Fish oil is derived from the tissue of certain oily fish, such as tuna, sardines and anchovies. Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Many recent health studies involving these omega-3 fatty acids have increased interest in the potential health benefits of fish oil.
Heart Health
One benefit of taking fish oil is maintaining heart health. Studies have indicated that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil support healthy heart rhythms. Problems with a regular heartbeat could cause feelings of weakness, palpitations (feeling like the heart is “racing”), fainting, and even death.
Fish oil also helps maintains healthy triglyceride levels. Triglyceride is a type of fat in the blood, and high triglyceride levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
Oral Health
Many people don’t realize fish oil is good for oral care health. A 2010 study published in Journal of Periodontology linked omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil with improved oral health. Another study demonstrated that people with low levels of omega-3 were 1.5 times more likely to experience periodontal problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
How does it work? Omega-3 found in fish oil helps support a normal inflammation response in the body, and uncontrolled inflammation has been linked with several gum and dental concerns. Research has suggested that regular doses of omega-3 fish oil can help maintain normal inflammation response, which means healthier gums.
Eye Health
One of the most promising and remarkable areas of fish oil research is in eye health. As part of a ground breaking study, scientists found that patients who suffered from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were less likely to develop severe AMD when they increased their intake of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil).
Age-related macular degeneration is a medical condition that causes damage to the macula, the part of the eye needed to see objects directly in front of the viewer. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among people over 50, but can develop much earlier.
Fish oil supplementation can also positively affect eyesight in infancy. Infants who were fed formula supplemented with DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil) showed better visual acuity compared with similar infants who weren’t given supplemented formula.
The meta-analysis, published in the journal Pediatrics, analyzed 19 studies involving infant eyesight and DHA-supplemented formula. The authors concluded that current evidence does suggest that formula supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids can improves infants’ visual acuity up to 12 months.
Brain Health Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, have also been linked with brain health.
Young adults benefitted from omega-3 fish oil supplementation in a 2013 study. Published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers investigated whether a DHA supplement improves cognitive performance in healthy young adults and found that memory and reaction times improved.
Fish oil supplementation can also be beneficial during pregnancy and lactation. DHA in particular is critical in supporting infant growth, including brain development. In one study, DHA levels in newborns were measured and analyzed. Researchers found that newborn DHA levels are correlated with birth weight, birth length, and head circumference. Higher DHA levels in the newborns meant higher birth weight, length and head circumference.
How to Find A Quality Fish Oil As evidenced by numerous studies, there are benefits of taking fish oil. However, not all fish oil supplements are created equal. Fish oil is extracted from a variety of fish, but larger fish, especially those near the top of the marine food chain such as tuna and cod, can accumulate dangerously high levels of heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants in their bodies. Therefore, it’s important to choose a fish oil that is not made from larger, predatory fish.
Another important aspect is the chemical form of the EPA and DHA fatty acids found in the oil. Most supplements contain a processed form of omega-3 called “Ethyl Ester,” which is different from the naturally found “Triglyceride” form. Ethyl Esters are cheaper to produce, and studies (1, 2) have demonstrated their bioavailability to be inferior when compared to Triglyceride form omega-3s. In other words, Triglyceride-form EPA and DHA were more effective and better absorbed.
Omega Max is sourced only from small fish, like anchovies and contains the superior Triglyceride form. This ultra-pure fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA and was researched and used by astronauts as part of a Space Act Agreement with NASA Johnson Space Center.
Learn more about this revolutionary product today!