What are Fish Oils and why are they beneficial to humans? What are the main benefits of consuming Omega-3 fatty acids? What is the difference between EPA and DHA? Should you choose cod liver oil or oils from fatty fish, such as herring or capelin?
Fish oils are oils derived from the tissues of oily fish. Thet can be obtained from eating fish or by taking supplements derived from fatty fish. Fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acids. Two of the most important omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
What is Omega-3
Omega-3 is a group of saturated oils. Primarily, despite much of the compound being manufactured lots of the essential oil remains native among fish meat. The Omega-3 remains a vital supplement to food with vast scientific and dietary importance.
Omega-3 is not only native to shellfishes and fatty fish but also certain vegetables. Naturally, the Omega-3 is made up of three vital chains; ALA (Alpha-Linoleic acid), EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). ALA remains native to grains whereas EPA and DHA remain common among fishes.
Omega-3 is also available in body cells. The exteriors of the cell wall remain concentrated with Omega-3. DHA levels remain relatively high in the retina, sperm cell and brain. Additionally, the endocrine systems in the human body are powered by the biochemical reactions involving the Omega-3.
What is the importance of Omega-3?
Academic studies have revealed empirical evidence on various health benefits of regular fish oil intake.
Source of Energy
Most body functions are powered through cascades of biochemical reactions that lead to the combustion of carbon to provide energy. The different chains that make the Omega-3 complex are continuously broken down to provide energy for hormone-secreting organs, immune cells and the cardiovascular system.
Prevents Cardiac Arrests
The consumption of both natural and synthetic Omega-3 has been attached to the reduction in cases of heart diseases. EPA and DHA are significantly easily broken down compared to triglycerides that clog the heart’s vascular systems. Additionally, research reveals the consumption of synthetic Omega-3 alongside fatty food can lead to the control of the latter.
Infant Health and Development
The Omega-3 from fish meat offers infants a healthy dosage of DHA and EPA devoid of mercury. Studies have also indicated a correlation between the amount of Omega 3 intake and increasing infant weight. Additionally, Omega-3 found in fish coupled by traces of DHA in baby formula and lactating milk remains a powerful dietary supplement for a growing child.
Cancer Control
People with a huge preference for fish and foods rich in Omega-3 have a low prevalence rate of contracting cancer. Particularly, breast cancer and colorectal cancers were found in small number in individuals that had a dietary partiality for fish. Nonetheless, clinical trials based on the impact of Omega-3 on cancer remain underway.
Improves Cognitive Function
Omega-3 is a vital compound for the effective performance of the brain. Research indicates that people who consumed fatty fishes had a lower risk of developing cognitive ailments. These diseases include dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye disease is characterized by the lack of tears to moist the eyeball. Additionally, other symptoms include eye discomfort and visions issues. Nonetheless, the consumption of Omega-3 helps alleviate these symptoms. Nonetheless, for the Omega-3 to have an impact, the patients with Dry-Eye disease have to take placebo prescription of 1000mg of Omega-3 for the first year before re-upping the medicament to 2000mg.
Recommended Dosage of Omega-3
The table below shows the required dosage levels for Omega-3:
| Age | Amount Per Day |
| Birth to one year. | 0.5g |
| 1 to 3 years | 0.7g |
| 4 to 8 years | 0.9g |
| 9 to 13 years old Boys | 1.2g |
| 9 to 13 years old Girls | 1.0g |
| Teenager Boys | 1.6g |
| Teenager Gils | 1.1g |
| Men | 1.6g |
| Women | 1.1g |
| Lactating Mothers | 1.4g |
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