Tag Archives: Heart Disease

Eating Oily Fish for Health

Fish Oil supplements such as Cod Liver Oil, together with Omega-3s and Essential Fatty Acids are extremely popular at the moment for their health benefits and their usage in improving the symptoms of many different diseases and disorders.

However, many of these same benefits can also be received from eating oily fish such as mackerel and herring. Oily fish are the richest source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids so we should make them a regular part of our diet.

Compared to Mediterranean diets, where fresh fish are regularly caught from their shores as well as being surrounded by olive groves, fruit trees and vegetable harvests, we typically do not include a good intake of oily fish in our diets.

Studies have shown that Mediterranean’s, like the Eskimos who survive on large amounts of fish and marine animals, have far lower rates of heart disease, eczema and psoriasis and better levels of general health compared to other Western countries.

A diet rich in essential fatty acids in the form of fish and vegetable oils, together with fresh, unrefined fish, fruit and vegetables is responsible for good health and well being. These foods are abundant in rural areas of France, Greece, Italy and Spain and scientists believe it is the combination of these natural foods which accounts for the good health of these nations.

Other nations, such as our own, tend to favour meat over fish with meat containing higher levels of saturated fat which, in large quantities, will increase the depositing of cholesterol in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attacks and thrombosis. Moving to a diet rich in fresh fish, fruit and vegetables and low in animal fats reduces or eliminates this risk substantially.

Buying or selecting fresh fish can be difficult in our supermarkets and shops as not all fish contain the essential fatty acids which are so beneficial to our health. Pre-packed foods and ready-made meals containing fish just wont provide the benefits of fresh fish. It is worth the effort to visit a large supermarket or fishmonger who will have a much larger selection of fish which contain the fats we need.

A range of Oily Fish which provides the Omega-3s so beneficial to our health include;

Anchovies

Bass

Carp

Cod

Haddock

Halibut

Herring

Lake trout

Mackerel

Mullet

Rainbow trout

Red snapper

Salmon

Sardines

Sole

Sprats

Squid

Swordfish

Tuna

Note that Tuna should be bought fresh and not tinned, as the fish oil is commonly drained off and replaced with refined vegetable oils.

The best way to gain the benefits of oily fish is to eat the fish raw and if you are a fan of Japanese cuisine, you should enjoy this Sushi style food. If you are unable to eat raw fish or just don’t like eating fish in this manner the next best method is to bake your fish before eating it as this will preserve the Essential Fatty Acids in the fish more effectively than grilling or frying.

By making fresh oily fish a regular part of your diet you will be improving your health and reaping the benefits of the Omega-3s and Essential Fatty Acids they contain.

For further advice on Omega-3s, Fish Oils and Essential Fatty Acids, visit the Healthy Fish Oils website.

For advice on how Fish Oils can help Psoriasis, Eczema and Acne visit the Fish Oils for Psoriasis, Eczema and Acne web page.

Related Blogs

Fish Oil Benefits

In the quest to achieve better health and wellness, fish oil supplements have become an increasingly popular way to take advantage of many different medical benefits. Fish oil originates from the tissues of oily fish, such as carp, herring, salmon, and fresh tuna. Today, fish oil is recommended as part of a healthy diet because of the amount of omega-3 fatty acids contained, which is known to reduce inflammation throughout the body and lessen the threat of coronary heart disease (among other things).

There are two main ways to include fish oil as part of a healthy diet. The first involves the consumption of oily fish, including sardines and cod, which contain oils throughout their body and about their gut, unlike other species of fish. Depending on the species, oily fish fillets may offer up to 30% oil. Besides omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish also provides a good source of vitamins A and D.

The second approach towards increasing the amount of fish oils in a diet is to purchase fish oil capsules or supplements. Many people are said to prefer the consumption of fish oil capsules because they are easy to follow and do not require laborious measurements in making sure recommended daily values are satisfied. To explore some of the many benefits associated with fish oil supplements and consumption, a few examples can be found below:

Decreased Pain Levels and Inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids may posses the power to lessen inflammation in the body, as well as ease the pain associated with arthritis and cystitis. Rheumatoid arthritis patients often report an improvement in joint pains and inflammation when taking fish oil supplements.

Treats Depression and Stress

Some individuals have been able to ease their symptoms of depression by implementing omega-3 fish oil supplements into their diet. Fish oils have also been linked to showing promise in treating bipolar and psychotic patients. Supplements may also help to promote the overall mood of patients, and may even reduce premenstrual stress.

Cardiovascular Improvements

The heart, arteries, and veins may benefit from fish oil because it has been known to help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, while at the same time improving “good” cholesterol levels.

Fights Strokes and Heart Attack

The threat of stroke and heart attack may be decreased with the introduction of fish oils into a diet because they may help to prevent blood clots and other damage to the heart. A decreased risk of sudden death and heart attacks has also been seen.

Enhances Brain Activity

Fish oil is known to boost intelligence and overall happiness in users, as well as improve the memory and ability to stay focused. In the elderly, the risk of dementia and memory loss sometimes decreases with the use of fish oil supplements. Additionally, mothers who consume or take a high amount of omega-3/fish oils during pregnancy often give birth to children with a higher IQ.

Combats Childhood Disorders

Children, who suffer from disorders, such as ADD and ADHD, have experienced a better quality of life when incorporating fish oil fatty acids into their diet. Additional conditions that respond to fish oils include dyslexia and compulsive disorders.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. She enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please visit benefits of taking pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplements for more information.