useful?

The rich composition of fish oil with an abundance of various vitamins and trace elements indicates that this product has a beneficial effect on the body. Fish oil has the ability to improve the functioning of many systems, as well as to prevent the development of various diseases and pathologies.

For women

Fish oil is becoming increasingly popular among women. This is due to a number of reasons, each of which should be mentioned separately:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids promote weight loss. It sounds a little strange that such a caloric product is able to reduce weight, but it really is. Japanese scientists conducted a study and proved that taking preparations of fish oil contributes to a more rapid burning of calories coming from food. In addition, fish oil accelerates the metabolism and, in particular, fat metabolism, which is also important in the process of losing weight. To reduce weight by 1.5 kg in a week, it is necessary not only to limit diet and increase physical activity, but also to include in your menu 1-2 g of fish oil per day. This supplement will speed up the weight loss process, as well as help to maintain women's health and beauty.
2. Fish oil is a valuable product for the beauty of the hair. The substances contained in the fish oil have a favorable effect on the scalp and hair, contributing to their health and faster growth. It is recommended to use cod-liver oil or to make masks on its basis in case of such problems as split ends, dandruff, thin hair, slow growth and even alopecia.
3. Fish oil helps to improve the condition and appearance of the skin, namely - to prevent early aging and eliminate the signs of age-related changes that have already occurred, even out skin tone, smooth out scarring, heal wounds, as well as to remove acne and blackheads.
4. It is also known about the beneficial effects of fish oil on the health and beauty of the nails. This valuable food supplement makes the nails stronger, more beautiful and shiny. Fish oil can be used both internally and in the form of masks.
5. Fish oil has an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to this drug, you can reduce the likelihood of allergies and quickly eliminate the symptoms of allergic manifestations. This property of fish oil is explained by the fact that the constituent vitamins and trace elements make the cell membrane more resistant to allergens.
6. Osteoporosis is an unpleasant disease, which is mostly typical for women after 40. Fish oil helps to reduce the likelihood of its development, as well as to relieve the symptoms of pre-existing osteoporosis. Thanks to the vitamin D in its composition, it improves the absorption of calcium. Micronutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, which are also present in fish oil, are necessary for healthy and strong bones.

For men

Fish oil has a general beneficial effect on the human body. But when considering the impact of this drug on men's health, several important facts should be noted. So, the vitamins and trace elements that make up this substance can act as a preventive measure against prostatitis, prostate cancer, various inflammatory processes.

Also, fish oil can increase the production of male sex hormones - testosterone, which has a positive effect on potency. It is also indicated for athletes, as it reduces the level of cortisol (stress hormone) and may accelerate the process of building muscle and improve fat metabolism.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should begin taking this or that drug only after consulting with your doctor. This applies not only to medications, but also to seemingly harmless vitamins and supplements. So, the use of fish oil by an expectant mother may not be useful in all cases. But most often a preparation of fish oil can be used during pregnancy, and you should always consider its quality and expiration date.

Vitamin D, which is part of the fish oil, is useful to the expectant mother and the forming fetus. It has a positive effect on the bone system of the mother and baby, and also helps to prevent the development of rickets in the newborn. Omega-3 contributes to mental activity and brain development of the child. Vitamin A - an essential element for the beauty of skin and hair of the expectant mother, which also has a positive effect on the functioning of the placenta, namely - the supply of oxygen to it.

It is known such property of fish oil as prevention of the development of diabetes in the mother and unborn child. This drug can also be prescribed in the presence of problems with blood pressure, nervous system and mood swings.

When breastfeeding

Fish oil is an important product for human health. However, during the period of breastfeeding its intake should be treated very carefully. As a rule, recently given birth women are not deficient in vitamin D, but the newborn baby may not have enough. But in order to compensate for vitamin D deficiency in children, a liquid formulation is used, so there is no urgent need for a nursing mother to take fish oil.

If a woman does decide to start taking this preparation, she should consult a pediatrician or breastfeeding specialist to determine the necessary dose. During the lactation period it is allowed to take fish oil in small amounts, if it is necessary for the health of the mother. Excessive doses risk allergies in the baby and increased fat content of milk, which is not always good for the health of the newborn, who has not yet fully developed digestive system. In addition, too much fatty milk is poorly separated from the milk ducts, which may lead to complications of lactation in the form of stagnation, lactostasis, and even mastitis.

For children

A few decades ago, fish oil was considered a must-have supplement for children. This drug was available in liquid form and did not have the most pleasant taste, which is why not everyone liked it. For some children taking cod liver oil turned into a real torture. Modern medicine has gone far ahead, and today fish oil is available in capsules, but this does not mean that it should be taken by all without exception.

So, a well-known Russian pediatrician Komarovsky points out that children do not need to drink fish oil, whether in liquid form or capsules, because among modern kids vitamin D deficiency is not as common. All the necessary elements, including vitamin D, can be obtained from food. But an overdose of such a harmless, at first glance, vitamin can lead to irreversible consequences. Therefore, it is extremely important before you start to give your child fish oil, consult with your pediatrician to establish how much of it is justified in a particular case.

Children who are artificially fed fish oil is absolutely contraindicated, because sufficient amounts of it are contained in milk formulas. And if it is necessary to compensate for vitamin D deficiency in a baby, other drugs containing it are often prescribed, such as Vigantol or Aquadetrim.

It turns out that it is not necessary to introduce additional fish oil into the child's diet, and in some cases it is even dangerous. But if the mother decides to feed the child a valuable product, she should consult her doctor.

Is cod liver oil in capsules useful?

Until some time cod liver oil was available only in natural liquid form, but in the modern range of pharmacies you can find a wide variety of this drug, including the version in capsules. This form makes the intake of this valuable product much more comfortable, because a person does not experience unpleasant taste sensations, which are characteristic of fish oil in liquid form. In addition, capsules are easier to dose, while the liquid product has to be measured with spoons.

The capsules with fish oil inside consist of ordinary gelatin, which is absolutely harmless to humans. It dissolves in the intestine without problems and does not form negative reactions from the digestive organs. However, this applies only to really high-quality preparations, but cheap analogues may contain harmful additives in their composition.

Capsulated fish oil is characterized not only by positive properties, but also by negative ones. For clarity, let's list the pros and cons of this form of release of the drug separately.

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• dosage accuracy;
• protection against oxidation.

Disadvantages:

• The cost of the capsule drug is higher;
• some drugs (in the capsule shell) contain harmful impurities.

Not all manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements try to make their products as safe as possible. For example, a capsule preparation of low quality may contain sorbitol and glycerol - substances that have a negative effect on the digestive organs and often cause allergic reactions. Given this fact, it is better to choose liquid preparations or find a really high-quality fish oil in capsule form.

How to take

Fish oil preparations in capsules are usually prescribed in a dosage of 0.25 g for an adult per day. Depending on the characteristics of a particular drug, it can be from 10 to 12 capsules. They should be consumed in 2-3 doses during a day. The capsules do not need to be chewed, they are taken whole, with plain water. It is recommended to take fish oil with meals, but not on an empty stomach and not before going to bed to avoid such consequences as nausea and intestinal upset.

To achieve meaningful results, it is necessary to take the product on a continuous basis, as a single use of fish oil will not give any results. Usually the course of taking this supplement is about 4 weeks, but in some cases it can be extended to 2 or 3 months.

The benefits of fish oil in sports

Professional athletes know that fish oil is essential during intensive sports activities. A properly chosen dose of fish oil contributes to faster muscle mass gain, a decrease in fat percentage and increases endurance and makes it easier to recover after workouts.

Fish oil contains vitamins and trace elements necessary not only for professional athletes, but also for those who go to the gym a couple of times a week to keep fit. The fatty acids inhibit catabolism and stimulate anabolism, as well as reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol, increasing energy potential and physical strength, which makes training more effective.

Omega-3 improves heart and vascular health, which is especially important for athletes. In addition, omega-3 reduces cholesterol, which prevents the formation of blood clots and the development of strokes and heart attacks.

To get the most out of a fish oil supplement, you need to take it according to the instructions. While for amateur athletes 1 to 2 g of fish oil per day is enough, for bodybuilders the daily dose increases to 3 to 6 g. The drug should be taken in three meals. Athletes are recommended to take fish oil course of one month, repeating the reception three times a year.

How to take cod liver oil for weight loss

No matter how many ways there are to lose weight, people who are overweight try to find some superfood that will help solve their problem. In fact, such products do not exist, but some supplements do help to lose weight, but their effect will be noticeable only if they are taken in combination.

Fish oil is one of the products that have a positive effect on weight loss. The benefits of fish oil are determined by its ability to increase the metabolism and restore the body in the process of weight loss. But since fish oil is a medication, it should be taken after consultation with a doctor and only if a deficiency of vitamin A and D is found.

For the purpose of losing weight, this drug is usually prescribed in a dosage of 4.5-6 grams per day. The entire amount should be divided into 2-3 intakes, taking fish oil with meals and drinking enough water. The course of the drug for weight loss is usually 1-2 months, and it can be repeated 3-4 times a year. It is important to choose a high-quality product, as well as to follow the rules of storage, which will avoid problems with digestion.

Fish Oil in Medicine

Fish oil is a medicinal product that is widely used in both traditional and folk medicine. It is prescribed for people who have a lack of vitamins A and D, as well as for general weakness of the body and during recovery after surgery. The drug is prescribed for adults and adolescents, but children under 1 year old should not take it, contrary to the belief that fish oil for them is obligatory.

If you have diabetes

In the presence of diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2, excessively fatty foods are contraindicated. This is because a large amount of fat prevents the normal absorption of glucose entering the body of the diabetic, which leads to difficulties in the elimination of harmful lipids and clogging of blood vessels. This raises the question: is it possible to take fish oil for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

In fact, fish oil can be taken by diabetics, but only in a purified form. Modern preparations contain well-processed fish oil, which does not have a negative impact on blood vessels, but the use of fatty fish varieties should be abandoned, because in this case the fat will enter the body in its pure form.

High-quality preparations of fish oil can reduce blood cholesterol levels, which has a favorable effect on the cardiovascular system. Repeated studies have shown that fish oil can not only reduce harmful cholesterol levels, but also increase useful cholesterol in the blood, which is often lacking in diabetics.

Thus, taking a preparation of fish oil will avoid the transition of type 2 diabetes into an insulin-dependent form, and when using this drug in type 1 diabetes, you can achieve a significant reduction in the symptoms of the disease and, consequently, reduce the amount of insulin administered.

Important: The glycemic index of fish oil is 0 units.

For pancreatitis

Pancreatitis - quite a dangerous disease, the treatment of which should be carried out strictly in coordination with the doctor. Taking fish oil for people suffering from pancreatitis is not allowed in all cases. This drug is contraindicated in the acute form of the disease, and in the remission phase it must be strictly dosed. This limitation is due to the fact that a damaged pancreas cannot produce enough enzymes to digest pure fat. Lack of lipase can lead to digestive disorders, manifested by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, upset stools and abdominal pain.

However, completely eliminating fats from the menu for pancreatitis is absolutely the wrong decision. The body needs healthy fats, but preference should be given to unsaturated fatty acids, which are found in fish oil. The presence of antioxidants helps to eliminate inflammatory processes and protect pancreatic cells from various negative factors.

In pancreatitis is appointed to take fish oil only in the remission phase and in small doses - up to 5 g per day. At the same time it is necessary to monitor the total amount of fats in the diet. So, you can replace 5 g of butter or vegetable oil with 5 g of fish oil and get much more useful substances. If any adverse reactions occur, the intake of fish oil should immediately stop and consult a doctor.

If you have gastritis

Patients with gastritis should carefully consider whether they can take fish oil. The fact is that this drug has a number of contraindications, and before taking it, you should get a doctor's consultation.

In general, fish oil is useful for gastritis, as it has several positive effects:

• fights inflammatory processes;
• reduces stress levels;
• protects the walls of the stomach from irritation;
• slows down tumor processes and prevents their occurrence;
• Strengthens immunity.

For the intestines

The omega-3 acids contained in fish oil have a positive effect on intestinal health. This drug helps to overcome inflammatory processes in the intestines, as well as such ailments as Crohn's disease and ulcers.

Before starting to take fish oil for medicinal purposes, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to exclude the appearance of unpleasant consequences in the form of allergies and complications of the disease. The drug fish oil can be prescribed as an additional, but not the main means in the treatment of intestinal diseases.

For constipation

Fish oil can help solve such a problem as constipation, including chronic constipation. Thanks to its enveloping and laxative action, it is just prescribed to patients with this problem. To eliminate constipation can be assigned as a single dose of the drug (up to 10 grams), and the course (3-5 grams per day for a month).

With gout

Fish oil can be used to relieve the condition in such a disease as gout. Thanks to the polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as vitamins A and E, this product is able to relieve joint pain and block inflammation. The antioxidant properties of the product prevent cell damage and improve the regeneration process.

For the liver

Fish oil, thanks to its rich composition, is able to have a beneficial effect on the liver. Omega-3 prevent the occurrence of inflammation in the liver. Vitamin A normalizes the separation of bile and glycogen production, E prevents stress and the effects of negative factors on liver cells, D is the best way to prevent liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Thus, fish oil can be used for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. But due to the fact that this drug is a pure form of fat, it should be used very carefully and only after consultation with your doctor.

When hemorrhoids

Such an unpleasant problem as hemorrhoids, can be solved once and for all with the help of fish oil. This drug is used not only orally, but also in the form of microclysters, with the help of which you can achieve healing of microcracks, as well as facilitate the processes of bowel emptying. The recipe for microclysters is simple: 1 teaspoon of liquid fish oil should be taken 2 tablespoons of crushed chamomile leaves, pour 200 ml of hot water and insist for 30-40 minutes. After that, filter the composition and apply in the form of mikroklizm: 10 ml of infusion entered into the rectum syringe, then stay in a prone position for about an hour.

With cholecystitis

When the gallbladder is impaired, most fatty foods are contraindicated. But this does not apply to a quality fish oil preparation, which not only does not harm the gallbladder, but also promotes the separation of bile.

In order to overcome such a disease as cholecystitis, it is necessary to include fish oil in the intake, in addition to other medicines. However, it is important to monitor the quality of the used drug - the composition should not contain such harmful substances as sorbitol and glycerol. In this regard, it is better to give preference to the liquid form, as harmful substances are usually contained in the capsule shell.

For varicose veins.

Contained in large quantities of omega-3 in fish oil can help to overcome such a disease as varicose veins. In order to prevent and treat this disease, it is recommended to regularly include fatty fish in your menu. For those who do not like fish, the version of capsulated fish oil is suitable. Preparations in this form do not have an unpleasant taste and smell and are very easy to use.

Its use in cosmetology

Fish oil is a valuable product for humans. Since ancient times, mankind has used the healing properties of oily fish not only for health purposes, but also for cosmetic purposes. Women who regularly consume oily fish or pharmacy fish oil look younger than their years, have healthy glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Fish oil is used both internally and for preparing useful cosmetic masks. Let's look at a few beauty recipes that include fish oil.

For face

The composition of a mask against premature aging and to eliminate existing wrinkles includes: 1 tsp of fish oil, 1 tbsp of starch, 2-3 drops of ginger oil. Combine all ingredients and smear the resulting composition on the skin of the face, after 30-40 minutes rinse.

To protect the delicate skin around the eyes from early aging a mask based on fish oil (5 ml) and a few sprigs of parsley will help. To prepare the mask, chop parsley, mix it with fish oil and apply to the area around the eyes. After 30 minutes, rinse with water or blot with a tissue.

Get rid of rashes can be a mask: 1 tsp. fish oil to combine with 10 grams of black or sulfuric clay and 15 drops of calendula tincture. Apply the mask to pre-cleaned skin, and in half an hour wash off with warm water. After such a mask, it is desirable to wipe the skin with water, mixed with a few drops of lemon juice.

For hair

Get rid of dandruff and at the same time accelerate hair growth by using a mask that includes fish oil (1 tbsp.), honey (1 tsp.) and a slice of grated garlic. Apply the mask to the roots of the hair, and after half an hour, rinse thoroughly with shampoo.

Strengthen thin and weak hair can be strengthened with a mask which includes fish oil (the amount depends on the length and thickness of the hair) and a few drops of almond oil. Warm the mixture to a warm state, apply it to the hair along its entire length and, after holding it for 30-60 minutes, wash it off.

To improve hair growth helps a mask based on fish oil with the addition of olive oil, corn oil and sunflower oil. All ingredients should be taken in equal quantities, mixed, a little warm in a water bath, then apply to the hair from root to tip, wrap with plastic wrap and wrap with a terry towel. Hold the mask for at least 30 minutes, then wash your head with shampoo (if once is not enough, you can wash twice).

Harm and contraindications

Fish oil is very useful for the human body. However, a number of contraindications should be considered:

1. You should not take fish oil for a long time, because it will negatively affect the body, namely the cardiovascular system, liver and other organs.
2. Fish oil should not be taken when you have certain kidney diseases. Also this drug can cause impurities of blood in the urine, which also indicates the negative effect of fish oil on the kidneys.
3. In large quantities fish oil can make the walls of blood vessels weaker, which can lead to abrasions and other skin injuries even with minor mechanical impacts.
4. Fish oil preparations are also contraindicated for people suffering from high blood pressure.
5. Children under 12 years of age are not recommended by modern pediatricians to take cod liver oil in the form of pharmacy preparations.

This product has a number of other restrictions, in connection with which the reception of fish oil should be preceded by a consultation with a doctor.

How to choose and store

The choice of a fish oil preparation should be based on the study of its composition. So, a quality capsulated preparation should not contain such substances as glycerol and sorbitol, in the liquid form they are initially absent.

Also choose a supplement should take into account the type of fish from which it was obtained. The most useful will be fish oil made from cod liver or other species of marine fish. Cheap analogues of the drug are made from fish of small varieties.

Can we give it to animals

Fish oil is a valuable product not only for humans but also for animals. This supplement comes in a special form and is prescribed for cats, dogs, poultry, as well as horses, cows and other animals. The dose of the drug should be determined by a veterinarian according to the weight, age of the animal and other indicators of its health.

Interesting Facts

1. The first preparation of fish oil was made over 150 years ago by the Norwegian pharmacist Peter Møller.
2. The bulk of pharmacy preparations of fish oil are made from cod liver.
3. Just 1 g of fish oil contains from 350 to 1000 IU of vitamin A.
4. Thanks to the fish oil it is possible to preserve youth and beauty for a long time, as well as the clarity of mind for many years.

To summarize, it should be noted that fish oil is a really valuable product. With his help, you can not only prevent many different diseases, but also cure existing ones, as well as maintain the beauty of the skin, hair and nails, improve memory, attention and in general improve the health of the body.

Photo of fish oil