FISH OIL
Although fish oils have been taken for many years by
fishing communities it is as recent as the 1960s when the full
potential of fish oils was revealed. Two Danish scientists, Jorn
Dyerberg and H.O. Bang travelled to Greenland to study Eskimos in
their own environment. These two scientists discovered that although
Eskimos ate large quantities of fat they did not suffer heart
problems. This was attributed to the high proportion of fish in
their diets and to the unique nature of the polyunsaturated
essential fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid) found in many cold-water fish. Essential fatty acids
like EPA and DHA are termed 'essential' because they are needed by
the body, but cannot be produced. They must be obtained from diet or
supplements.
The Benefits of Fish Oil
Joint Health -
trials show that Fish Oil helps people with rheumatoid arthritis,
having an anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effect.
Blood pressure -
EPA and DHA reduce blood 'stickiness' and hence the resistance to
flow.
Coronary Heart Disease -
lowers serum triglycerides (harmful blood fats), reduces irregular
heartbeats and the risk of blood clots.
Brain development and health
- the EPA and DHA in fish oils are essential for brain
development in the foetus and infant and for
efficient normal function throughout life.
Mood -
has shown protection against post-natal depression and improved
aspects of
behaviour in children.
Properties
Fish Oil is derived from various fish such as
Pilchards, Sardines, Mackerel and Herring. It contains much higher
percentage of EPA and DHA than Cod Liver Oil but only low levels of
vitamins A and D. EPA and DHA are omega 3 fatty acids, which are
converted in the body to produce prostaglandins. These affect a wide
variety of physiological processes due to their modulation effect on
the action of hormones. It is thought that EPA and DHA may lower
serum triglycerides (harmful blood fats), reduce the risk of blood
clots and irregular
heartbeat, have anti-inflammatory properties and
support the immune system. DHA is
essential for normal brain development in unborn babies and for
normal brain function throughout life.
Contra-indications / Precautions
Short-term, temporary elevations in blood sugar and
cholesterol may occur when taking high doses of fish oil. After this
initial period, the trend is normally for a reduction in cholesteroland
triglycerides. People taking anticoagulant therapy such as warfarin
should not exceed the recommended usage rate,
