What are the health benefits of taking fish oil supplements?

Posted by Healthcare Guide
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Healthcare & Medical
Nov 15, 2016
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Image Found in fatty fish and certain nuts and seeds, omega-3 fatty acids help protect your heart. Studies show they help  maintain brain function. Experts are also looking at how well omega-3  fatty acids can protect against age-related mental decline, eye  diseases, arthritis, and others conditions.

    Some experts think omega-3s may help protect against  cancer. "Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation in the  body. And a variety of cancers have been linked to chronic  inflammation," 

Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements 

In the past 10 years, many Americans have turned to  omega-3 fish oil supplements. Dietary fish and omega-3 fish oil supplements have  benefits for healthy people and also those with heart disease.
Omega-3  fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic  acid (EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids are very important in preventing and  managing heart disease.

How omega-3 fish oil may help :

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduce triglycerides
  • Slow the development of plaque in the arteries
  • Reduce the chance of abnormal heart rhythm
  • Reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke
  • Lessen the chance of sudden cardiac death in people with heart disease

How much omega-3 fish oil is safe?

The  AHA says taking up to 3 grams of fish oil supplements daily is  considered safe. Don't take more than that unless you discuss it with  your doctor first. Are there side effects with omega-3 fish oil?

Side effects from omega-3 fish oil may include:
  • a fishy taste in your mouth
  • fishy breath
  • stomach upset
  • loose stools
  • nausea

Taking more than 3 grams of fish oil daily may increase the risk of bleeding.
If  you want to take higher doses of omega-3 fish oil supplements, talk to  your doctor first. 
Cancers with a link to inflammation include:    
  • Colorectal
  • Liver
  • Lung
  • Prostate
Omega-3s also seem to restrict tumor cell growth, and may cause cancer cells to self-destruct.

   
      What we know so far: Diet and cancer studies show mixed  results. Some suggest that a diet that's rich in omega-3s can protect  you against certain cancers. Other studies show no benefit.

   
There's not enough proof to conclude that loading up  on fatty fish or taking fish oil capsules will slow down or reverse  your condition if you already have cancer. But several studies do  suggest that a diet rich in omega-3s helps some cancer patients tolerate  chemotherapy better.


Fatty acids from fish may also help patients  maintain weight and muscle mass.

If you want to take higher doses of omega-3 fish oil supplements, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can guide you in supplementing your diet with omega-3 fish oil. Also, your doctor can monitor all aspects of your health if you take higher doses of fish oil. For people with very high triglyceride levels, prescription omega-3 preparations are also available.
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