Friday, February 1, 2008

Benefits Regarding The Healthy Functioning Of The Brain And Nervous System

Fish OilA large number of studies have revealed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the healthy functioning of the brain and nerves. In addition, it has been shown that fish oil reinforcement can reduce symptoms of depression and schizophrenia and prevent Alzheimer’s disease (a brain disease which causes loss of memory and hinders day-to-day activities). For example, reductions in such problems as anxiety, stress and sleeping difficulties have been observed in individuals suffering from depression who took 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acid over a period of 12 weeks. 3

Benefits against Inflammatory Disorders and Strengthening of the Immune System
At the same time, omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory (infection preventing) function. Omega-3 can therefore be employed in the following diseases:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (joint infection linked to rheumatism),
  • Osteoarthritis (a form of arthritis gradually degenerating the functions of joints)
  • Ulcerative colitis (ulcers linked to the inflammation of the colon), and
  • Lupus (a disease which causes patches on the skin).
  • It also protects myelin (the material surrounding nerve cells). It is therefore used in the treatment of
  • Glaucoma (an eye disorder marked by abnormally high pressure within the eyeball that may even lead to blindness)
  • Multiple sclerosis (a serious progressive disease resulting from tissue hardening in the brain and spinal cord),
  • Osteoporosis (a disease leading to structural weakening in the bone structure)
  • Diabetes patients.
  • In addition, it is also reported to be useful in the treatment of
  • Migraine patients,
  • Anorexia (a possibly fatal eating disorder)
  • Burns
  • Problems concerning skin health.


There is also wide-ranging evidence that societies such as the Greenland Eskimos and Japanese, who eat a lot of fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acid, have a much lower incidence of heart and artery disease, asthma and psoriasis. Fish is therefore recommended as a form of treatment and is particularly recommended by nutritionists on account of its proven benefits for coronary health.
Additional benefits to those outlined above are emerging every day. Moreover, it has only been possible to reveal the health benefits of fish by a great many scientists working in well-equipped research laboratories. The fact that such a valuable source of nutrition is indicated in the Qur’an, and especially that it is described as a fatigue eliminator in Surat al-Kahf, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. All the benefits provided by fish are a great blessing given us by our Lord. As with all foods, it is Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, Who has created the superior structure in fish for our benefit.

Cardiovascular Health With Fish Oil

Fish OilSubstantial and recent research undertaken to assess the benefits of fish oil indicates that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can prevent cardiovascular disease. It may certainly reduce the risks of it.

In particular, clinical studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids:

  • Lower triglyceride levels.
  • Lower blood pressure.
  • Reduce the risk of arrhythmias which increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
  • Reduce the rate at which atherosclerotic plaque grows.
  • Helps to prevent thrombosis (blood clotting in blood vessels).
  • Improves endothelial function which supports the growth of new blood cells.


It is significant that fish oil has been found to lower triglyceride levels since high levels of triglycerides have been found to increase the risk of heart attack.

There is also some indication that it may lower serum cholesterol levels in the human body. Research on this is at early stages however researches suggest that at this stage studies indicate that it may be able to increase good cholesterol levels (HDL) and slightly lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) in some individuals.

Furthermore, it has been found to thin the blood which eases blood flow through the veins. Artery blockages can trigger heart attacks so regular consumption of fish oil can help prevent the clogging and sticking of blood to the artery walls.

Although omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from sources other than fish oil, two of the most beneficial forms are only available from fish. Docosehexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) are long chained fatty acids which cannot be found in any other source. Consequently, fish oil has gained a lot of popular, as well as scientific, attention in recent years.

While omega-3 can be included in the diet by eating fatty fish (such as salmon) three times a week, the concerns about mercury content in fish are significant. Also, some people just don't like to eat fish. It is therefore recommended that we take omega-3 supplements. It is important to research companies to ensure the procedure they use in processing the oil is top quality to have all toxic metals and chemicals removed.

It is exciting today that we have research studies being conducted with how fish oil supplements may help people live a healthier lifestyle. The benefits of consuming fish go beyond strengthening the cardiovascular system. They include: lowering cholesterol, alleviating and reducing inflammation, improved brain function and improved eyesight. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to lower the risk of certain cancers as well as alleviating depression and arthritis symptoms.

Considering the enormous benefits of including fish oil in our diets and the risks of being deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, shouldn't we all ensure that we are obtaining an adequate quantity of high quality omega-3 fatty acids? Given that heart disease is the number one killer in the modern world, fish oil could be seen as a proven, protective measure that increases your chances of living a full, healthy and productive life.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.