Fish Oil and Fish Fats: Why We Should Not Avoid Them

Contrary to popular belief, oils and fats are not to be completely avoided. Most people, especially those who are health and diet-conscious, avoid them entirely. What they do not know is that there are actually good fats and oils that are body needs.

Nutrients in Fish Oil

There are two kinds of essential fatty acids-Omega-6 and Omega-3 EFAs. When our body does not have these, we are completely missing out on what we need. But it cannot be taken in huge amounts. Studies have shown that excessive intake of omega-6 EFAs leads to inflammation, clotting of the blood, and tumor growths. The opposite is true for omega-3, which is good news for fish lovers. Omega-3 can be found in fish oils and omega-6 is present in vegetable oils.

Omega-6 or Omega-3?

Limited and imbalanced intake of EFAs has been found out to be the cause of many diseases such as heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and cancer. A study on Greenland Eskimos in the early 1970's has shown that the reason why most of them do not suffer from heart disease is because of their diet composed mainly of fish. To avoid these diseases, start including vegetables and fish in your diet. Omega-6 can be found in vegetable oils such as corn oil and soy oil, which contain linoleic acid. Omega-3 is present in marine plankton, walnut and flaxseed oils. It is important to know that fatty fish and fish oils have eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA provide many benefits for our body. They help prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and cancer. Not only that, they have also been proven to treat illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud's disease, ulcerative colitis and much more.

Fish for a Healthy Heart

The heart is one of the most important parts of our body and it should be our responsibility to keep it healthy if we do not want to suffer a lifetime. One way of keeping it healthy is to start eating foods that contain fish oil.

A study was once made in Athens, Greece to prove if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and blood vessel inflammation. The results of this study showed that those who had more fish in their diets had a lower level of C-reactive protein as well as interleukin-6, which are factors commonly used to measure the chances of having blood vessel inflammation.

Fish for Weight Loss

A study in Perth, Australia, showed that fish consumption is useful against high blood pressure and obesity. The researchers from the University of Western Australia revealed that a weight-loss diet that includes a regular amount of fish is effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.

Fish for Avoiding Asthma

Asthma tends to make a person unfit and unhealthy. People suffering from asthma will now be happy to learn that fish oil is beneficial for asthma-burdened persons. Studies show that a regular diet rich in linoleic acid is the reason behind it.

A group of researchers from the University of Wyoming subjected a number of children to a high-fish diet and another group continued with their regular diet. The outcome revealed that the children who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks.

Ask Your Nutritionist Now

When taken in right amounts, fish oils and fats will do wonders for our health. To know the right amount of fish intake for your age, consult your nutritionist now. This way, you are sure to absorb the right amount of nutrients for a healthy body.