Last Updated on August 28, 2017 by Femniqe
Let’s face it ladies, we’re suckers for “trends.”
There’s always new information buzzing about healthy products and supplements that will make us healthier, skinnier and happier.
And though we may be tempted to Amazon Prime them to our front door ASAP, it can be tough to decide what is real and what is just a gimmick.
There is one supplement however, that has been researched and proven to provide a plethora of benefits, especially for women.
That is Fish oil.
Fish oil is derived from the fat tissue of cold water, oily fish.
For those who eat little or no fish, it also comes in pill and liquid form.
A 250mg dose per day is recommended for those looking to reap general health benefit.
The American Heart Association suggests 1g daily for heart health and if the goal of supplementation is to reduce soreness, then a 6g dose spread over the course of a day is the best dosage.
I know, the thought of taking anything that associates taking oil from an aquatic animal seems bizarre but just hear me out…
Fish oil is essentially a concentrated source of omega-3, a chain of polyunsaturated fatty acids that the body does not produce naturally, so it must be consumed through diet.
Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is officially ranked the sixth highest killer of Americans. [1]
It has been reported that 70% of Americans are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids which claims up to 96,000 lives each year. [2]
Since fish oil is a potent omega-3 source, it’s a supplement that cannot be ignored.
Let’s take a look at some of the leading benefits fish oil has for women’s health.
1. Keeps Your Heart Healthy
One study followed participants in a clinical trial and found that taking a fish oil supplement lowered their overall risk of developing heart disease by 18%.
Coronary heart disease dropped by 16% in those with high triglyceride levels and 14% in those with high LDL cholesterol. [3]
Omega-3 has been correlated with improved survival risks for those who have suffered a heart attack. [4]
There has also been a proven effect of fish oil regarding the prevention of myocardial infarction and cardiac death. [5]
It does so by decreasing the amount of fatty acids being brought to the liver – this slows down the process of fatty acid synthesis. [6]
And therefore, reduces the level of toxic substances being traveled around in the blood stream.
As a result, the heart can work more efficiently and healthily.
2. Helps Fight Depression + Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are two of the most prevalent mental disorders in the world.
Studies have shown that those who meet the required amount of omega-3 in their diet are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. [8]
Of the three omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA and DHA), it seems that EPA is the most successful in fighting depression in particular. [9]
European Journal of Neuroscience published a study that stresses the importance of consuming fish oil during “all critical periods of brain development”. [10]
Meaning that starting children on a supplement regimen may help reduce the risk of developing these disorders later in life.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury.
Though it is a positive response for these purposes, extended periods of inflammation, also known as chronic inflammation, can be detrimental and lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and atherosclerosis. [11] [12]
The omega-3 fatty acid DHA has proven to enhance B cell activity which is believed to reduce inflammation in the body. [13]
It can also significantly reduce stiffness and swelling of the joints for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease that causes painful inflammation which results in immobility and deformity. [14]
When you are getting your recommended dose of dietary fats you are cultivating many anti-inflammatory benefits:
- Decrease inflammation causing hormones
- Speed up of detoxification
- Improve cellular health and promote muscle growth
- Help you become leaner and stronger
4. Good for Your Skin + Hair
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so it’s really important that you take good care of it!
Fish oil contains fats and fat-soluble vitamins that help develop elasticity in the skin and contribute to even skin tone and smoothness.
This may also assist in the prevention of wrinkles and other aging processes such as age and sun spots.
There is also evidence implying that fish oil can improve acne. One study showed that after 12 weeks of taking a supplement, 60% of volunteers saw significant improvement in their acne. [15]
Taking fish oil supplements aids in the nourishment of hair at the follicle which can prevent dandruff and help with hair health and shine.
It’s been indicated that fish oil also helps in the prevention of hair loss, particularly in women. [16]
5. Aids in a Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnant women need to consume enough vitamins both for them and their baby, so it’s important they are receiving all the vital nutrients they need.
Since fish is the one naturally occurring source of EPA and DHA, many pregnancies result in an omega-3 deficiency due to the lack of fish consumed due to the fear of mercury exposure.
Luckily, fish oil is a safe alternative for mommy’s-to-be.
Fish oil can provide benefits post-pregnancy as well.
The nutrients from the supplement continue to be shared with the baby through breast milk, meaning eye and brain development benefits resume while breast feedings.
6. Stimulates Fat Loss + Promotes Muscle Gain
Fish oil can stimulate receptors located in the digestive tract to prompt storage cells to metabolize fat. [17]
If you ask around, a majority of bodybuilders and trainers swear by the benefits that fish oil has on improving blood circulation and tightening skin.
When the body breaks down omega-3, it will use the fats to build up an outside layer of protection for our cells; this improves the activity of insulin.
Higher insulin sensitivity makes the process of fat loss easier because it makes the body more likely to use food as energy instead of storing it in fat cells.
Those who take fish oil regularly have significant weight loss results and increased muscle mass, even without any changes to their physical activity.
This supplement is also linked to a decrease in cortisol within the body, a catabolic hormone that can lead to muscle break down, fat gain and increased levels of stress and anxiety.
There’s nothing fishy about it. 🙂
The benefits of adding this small supplement to your daily routine are outstanding.