As children, many of us were given by our mothers or grandmothers a not-so-pleasant-tasting “delicacy” – fish oil. Some people liked it, but more often than not, taking this drug was a real challenge. Adults sincerely believed in its healing properties. And in fact, this product helps strengthen the immune system, normalize metabolic processes, reduce subcutaneous fatty tissue and even improve mental abilities. Let's take a closer look at the benefits and harms of fish oil in capsules, how to take it correctly for women, men and children, as well as which manufacturer is better.
The product is useful for everyone and at any age. But if you start eating it with spoons, it won’t lead to anything good. Therefore, before using a unique and medicinal product, you should know what it is.
A little history
A pharmacist from Norway, Miller Peter, became the pioneer of the use of fish oil for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Since 1862, the product has become a generally accepted food additive that has a positive effect on the body. A little later, the whole world learned about the miraculous properties of the product.
However, interest in the product faded away somewhat after some time. It was easier for people to maintain the condition of the body, in particular the immune system, with the help of synthetic vitamins. This indifference did not last long. Soon scientists and doctors became interested in the nutritional supplement. And that's why.
An example was the people of the North, for whom fish was the main food product; they were less likely to suffer from atherosclerosis, heart attack and other vascular pathologies. The incidence of bronchial asthma, lupus erythematosus, and hypertension in people living in the North was several times lower. This is what aroused great interest in the product among scientists.
The healing properties of fish oil were soon proven. Today it is officially recognized by medicine. You can buy it at any pharmacy.
How to take fish oil capsules. Benefits and harms
The drug in its pure form is a thick oily liquid with a specific fishy odor. The color can be completely transparent, yellowish or slightly reddish. It is produced in 3 varieties: brown, yellow and white. The last two, after special processing and purification, are used for medical purposes and as a food additive.
The product is produced mainly from the liver of fish of the Cod family. In its usual form, it is several times cheaper, but due to the fact that it has a specific smell, many people prefer the capsule form, in which the purified fat is enclosed in a gelatin shell.
The composition includes a large number of substances that are useful and necessary for the proper functioning of the human body:
- Omega – 3 and 6 fatty polyunsaturated acids ─ linoleic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, docosapentaenoic, etc.;
- vitamins A, D, E;
- microelements: iron, manganese, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, bromine, etc.;
- glyceride oleic, palmitic acids;
- many other chemical compounds, depending on the type and habitat of the fish.
Fish oil has anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, restorative, and immunostimulating properties. It promotes:
- improving the condition of the skin, hair and nail plates;
- prevention of rickets;
- increasing the body's defenses against colds, flu, ARVI;
- expansion and cleansing of blood vessels, preventing the formation of blood clots;
- elimination of inflammatory processes;
- improving the quality of vision;
- increased brain activity;
- treatment of burns, frostbite, bedsores, long-term non-healing wounds.
Fish oil and fish oil - what's the difference?
The human body is unable to produce omega fatty acids, which is why they are classified as essential nutrients that are ideally supplied by eating fish. Most people cannot afford to buy expensive sea fish; it is easier to use capsules instead of a natural product. But is it really useful?
Fish oil is a product obtained from the liver of fish. Its peculiarity is its high content of fat-soluble vitamins A and D. As for Omega 3, fish oil contains little of them. The liver is a filter of any organism, which accumulates a considerable amount of toxic substances. That is why the USSR banned the mass consumption of fat to prevent diseases in children. For obvious reasons, it is not recommended to take the supplement for a long time. The main purpose of using such a supplement is the prevention and treatment of rickets and hypovitaminosis.
The big disadvantage of fish oil is its rapid oxidation and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. And, as you know, oxidized fat, in particular of plant origin, is harmful to the body.
In addition, light can provoke oxidation of any fat. The least susceptible to this reaction is olive oil. To prevent oxidation into Omega-3, alpha-tocopherol is added to medications.
Fish oil ─ this product appeared relatively recently. It is obtained not from the liver, but from the meat of large salmon fish that live in the Norwegian fjords. It contains a tiny concentration of toxic substances and, in comparison with fish oil, less vitamins A and D, but much more Omega 3, so it is suitable for long-term use. Omega 3 in natural fish oil is no more than 30%. If the percentage is higher, it means the product has undergone chemical transformation.
Fish oil is less effective in the treatment of rickets and hypovitaminosis, but it helps eliminate free radicals, cleanse blood vessels of harmful cholesterol, and also increase the body's defenses.
Product value – health benefits
The effect of taking it on the body is manifested in many aspects:
- stabilization of the digestive system;
- prevention of strokes and heart attacks, strengthening the cardiovascular system;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- obstacle to cholesterol deposition;
- stimulation of neurons, improving brain activity;
- beneficial effect on visual function;
- strengthening bones, nails, teeth;
- giving healthy appearance to skin and hair;
- effectiveness in losing weight, etc.
The usefulness of fish oil also lies in the activation of the synthesis of serotonin (the hormone of joy). This reaction normalizes general well-being, improves mood, and relieves various types of depression. The drug has been widely used for many years in the prevention and treatment of rickets, anemia, tuberculosis and other serious pathologies as part of complex therapy.
Comment from Elena Morozova, a nutritionist at the weight loss clinic:
Despite the obvious beneficial qualities of this product, it should be taken in accordance with established standards, having first consulted with your doctor. The product has a number of serious contraindications and may cause side effects if the dosage is violated.
Fish oil capsules for women: benefits and rules of administration
This food supplement is indispensable for the female body.
In addition to the general strengthening factors listed above, in relation to the female body, the product promotes:
- improving well-being during seasonal depression;
- eliminating dry skin and brittle hair;
- replenishment of Omega 3 deficiency due to diets and unbalanced nutrition;
- losing weight;
- preventing the appearance of rashes and acne;
- acceleration of metabolism;
- normalization of the menstrual cycle;
- prevention of osteoporosis.
Cosmetologists recommend using fish oil for the face. The product will help rejuvenate and heal the dermis. Adding the product to masks will help tighten and eliminate fine wrinkles.
Rejuvenating facial mask
Before applying the fat, clean the skin thoroughly. Combine fish oil and olive oil in equal proportions. Soak a cosmetic napkin with this composition and apply to your face for 15-20 minutes. After maki, clean your skin with a dry soft cloth.
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Hair Mask
The product will also help in healing and accelerating hair growth. Combine fish oil with castor or burdock oil in equal proportions. Apply the mixture to the hair roots using rubbing movements with your fingertips, and then distribute along the entire length of the strand. Put on a shower cap and wrap a towel around your head. After half an hour, wash your hair with a rinsing solution of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (a tablespoon per liter of water).
Fish oil is useful for girls suffering from painful menstruation, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Fish oil capsules are convenient to take, and their benefits for women are truly great. But in order for the product to be as effective as possible, it is necessary to follow several strict rules of use.
- The supplement should be taken after meals. Using the product on an empty stomach is fraught with the development of gastrointestinal pathologies.
- Taking the drug must be approved by a specialist, especially if you are going to take it during pregnancy.
- The duration of the course is selected by the doctor depending on the purpose for which you are going to take the supplement.
- It is recommended to use fish oil for preventive purposes during the spring or autumn period. The duration of the course is one month. As a rule, it is prescribed to take one or two capsules per day.
Use of fish oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Fish oil is prescribed to women during pregnancy and pregnancy.
Regular intake of the supplement helps improve intrauterine nutrition by enlarging the placenta. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids stimulate fetal growth. Sufficient intake of the substance in the body reduces the risk of having a premature baby. In addition, systematic use of fish oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding promotes:
- prevention of rickets in children;
- accelerating the development of the fetal visual organs;
- preventing the baby from inheriting diabetes;
- normalization of the mother’s skin and hair condition;
- improving a woman’s mood, eliminating depression;
- normalization of metabolism;
- alleviating the symptoms of toxicosis.
Sometimes the instructions, in the “Contraindications” section, may indicate “Pregnancy”. In this case, pay attention to what the drug is made of; if it is from fish liver, then it is better to refrain from taking it and additionally consult with a specialist which drug and which manufacturer is best to purchase in your case.
In order for fish oil capsules to bring benefits and not harm, you need to take a drug made exclusively from fish meat, and not from liver, both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Read the ingredients carefully! The dosage of the drug should be selected by a doctor.
Admission rules
Modern manufacturers offer several options for release forms. One of the most popular is capsules with a liquid center in a gelatin shell. They are easy to use and have no taste, unlike the classic substance known to our grandmothers.
The supplement should be taken strictly after meals. For fish oil to be truly beneficial, the daily intake must correspond to the dosage indicated on the pack or in the instructions for your drug. It should not be taken continuously; each course should be accompanied by a break sufficient for the absorption and removal of excess substances from the body.
Comment from Elena Morozova, a nutritionist at the weight loss clinic:
If you suffer from stomach upsets or experience gastrointestinal instability, be sure to tell your doctor before prescribing medications. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to take it before meals. Failure to do so may cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal reactions.
In the treatment of diseases of the epidermis, the substance is often used externally. Rubbing the liquid composition into the affected areas of the skin will speed up healing and soften the skin in case of psoriasis, eczema and other problems.
What are the benefits of fish oil capsules for men?
Fish oil in any form has value; it’s just more convenient to take it in capsules. For the stronger sex, the drug is as necessary as for the fair half of humanity. It contains substances necessary for the proper functioning of the prostate gland, as well as the reproductive organs.
What else is useful for fish oil capsules for men? Regular use of the supplement will help:
- increasing bone density;
- suppression of the synthesis of cortisol (stress hormone);
- normalization of brain functioning;
- preventing the development of joint pathologies;
- normalization of metabolism;
- increased production of sex hormones (testosterone);
- decreased blood viscosity;
- preventing the formation of blood clots;
- prevention of prostatitis;
- increase potency, improve sperm count;
- improves mood (promotes the production of the hormone serotonin).
Fish oil is also useful for athletes. The supplement can qualitatively improve sports nutrition. Moreover, the drug can lower blood pressure, which helps increase endurance during training. In addition, the product promotes muscle growth.
Restrictions on use
Fish oil has a number of contraindications and can cause side effects. The product is not intended for the following groups of persons:
- patients with tuberculosis in the acute stage;
- people suffering from endocrine system disorders;
- patients with renal and liver failure;
- people with pathologies of the gallbladder and bladder;
- persons with acute gastrointestinal diseases;
- in cases of individual intolerance, the appearance of allergic reactions to components, etc.
One of the contraindications is diabetes. Despite the beneficial ability of the substance to lower cholesterol levels, it is necessary to include it in your diet under the strict guidance of a doctor.
An extensive list of contraindications implies the need to obtain the approval of the attending physician before starting to use the substance and drugs based on it. Is fish oil specifically beneficial for your body? Only a specialist can answer this question based on the results of the examination.
Exceeding the norm and violating the rules of administration can cause side effects of various kinds:
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- constipation;
- smell from the mouth;
- headache and dizziness;
- irritability, etc.
If you notice such symptoms, you should stop taking the substance and seek advice from a specialist.
What are the benefits of fish oil for children, and which drug to choose?
A special form of fish oil with fruit flavor is available for children. If you cannot find such a form, you can give your child fish oil in capsules. With the help of the supplement, you can minimize the weight of a baby suffering from obesity, as well as increase the body's defenses.
Regular consumption of tasty capsules will help:
- in activating metabolism;
- in improving vision;
- in normalizing the functioning of the nervous system;
- in strengthening bone tissue and preventing the development of rickets;
- in the prevention of colds;
- in improving the condition of the skin and nails;
- reduction of hyperactivity;
- stimulation of mental abilities.
What are the benefits of fish oil for a child?
Since the problem of the unpleasant taste and smell of liquid forms of the drug has been resolved, it has become easier to persuade children to take it. It is prescribed to children in the following situations:
- stimulation of mental development; normalization of the metabolism of a growing organism;
- to solve blood supply problems as a maintenance drug;
- as a preventive measure against rickets;
- in order to strengthen bones during their formation, etc.
Children susceptible to anemia, various manifestations of visual dysfunction, pathologies of the respiratory system, skin diseases, as well as those with delays in growth and mental development, are given the drug according to a prescription from a pediatrician or other highly specialized specialist.
How to properly take fish oil capsules for adults and children
Fish oil capsules of 500 mg, according to the instructions, should be taken orally (orally) after meals with plenty of water.
Adults and children over 6 years old, 1-2 capsules 3 times a day, in courses of 2-3 months, followed by monitoring of blood clotting. Further treatment depends on the test results. Be careful not to hold the capsule in your child's mouth, otherwise the gelatin coating may dissolve and stick to the roof of the mouth or tongue.
For newborns from 4 weeks in the absence of breastfeeding, fish oil is given in liquid form, starting with 3 drops 2 times a day, gradually increasing to 10 drops by six months. From the age of 1 year – 1 teaspoon per day. From 2 years - 2 teaspoons per day. From 3 to 6 – on a dessert boat, twice.
How to take fish oil capsules for children with benefit and without harm (according to the instructions):
- from 3 to 7 years – 4 – 6 capsules per day, divided into 2 doses, course 30 days.
- from 7 to 14 years – 8 – 10 capsules per day, divided into 2 doses. Course 30 days.
In any case, it is worth considering that the daily dosage of fish oil depends on the purpose of its use and is determined by the doctor.
Which manufacturer of fish oil capsules is better: what should you pay attention to when purchasing?
You can buy the product at any pharmacy or in various online stores. If you want to get a high-quality natural product, you should consider several important points when purchasing a supplement.
- The first thing you need to pay attention to is the label. If you are going to buy a product for the treatment or prevention of a particular ailment, your choice should fall on the name on the label “Medical fish oil”. Food grade or veterinary grade are not suitable.
- If you buy the product at a pharmacy, look at the license certificate. If it is not there, most likely the product is a fake.
- If the product is made from fish liver, this must be indicated on the label as "TRAN" or "Liver Oil".
- Fat from weeds caught in Latin America is of poor quality. To prepare the product, use the whole fish. Since the fish lives in warm water, the concentration of Omega 3 is low, and the concentration of vitamins A, D, and toxic substances is high. The best product is made from fish from the northern seas.
- The ideal option is tissue (fish) fat. The jar should say “Fish body oil”.
- Check the expiration date of the product and what the capsule shell is made of. The best option is made from natural fish gelatin.
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But which manufacturer of fish oil capsules is better? Experts from different countries are unanimous and recommend giving preference to the Norwegian manufacturer. CodLiverOil (CarlsonLabs) fish oil, which is manufactured in Norway, also receives good reviews. The raw material for the production of the additive is cod, caught in ecologically clean areas.
Fish oil capsules, manufacturer CarlsonLabs
Solgar's Omega-3 Fish Oil product, made from salmon that lives in the cold waters of Alaska, has proven itself well.
Solgar Concentrated Fish Oil Capsules
How to choose fish oil
There are a number of recommendations on how to choose fish oil. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the following:
- availability of a quality certificate indicating the type of fish from which the product is obtained;
- the obligatory presence on the label of the words “medical” or “veterinary” (food - has practically no beneficial properties);
- type of packaging (gelatin capsules have a low price, fish capsules have a higher degree of usefulness, the liquid form of the product retains its properties better in a dark glass container);
- manufacturer country;
- release date (product shelf life does not exceed 2 years).
Price of fish oil capsules in pharmacies and online stores: where is the best place to buy?
You can always buy the supplement at a pharmacy or online store. Many buyers are confident that when buying at a pharmacy, they are more protected, because they can read the ingredients, look at the expiration date and ask the pharmacist for a license - to verify the authenticity of the drug (which, in general, no one does). However, the pharmaceutical market in the CIS countries is so corrupt that no documents guarantee quality.
Domestic online stores of dietary supplements are no better. You can focus on global Internet portals that have been selling health products for many decades, for example, the iherb.com store. It is better to choose global brands that value their name and sell really high-quality products with a lot of positive reviews.
Actually, the price of fish oil in capsules in a pharmacy and in an online store does not differ significantly (only if it is a high-quality product). The average cost of Omega-3 Fish Oil (Solgar) 240 capsules is 1100 rubles, CodLiverOil (CarlsonLabs) 250 capsules is 2000 rubles. You can buy the product from other manufacturers:
- NowFoods, Omega 3, 180 capsules – 741 rubles;
- Madre Labs – 30 capsules – 709 rubles;
- Carlson Labs, Super Omega 3, 100 capsules – 1073 rubles;
- BSN, Fish Oil, DNA, Cardiovascular Support, 100 capsules – 339 rubles.
Omega 3 and fish oil: what is the difference and which is better?
You already know about the properties of fish oil, but everyone knows about omega-3 and how to figure it out?
Many people are interested in what is actually more effective and better: fish oil or Omega 3, and what is the difference between these substances.
The fact is that Omega 3 is a useful substance that has a lot of unique medicinal properties. Polyunsaturated fatty acids help improve brain activity, strengthen the central nervous system, improve vision, and reduce the risk of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
As for fish oil, it is a source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids that are beneficial to humans. These acids are contained in both seeds and oils (walnut, hemp, flax).
Simply put, Omega 3 is just Omega 3, and fish oil is a natural product rich in composition, containing, among other things, this fatty acid, but in much smaller quantities. We can say with confidence that you can take both fish oil capsules and pure omega 3 capsules with benefit and without harm. The best product will be the one your body needs, based on the situation and the recommendation of your doctor.
Fishy or fishy - is there a difference?
Few people know that science separates the concepts of “fish” and “fish” oil. The source of the first is liver (usually cod), the second is fish meat. The liver substrate is the richest in vitamins and microelements, but more toxic substances accumulate in it. The quality of such a component directly depends on the habitat of the fish, water pollution and other factors. Muscle tissue, on the contrary, contains a smaller amount of useful elements, but fatty tissue is considered the purest and highest quality.
Thus, the benefits and harms of fish oil can be considered similar, taking into account the above arguments about the quality of the source material. The level of environmental friendliness and safety of substances for humans directly affects the cost - the purer the product, the more expensive it is.
In addition, the price of the drugs depends on the types of fish involved in production - the product from the noble representatives of the underwater world is of particular value. Information about the origin of raw materials must be indicated on the packaging; study the contents when choosing the best price-quality product.
Fish oil and flaxseed oil: which is better?
Oil manufacturers claim that their products contain Omega 3 in high concentrations. But for some reason they are silent about the fact that they are absorbed much worse.
Fish is an excellent source of healthy Omega 3 and Omega 6 acids. Getting healthy fat every day can be a little difficult. And there are explanations for this. By eating fish, literally 100 grams, you cover the body’s daily need for fish oil.
However, there is a problem associated with eating sea fish. And it lies in the ability to get a portion of mercury along with fatty acids. That is why fish oil in its natural form is replaced either with capsules or flaxseed oil.
As for flax oil, to some extent it can be considered as a replacement for fish oil. The usefulness of the second is to obtain two Omega-3 fats: EPA - eicosapentaenoic acid, DHA - docosahexaenoic acid. Flaxseed oil contains ALA - alpha-linolenic acid.
But here there is a small snag. To get the effects that Omega 3s are prescribed, ALA must be converted by the body into DHA and EPA. As a result, only a small part of it will have a beneficial effect.
And it turns out that flaxseed oil is certainly useful, but it is not a complete alternative to fish oil. And this is due to the incomplete conversion of ALA into DHA and EPA.
What does fish oil do? What are its advantages?
Briefly? Fish oil improves your body's ability to do everything!
More details? I don't even know where to start.
Okay, let's first understand the benefits that allow us to build muscle, lose weight and change the appearance of your body.
Effect on muscle gain and weight loss
Overall, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil play a direct or indirect role in almost every process that occurs in your body when you are trying to gain muscle mass, lose weight, maintain muscle shape, recover from a workout, and so on. .
Does fish oil help you gain muscle or lose weight independently? Not at all. But it definitely plays an important role in these processes and helps your body accomplish these tasks .
For example, I looked at two separate studies, and they both came to the same conclusion: People lose more weight when they combine healthy eating, exercise, and fish oil than those who eat healthy and exercise without fish oil.
Those same omega-3 fatty acids promote fat oxidation, improve insulin sensitivity , and provide “calorie sharing .
As I said earlier, "calorie breakdown" refers to how your body uses calories. I mean…
- When you create a caloric surplus (which is necessary for muscle growth), will they be used to build muscle mass or will they go to fat?
- When you create a calorie deficit (which is necessary for weight loss), will your body burn fat for energy or will it burn muscle tissue instead?
This is the division of calories, and fish oil helps direct it in the right direction (less fat, more muscle mass).
In addition, fish oil may also increase thermogenesis (meaning you will burn more calories per day), has an anti-catabolic effect (prevents muscle injury), has an anti-lipogenic effect (reduces fat storage), and also serves as an anti-inflammatory agent.
And.
If you're impressed by the benefits above, hang in there. This is just the beginning...
General health and function
In terms of overall health and the functioning of the human body, the list of benefits of fish oil is even longer. Much bigger.
Namely, omega-3 fatty acids contribute to:
- Reducing the risk of heart attack
- Reducing the risk of stroke
- Lower blood triglyceride levels
- Reduce the risk of dangerous heart rhythms
- Lower blood pressure
- Relieving inflammation
- Joint mobility
- Reducing cholesterol levels
- Slowing down the formation of atherosclerotic plaques
- And much more.
In addition, fish oil prevents the development of the following diseases:
- Alzheimer's disease and dementia
- Depression
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Hyperactivity
- ADHD
- And much more…
Still want more benefits? No problem.
Fish oil improves mental activity, develops concentration and memory.
Some people also report a good mood and a general state of joy.
Another effect that is often talked about is good skin and hair.
If you dig even deeper, you will find people who will tell you how fish oil has helped reduce back pain, improve vision, get rid of rashes, and have many other benefits.
As I said, no additives are required. However, fish oil is the very additive that is required for use. I think you have already clearly understood this.
Contraindications
The use of fish oil is contraindicated:
- on an empty stomach;
- with individual intolerance;
- with renal failure;
- in the presence of thyroid pathologies;
- with urolithiasis;
- with hypervitaminosis with a high content of vitamins A, D.
As for side effects, in some cases they can be observed. Due to long-term use of the supplement (more than a month), toxic poisoning may occur. In order to benefit and not harm, you should take fish oil capsules correctly and remember that using it on an empty stomach can increase bile secretion and loose stools, and abuse of the supplement can cause nausea, diarrhea and nosebleeds.
PREPARATION RECIPES HERE: CLICK ON THE PICTURE
Remember ☝️
- How to increase blood pressure: 5 quick ways that will definitely help
Causes diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common Overview of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Therapies side effects from consuming fish oil.
Leads to heartburn
And also to belching and stomach discomfort. This side effect is common in Omega-3 Supplements. Therefore, if you are prone to acid reflux, you should be careful with the use of fish oil.
Possibly causing a stroke
A diet with increased fish oil content increases Dietary supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids worsens forelimb motor function after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats. risk of hemorrhagic stroke in rats. In humans, such a relationship has not yet been established, but research is still underway, and the risk should not be neglected.
