10 Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

By tallene

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. https://draxe.com/cod-liver-oil/
• 2. http://www.anticancerbook.com/post/Cod-liver-oil-and-lifestyle-fighting-cancer.html
• 3. https://www.medicaldaily.com/6-benefits-eating-cod-liver-oil-brain-health-lowering-dementia-risk-improving-419938
• 4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-cod-liver-oil#section4
• 5. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20000922/can-cod-liver-oil-help-prevent-diabetes#1
• 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2792623/

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Cod liver oil has been used for centuries for its health-promoting properties to heal skin rashes and lesions. In the past, people would only consume cod liver oil straight from the livers of the Gadus Morhua fish. Today, you can find cod liver oil in most grocery stores and nutrient shops in pill form.

Cod liver oil is a rich nutrient source for essential vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin D. More importantly, people tend to consume cod liver oil for its high omega-3 content. Cod liver oil essential nutrients provide a variety of health benefits for these reasons.

Cod Liver Oil Benefit #1: Good Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Today, most Americans are eating too many omega-6 fatty acids and not enough omega-3 fatty acids. It is optimal to consume a 2:1 ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for ideal health. The human body is unable to produce omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, therefore, we must get them from our diet. A diet high in omegas-6 and low in omegas-3 is known to increase inflammation.

For that reason, it is essential to consume a diet that includes a balanced amount of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The problem, however, is consuming sufficient amounts of food containing omega-3 fatty acids. Cod Liver oil provides a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential to prevent and treat a number of severe conditions.

Cod Liver Oil Benefit #2: Rich in Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a severe condition which can lead to bone pain and muscle weakness. With a number of people spending insufficient time outside in the sunlight it is not a surprise that most Americans are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is known to act as a hormone in our bodies because it affects neurotransmitter functioning, heart health and inflammatory responses.

With a low amount of foods being high in vitamin D, you’re most likely not getting the optimal levels from diet and exposure from sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to take an adequate supplement. Cod Liver Oil is an excellent source of vitamin D, providing 1,360 IU per tablespoon.

Cod Liver Oil Benefit #3: Lowers Cholesterol and High Triglycerides

Heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death and lowering your cholesterol is essential to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cholesterol can build up in our arteries causing atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Cod liver oil can assist in promoting heart health by lowering high triglycerides, which are dangerous fats in our blood that raises our risk of heart disease. A number of studies have proven that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent atherosclerosis.

Cod Liver Oil Benefit #4: Rich in Vitamin A

Vitamin A is known as an essential antioxidant and antioxidants are necessary to reduce oxidative stress and reduce free radicals. Vitamin A is also known for its usefullness in maintaining optimal eye and brain health. Although vitamin A is easy to obtain by eating a properly balanced diet; there are those who might be deficient.

Cod liver oil provides an excellent source of vitamin A - one teaspoon can provide 90% of the recommended daily intake requirements.

Cod Liver Oil Benefit #5: Protects Against Cancer

Fighting cancer is not easy, so protecting our bodies against cancer is ideal. As mentioned earlier cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamin D. High levels of vitamin D from either exposure to sunlight and food sources are associated with lower risks of cancer ¹https://draxe.com/cod-liver-oil/.

Studies suggest that vitamin D may help prevent breast cancer through having antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in breast cancer cells and therefore reducing mammary tumors. Cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamin D for those who are not able to get them from sunlight exposure or food sources ²http://www.anticancerbook.com/post/Cod-liver-oil-and-lifestyle-fighting-cancer.html.

Cod Liver Oil Benefit #6: Soothes Symptoms of Arthritis

Arthritis can cause pain and swelling which can reduce the range of motion and takes a toll on people lives. For years cod liver oil has been used as a natural treatment to soothe arthritis symptoms.

Cod liver oil supplementation can be used for the reduction in pain, joint stiffness and swelling in patients with arthritis. Cod liver oil is known to act as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory alternative medication. Supplementation of cod liver oil can help relieve muscle aches and pains.

Cod Liver Oil Benefit #7: Improves Mood and Reduces Depression

Anxiety and depression have been increasingly common conditions affecting many individuals. Recent research has shown correlation between chronic inflammation and depression. Studies show that people who supplement with cod liver oil daily had fewer symptoms of depression alone or combined with anxiety.

Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with the symptom of depression. Although there is ongoing research. Studies suggest that vitamin D can bind to receptors in the brain and stimulate the release of serotonin with is known to improve mood ¹. And as we all know, cod liver oil is rich in vitamin D.

Cod Liver Oil Benefit #8: Maintains Bone Health

As we grow older, we start losing bone mass which can lead to fractures and other conditions. Vitamin D is vital for optimal calcium absorption which is known as a necessary mineral for maintaining healthy bones, which is essential at all ages.

Studies suggest that supplementing cod liver oil accompanied with a high calcium diet has the ability to reduce bone loss in adults and help strengthen fragile bones in children ⁴https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-cod-liver-oil#section4.

Cod Liver Oil Benefit #9: Reduces Risk of Diabetes

Complications of diabetes can last a lifetime, treatment can be expensive and it take a toll on peoples lives. It is essential to attempt to prevent diabetes instead of treating it. Studies have found that children of mothers who supplement with cod liver oil during pregnancy are less likely to develop type 1 diabetes.

Although more human research needs to be done, animal studies have shown that supplementing with cod liver oil helped manage plasma glucose levels which helped managed s rat’s overall weight gain and insulin sensitivity ⁵https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20000922/can-cod-liver-oil-help-prevent-diabetes#1.

Cod Liver Oil Benefit #10: Heal Gastric Ulcers

Gastric ulcers can be extremely painful and cause major discomfort. Ulcers are small breaks in the lining of the stomach or gut. Common causes of ulcers include smoking, excessive use of anti-inflammatory medications, bacterial infections and too much acid in the stomach.

Studies done on animals show that supplementing with cod liver oil may help treat ulcers, particularly in the stomach and gut due to its high amount of omega-3 fatty acids ⁶https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2792623/.