If you read my blog regularly, you know I’m in no way a pusher of supplements. Generally speaking, I believe that food and water are our best sources of the nutrition our bodies need, and eating right can help you stay healthy. That being said, there are a few natural supplements that I have found to be beneficial complements to a healthy diet. Fish oil is one such supplement.
If you’ve never heard of fish oil, it’s heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that are extracted from fish. These fatty acids have been linked to the prevention of many diseases and have even been rumored to help with weight loss.
The recommendation from most health organizations is one-two portions of fatty fish (such as salmon, herring, tuna, anchovies and mackerel) per week. And in truth, if you love fish, serving up a fresh piece for dinners or lunches is the best way to go. However, for those who aren’t quite fans of fish, or who simply cannot stand the smell of cooking fish in their kitchens, a fish oil supplement is the way to go!
Not convinced yet? Check out my top five reasons why you should be saying yes to fish oil:
- Do it for your heart – Fish oil has been known to increase levels of HDL (your body’s good cholesterol) and lower triglycerides by nearly 30%. Fish oil is also linked to lowering blood pressure levels and preventing plaque buildup in arteries.
- It’s a helping hand in weight loss – studies have proven that adding fish oil to your diet can reduce your waist circumference and reduce your overall body fat percentage.
- Reduce inflammation – For those who suffer from arthritis, fish oil can be a life saver! Adding this wonder supplement to your diet can reduce pain and eliminate stiffness in joints. It has also been rumored to improve inflammation associated with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
- It makes you happy – Okay, maybe fish oil all by itself won’t turn your internal gray skies blue, but it can certainly help. Studies have shown that those who suffer from severe depression often have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. The addition of these fatty acids to the diet of patients with depression has shown to cause a dramatic elevation in their moods.
- It may help prevent liver disease – Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (a disease that involves excess fat accumulation in your liver) is becoming more common than ever these days. Fish oil supplements have been proven to reduce inflammation and excess fat accumulation in the liver reducing the symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease for those who have it, and decreasing the chances of being diagnosed with the disease for those who don’t.
Again, the best option, as mentioned above, is to eat one-two portions of fatty fish every week. You can do this by making fish a main source of protein for a meal, grabbing a sashimi appetizer the next time you hit up your favorite sushi restaurant or by switching out your favorite protein shake snack for a can of tuna.
If the very thought (or smell) of fish leaves you feeling nauseated, then supplementation is the way to go! The recommended dosage for an adult is 300-500 mg of fish oil per day. Keep in mind that for optimal absorption, it is best to take the supplement with meals.
So why not give fish oil a try? Whether you’re in it for your heart, your weight or your overall state of being, fish oil is a win-win supplement for anyone willing to give it a whirl. Grab a bottle today and see all of the amazing improvements fish oil can make to your health.
Want to make your life healthier with choosing the right foods for your body? Check out my Nutrition Plans.
