What Do Fish Oil Pills Do?

Introduction

Fish oil pills offer the body many benefits, because of the essential fatty acids, or EFAs, in the oil. Without EFAs the body is unable to efficiently carry out its various functions. EFAs are not manufactured in the body, so the only way to get these necessary nutrients is by eating foods rich in EFAs or by taking fish oil supplements.

Heart Disease & Cancer

Heart disease and cancer are the top two leading causes of death for both men and women. Fish oils are proven to help with cardiovascular disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Evidence from several studies has suggested that amounts of DHA and EPA in the form of fish or fish oil supplements lowers triglycerides, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques ('hardening of the arteries,') lowers blood pressure slightly, as well as reduces the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known heart disease." The omega-3 fatty acids reduce bad cholesterol in the body, which lowers the amount of plaque in the blood vessels and arteries. Less cholesterol means cleaner blood, which can circulate more easily throughout the body. Fish oil has been shown to reduce the size of cancerous tumors in the breast, colon and prostate. In "Fish Oils and Fighting Cancer" the author discusses a 1992 report in the "Lipids" journal. The author writes that fish oils have "significant inhibitory effects against various human cancers in animal models." The research shows that fish oils reduce the chances of getting skin cancer, pancreatic cancer and lung cancer.

Brain Functioning & Moods

Fish oil pills also help with brain chemistry to improve memory, thinking and recall. When pregnant or nursing women take fish oil, it may improve the intelligence and mental acuity of the infants. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Early evidence suggests that infants have improved problem solving skills" when their mothers take DHA-foods during pregnancy. Studies also show that fish oil might help people with ADD, ADHD and dyslexia (organicfacts.net). Omega-3 acids in fish oils may help alleviate the symptoms of mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorders.

Other Benefits

Several diseases, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, lupus and gout, cause painful, swollen and inflamed joints. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve many of the symptoms of these diseases. Fish oils can help with the inflammation of conjunctivitis (pink eye), uveitis and other inflammatory eye diseases. As stated on the Mayo Clinic website, some studies suggest that fish oil pills may delay the progression of macular degeneration, an eye disease that can cause blindness in older adults. Fish oil pills can also increase weight loss. By taking the supplement and exercising, a person can lose more weight than if he just exercised. This was discovered in a study at the University of South Australia.