Whether you're looking to maximize muscle building and fat loss, or you're simply looking to take the best pathway to optimal health, fish oil is a supplement you must be adding to your daily diet. There are few supplements on the market that offer as many benefits as fish oil does. Regardless of who you are, it's almost certain you will benefit from it.
Benefits of fish oil:
- Supports healthy cholesterol levels
- Boosts your mood
- Helps to maintain strong bones
What Fish Oil Is For
Fish oil is a form of fatty acid that is derived from the tissues of oily fish. It contains the omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are what has gained the most attention with regard to health research over the last few years.
Individuals who consume a high amount of fatty fish in their diet tend not to need to supplement with fish oil capsules as much or as often. However, you should remember that many fish varieties do contain higher levels of mercury, which also needs to be monitored in the human body.
If these levels of mercury get too high, that can cause problems too, so it's vital that you keep a good balance. Fish oil capsules, along with fatty fish on occasion, will be the best way to meet your needs safely.
Fish oil supplements offer a wide variety of benefits. Here are three important ones you should know about.
1. Healthy Cholesterol Level Support
Supplementing with fish oil may support a healthy blood cholesterol profile already within a normal range. Adding 3-6 grams of fish oil a day can help promote healthy ratios of HDL to LDL, as well as healthy levels of triacylglycerol concentrations in the body when they are already in healthy range.
If you can start using fish oil, as well as eating a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, you will support overall health and well-being.
2. Bone Health Support
As you grow older, especially in the case of women who are entering the menopausal years and who no longer have the standard estrogen and progesterone hormone levels, the bones may begin to thin, which then sets you up to experience osteoporosis.
Studies have looked at the implications of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes on the bone density and calcium balance in menopausal women, and have found that those who do take in higher levels of fatty acids may help support healthy bones.
"It would be a very smart move to start paying attention to your fish-oil consumption for bone health."
The best way to support your overall bone health is to make sure you're getting enough calcium in your diet regularly. After that's been looked after, it would be a very smart move to start paying attention to your fish-oil consumption.
It's important to make sure you're getting a good ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, though. Consuming too much omega-6 and too little omega-3 can actually put you at a higher risk for a lower bone-mineral density.
3. Mood Support
Research has indicated that including fish oil in your diet on a regular basis may offer mood support.
The diets of many people are so filled with processed foods that there isn't enough quality nutrition coming in to support a healthy system. This only adds to the stress build-up that may exacerbate mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
"Fish oil consumption helps support the levels of serotonin in the body, which is often termed the 'feel good' hormone."
Fish oil consumption helps support the levels of serotonin in the body, which is often termed the "feel-good" hormone. You'll typically reap the benefits of serotonin after eating a carbohydrate-heavy meal, which is what puts you in a relaxed and peaceful state. For this reason, individuals typically crave high-carbohydrate foods when they are stressed.
By supplementing with fish oil, you will naturally support your own serotonin release in the body, which may help manage stress.
Conclusion
As you can see, fish oil supplements offer a variety of benefits. Fish oil isn't necessarily going to help you build muscle at an accelerated pace directly, but indirectly it will help support the quality of your workouts. Most importantly, supplementing with fish oil will enhance your overall health, which is key to pursuing workouts over a longer period of time.