Aspiring Spirit

Fish oil is conducive to good health. Evolutionary biologists and anthropology scientists believe that for much of human evolution, humans have lived in coastal areas of this planet. It can be concluded that they derived nutrition from seafood like shellfish. Recent studies have conclusively established that the human brain is composed of certain oils which are mainly found in fishes.

Consuming fish oil has a number of health benefits. This controls blood serum cholesterol thereby preventing cardio-vascular disease and as well as high blood pressure. Treatment for depression cases is also done using this oil. It is also claimed that this oil helps cases with mental problems, Alzheimer’s disease and also improves people’s memories.

Perhaps the most important ingredient in fish oil is omega 3. These essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the human body and are rarely found in plants, even then only in small quantities. It is especially important for pregnant women to take omega 3 since the development of the unborn child’s brain and eyes may suffer if the mother does not consume enough.

There are many health problems which have been associated with deficiencies in omega 3. Studies have suggested that asthma and other allergies as well as Attention Deficit Disorder may be linked to insufficient intake of omega 3. Other scientists have linked a low consumption of omega 3 by pregnant women to poor hand-eye coordination, low IQ and poor social skills in their children.

Although salmon, sardines and herring are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids, consuming a large quantity of fish could possibly contain a dangerous level of heavy metals from water pollution. Water pollution can accumulate in the bodies of fish. A large amount of vitamin A, which is found in fish livers, can be dangerous, and potentially fatal.

Because fish oil supplements are so highly recommended, companies have made them in a capsule form. Be sure they are made as safe as possible by being certified mercury-free, and free of any other dangerous metals. The supplement should be purified so humans can assimilate them easier. While the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids are becoming more widely known, still only 2% of the US population takes the recommended daily amount.

Fish oil controls blood serum cholesterol and helps in treating high blood pressure, prevention of heart disease and neurological conditions such as depression and memory loss. It also boosts resistance to allergies including asthma and Attention Deficit Disorder. An important ingredient, called omega 3 benefits pregnant women in helping the unborn child’s proper development of brain and eyes. This fatty acid is extracted from sardines, salmons and herrings. Many companies market the oil supplements in capsules. Consumers should look for those that are certified as free from mercury and other harmful metals.

- Michael Byrd