In particular, if the fish oil is obtained from food sources rather than supplements, the solution is more benevolent than adverse.
Omega-3s in balance
What makes fish oil so unique? It contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. Since our bodies cannot produce them, they must be obtained through diet.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid are the two essential omega-3 fatty acids (EPA). These omega-3s are abundant in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Alpha-linolenic acid, a different type of omega-3 fatty acid that the body can transform into DHA and EPA, is abundant in several plants. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and canola oil are excellent sources of these.
Inflammation, healthy growth and development, and brain function are all significantly influenced by omega-3 fatty acids. A wide range of health issues, including heart disease, several malignancies, psychological disorders, arthritis, and more, have been related to deficiencies. However, this does not imply that taking high dosages will improve health or prevent disease.
Supplementing with fish oil has been marketed as a simple approach to protect the heart, reduce inflammation, enhance mental health, and extend life. These claims are one of the main factors behind Americans’ yearly spending of more than $1 billion on over-the-counter fish oil. And hundreds of more goods, including milk, yoghurt, cereal, chocolate, cookies, and juice, are being added to it by food manufacturers.
Supplementing with fish oil has been marketed as a simple approach to protect the heart, reduce inflammation, enhance mental health, and extend life. And hundreds of more goods, including milk, yoghurt, cereal, chocolate, cookies, and juice, are being added to it by food manufacturers.
The risk of some malignancies, however, may be decreased by diets rich in fatty fish or by taking supplements containing fish oil
Take home message
It is mainly unknown how food and the components that make up it effect the body. That makes it problematic to utilise supplements for anything other than correcting a deficiency.
You should continue to think about eating fish and other seafood as a good strategy despite this one study. Fish oil supplements would be a viable substitute for eating fish if we could conclusively demonstrate that omega-3 fats are the sole source of the health advantages of eating seafood. But rather than just the solo notes of EPA and DHA, you probably need the complete orchestra of fish fats, vitamins, minerals, and supporting components.
Other foods are similarly true. There is no way to replace the abundance of nutrients you get from eating fruits, veggies, and whole grains with even a small number of pills.
What must you do if you already consume fish oil? As a proven and efficient treatment for patients with excessive blood triglyceride levels, if your doctor prescribed them, abide by their recommendations until you may discuss fish oil.
It’s time to reconsider your approach if you are taking them on your own because you think they will benefit you. You might gain from taking a fish oil supplement if you don’t eat fish or other seafood. Omega-3s can also be found in chia seeds, walnuts, canola oil, soy oil, crushed flaxseed or flaxseed oil. You can prevent an omega-3 shortage by consuming one to two servings daily.
