It's no question that fish eaters are more apt to escape aging diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis and bronchitis.
Fish oils are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. The two omega-3 fatty acids that are creating all kinds of excitement are eicosapentanoic (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), both found liberally in cold water fish such as salmon. Studies showing the health benefits of fish and fish oil now number into the thousands.
Fish Oil for the Cardiovascular System
Thousands of studies show the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids found in sifh oil for the heart and circulatory system. These fatty acids help reduce low density lipoproteins (LDL's) and raise levels of good, high density lipoproteins (HDL's). These fatty acids also reduce blood vessel constriction, lower fibrinogen (the blood clotting factor), and keep platelets from becoming too sticky.
High tryglyceride levels are associated with heart disease. Both of these fatty acids lower triglyceride levels. A study by William Harris, Ph.D. showed that diets rich in salmon and salmon oil reduced triglyceride levels by 33% below controls.
17 clinical trials involving fish oil and blood pressure were evaluated by researchers at John Hopkins Medical School. They found that consuming 3 grams of fish oil a day can significantly reduce blood pressure. Although fish oil had no effect on those with normal blood pressure, it had a significant effect on thos who were hypertensive. The researchers concluded that fish oil supplementation might be helpful for those with borderline hypertension.
Fish Oil Safety
Fish oil has a good safety record, it is the predominant fat in Arctic Inuit diets, however, some factors should be considered. Fish oils tend to make the blood thin and reduce the risk of clots, so people on blood thinning medications should check with their doctors first, before sing fish oils. Fish oils are also not recommended for those people who hemorrhage or suffere from any bleeding disorder, like hemophelia.
I always recommend that people use salmon oil, and not cod or any other fish. The reason being that salmon is ussually purer, due to the animals it preys on being less likely contaminated with insecticides or other substances.