Are you wondering why you need to take fish oil supplements? If we want to increase the amount of fish oil we consume, we could just have an extra portion of salmon or something similar, right? Well if you did that it would be a step in the right direction but most people do not even eat one portion of fish on a weekly basis. So as an alternative, supplementing with a fish oil can be beneficial. Here are some health benefits of taking fish oil every day.

• Protect Your Heart. Heart disease is still the biggest killer in the western world right next to cancer. The omega 3 found in fish oil can help reduce your risk of heart disease in several ways. Studies show it reduces plaque build up which can reduce clogging in the arteries, it can reduce blood pressure and it also helps to reduce triglycerides and lower LDL cholesterol levels.

• Inflammation Control. Most of us have heard of inflammation through conditions such as arthritis or joint pain, however the truth is inflammation can lead to much more serious conditions. It is now known inflammation can be behind sudden death from heart attacks, aneurysms in the brain, and also strokes. There has been a steady increase in inflammatory conditions and this is down to the fact that our diets are high in omega 6 (which increases inflammation) and low in omega 3 (which decreases inflammation). The goal is a ratio of 3:1 omega 6 to omega 3. To solve this problem we need to eat less omega 6 fatty acids that are found in high concentration in typical vegetable oils AND eat more of foods and supplements that contain omega 3 fatty acids. 

• Feed Your Brain. Another reason why take fish oil supplements is because the DHA  found in omega 3 is the fuel your brain craves. The reason for this is because it actually makes up about a quarter of the tissues in your brain, and these tissues can become depleted so you need to have them topped up. The only way you can do this is through the food you eat as your body cannot make it. Lack of DHA in the brain can lead to bad concentration levels, poor memory, mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and depression, and possibly can be a cause behind Alzheimer’s disease.

The best way of course to get these fatty acids into your body is by eating fresh fish like salmon. Since it is not always easy or palatable to get the proper amounts, supplementation is an excellent idea. With some basic knowledge about taking fish oil supplements daily, you can enjoy all the benefits of it.