Cod Liver Oil – A vital Nutritional Tool for your Body

Cod Liver Oil Benefits

It comes from the liver of cod fish. It has less omega 3 fatty acids when compared to other fish oils, but more vitamin D and vitamin A.

Vitamin D maintains calcium balance in the body by improving calcium absorption in the intestine, mobilizing calcium in the bones and calcium reabsorption in the kidneys.

Health benefits of Cod Liver Oil

Good for eyes

Cod liver oil is beneficial in two ways for the eyes because it is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and carotenoids. The former nutrient support eye-health by preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the latter help in the production of vitamin A and also helps in delaying AMD.

Reduces inflammation

Inflammation and joint stiffness are the common problems associated with arthritis. Several research studies have shown promising outcomes in reducing pain, inflammation, tenderness, with the use of supplemented cod liver oil. Cod liver oil thus provides relief from joint stiffness associated with arthritis.

Prevents Atherosclerosis

Cod liver oil prevents the formation of fatty deposits (plaque: calcified and non-calcified fatty deposits) in coronary arteries by reducing inflammation. It also provides protection against the blood clots.

Cod liver oil also helps repair skin, hair, nails and damaged teeth – in other words, it works as a good anti-aging agent in the body.

Improves Bones health

The richest natural source of vitamin D available is cod liver oil. One should not forget that sun exposure is very important because one cannot get all the vitamin D needed from food sources alone. Vitamin D performs some very important roles in our body. It helps in calcium absorption, and regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. Deficiency of vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia, osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Cod Liver Oil Improves HDL Cholesterol Levels

Fish Oil and Cod liver oils are beneficial to your heart owing to their omega 3 fatty acids content. Therefore, people who regularly eat fish have a lower risk of heart disease. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce triglycerides by up to 15% to 30%. Optimum levels of HDL cholesterol are good for the heart as they lower the risk of heart disease. Omega 3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can elevate HDL levels.

Omega 3 fatty acids in cod liver oil are beneficial in three ways: improve healthy (HDL cholesterol), reduce triglycerides and lower blood pressure.

Helps Fight Anxiety and Depression

Cod liver oil owing to its anti-inflammatory and rich vitamin D content can help fight anxiety and depression and thus improves symptoms associated with depression.

Right fat in right proportions is good for your health

Your body needs fat and your brain too needs fat to work properly. Fat improves vitamins absorption (absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E & K). Healthy fats such as omega 3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil helps promote skin health, minerals and vitamins absorption and boost your immune system.

You need healthy fat to keep your blood sugar levels under check (stable blood sugar levels). The reason, breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar becomes slow with a meal having healthy fats. Because when you consume fat, you feel full – and therefore, your appetite turns off as your brain receives a signal.

A healthy fat like omega 3 fatty acid helps in keeping blood sugar levels stable. Human brain needs fat to function properly.

Is Cod Liver Oil same as Fish Oil – to know the answer, watch this video by Dr. Eric Berg

Cod Liver Oil vs. Fish Oil: Is there a Difference?

Cod Liver Oil Benefits | Dr. Steven Gundry

Should one take supplements?

Cod liver oil benefits: It offers many health benefits and supplementation is helpful. Many supplements are available online for purchase. But you should consider supplements from reputed brands and sources that meet the requirements of regulatory authorities of your country.

If you are considering taking supplements than talk to your doctor before using them. Never take higher doses or more than the recommended dose without taking advise from your general physician.

The cod liver oil that you want to take should be pure and fresh, non-synthetic, cold pressed (Extra virgin cod liver oil). It should not contain any artificial ingredients, synthetic vitamins or solvents. En extra virgin cod liver oil is gluten-free, non-fermented and is not exposed to heat or solvents.

References

Dietary Intakes of Eicosatetraenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Juan Wu, ScD, MS; Eunyoung Cho, ScD et al. January 30, 2017