A great deal of research indicates that, not only are fish oil benefits numerous, many of them are actually quite amazing! It seems that new research is being written about everyday, as researchers and physicians learn so much more about how and why it is so effective. The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil are “good fats” that are vital to optimal wellness. They are necessary for our health but our bodies can’t make them – you have to get them from your diet. Here are some proven fish oil health benefits that should convince you to eat more oily, wild-caught fish and start taking a highly refined fish oil supplement if you’re not already!

Promotes Cardiovascular Health & Prevents Heart Attacks and Strokes

Fish oil continues to increase in scientific credibility as a significant component to heart health. According to statements from the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in reducing the incidence of heart disease and helps to reduce risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Research studies of heart attack survivors have found that daily omega-3 capsules drastically reduce the risk of death, subsequent heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also decrease blood triglycerides, help correct irregular heartbeats, and can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting the formation of plaque and blood clots, which tend to clog arteries.

Decreases Pain & Inflammation

Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Clinical trials show that diets rich in omega-3s (and low in the inflammatory omega-6s) may help people with inflammatory disorders — anything ending in -itis!. Fish oil has have also been used to successfully treat back, neck and menstrual pain, enabling study participants to reduce their consumption of NSAID medication.

Ensures Healthy Joints and Reduces Arthritis

The omega-3s in fish oil reduce joint tenderness, pain intensity and morning stiffness produced by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, quite a few test tube studies have found that omega-3s actually reduce the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. More than 13 published clinical studies have shown that fish oil supplements are very beneficial at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped people suffering from RA to reduce their dependence on pain killers.

Enhances Mental Acuity & Long-Term Cognitive Function

Are you aware that omega-3s, especially DHA, are highly concentrated in our brains? They’re important for optimum cognitive (brain memorization and performance) and behavioral functioning, as well as proper growth and development. Studies demonstrate that omega-3s may aid in maintaining proper cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or staving off the onset of dementia. We also have learned that it’s very important that pregnant women get adequate DHA, which is required by the developing fetus — in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the fetus’ brain grows at a rate of 250,000 new neurons every minute! Kids are also helped by omega-3 intake, as myriad studies show that omega-3s improve learning, focus, vocabulary and reading skills. Many studies have even shown benefits in treating ADHD.

Contributes to Positive Mood & Emotional Wellness

In nations where fish makes up a large part of the diet, nationwide rates of depression are lower. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that studies have discovered that fish oil supplements can reduce the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Numerous clinical trials have shown that people that took fish oil in addition to prescribed anti-depressants had a larger improvement in symptoms than those who only took antidepressants, with patients experiencing a stabilizing effect and less mood swings. Research has also shown that, when prisoners were administered omega three fatty acids, there was a huge reduction in violent behavior. Omega-3s also appear to lower the risk of postnatal depression.

Promotes Eye Health

Evidence shows that people with a greater omega-3 intake appear to have a lower risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing macular degeneration. Preliminary studies also show that fish oil supplementation aids in alleviating dry eye symptoms, may help to slow macular degeneration for those already developing it and improves eye health in general.

Pregnancy, Infancy Eye & Brain Development & Reduced Occurrence of Childhood Disorders

DHA makes up 15-20% of our cerebral cortex and about 30-60% of the retina, so it’s absolutely essential for normal growth and development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also appears to reduce the chances of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and behavior/hyperactivity later in the life of the child. Omega-3s also help to lower the chances of premature birth and low birth weight.

Enhances Fat Metabolism and Weight Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s trigger “I’m full” messages to the brain and aid in inhibiting hunger signals. Research has also demonstrated that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing weight. Volunteers who were given fish oil with their diet showed greater decreases in weight as contrasted with people who didn’t consume fish oil. Exercise combined with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the participants.

Reduces Risk of Breast, Prostate & Colorectal Cancer

Though additional research in this area is urgently needed, we now are aware that the omega 3’s that appear in fish oil aid in the prevention and treatment of testicular, prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. Early studies suggest that consuming fish oil daily can help inhibit the progression of colon cancer in those with early stages of the disease and may possibly have the ability to induce apoptosis (cell death) of cancerous cells.

A great deal more can be said with regards to the many fish oil benefits. And, as the science community and doctors continue to study omega-3s, you can bet that fish oil will keep making headlines as the best source of these essential fatty acids that are so essential to our bodies. Even if you’re currently in good physical condition, a high quality fish oil supplement is the simplest, safest way to achieve and maintain optimal health!

Brittany M. Wallace is a health and nutrition expert who has been studying the benefits of fish oil for nearly 10 years. You can learn all about the fish oil benefits by visiting her site.