There are many benefits of fish oil due to its high levels of fatty acids. You can get the minimum amount you need from eating cold water oily fish (salmon, tuna, etc.) 1-2 times per week. However, I like fish oil supplements, because (1) good wild fresh fish is expensive and (2) good brands of fish oil (Spectrum, Nordic Naturals & Total EFA) are micro-distilled and tested by 3rd parties to make sure they don’t contain harmful toxins (like Mercury, PCB’s, Lead, etc.). My well respected Obstetrician actually recommended that I take Total EFA while pregnant. Check with your doctor before taking any supplement.
Below are the benefits that have actually been proven with research.
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Less Pain and Inflammation– Omega-3 fatty acids regulate your body’s inflammation which prevents and helps with arthritis.
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Cardiovascular Health– Fatty acids lower cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL’s and blood pressure AND raise HDL’s.
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Protection from Heart Disease – Fatty acids break down blood clots in the blood stream, potentially preventing heart attacks and stroke.
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Brain Function for Unborn Babies– Unborn babies evidently need lots of fatty acid for their brain development, and the only way they can get it is to steal it from Mom. Babies continue to need fatty acids after they are born, which is why breast milk is so high in fatty acids DHA/ARA. In fact modern baby formula is supplemented with fatty acids DHA and ARA. Additionally some studies have shown that post-partum depression is due to deficient levels of DHA. Fish oil – either in supplement or whole food form – can replenish Mom’s supply.
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Brain Function for Adults – Omega 3 might improve memory, recall and focus.
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Less Depression – Researches at the University of Sheffield found that fish oil alleviates symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder.
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Lower Incidence of Childhood Disorders– Studies have shown improvements in children diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia and other disorders.
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Reduction of Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer – Fatty acids have been shown to prevent the 3 most common kinds of cancer. They stop alteration of a healthy cell into a cancerous mass. They inhibit cancer cell growth. They kill cancerous cells.
Please stay tuned as I update this post with foot-noted studies for each of the above 8 benefits. This should be complete within one week from today.
The Ivy Box 
Great article! I’ve been taking fish oil for several years now and just got lazy a few weeks ago and stopped taking it. I noticed I was more stiff and not moving as freely. When I was a school nurse I recommended it for ADD if the parents ask my opinion on medication. I look forward to the updated posts!
I have been taking fish oil suppliment for about ten years. I swear by it.
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Great post.Really I like the fact that fish oil helps prevent cardiovascular disease in those who don’t have it and helps protect those who do. I also like the fact that omega-3 fish oil which is what is in fish oil pills also helps protect the function of the brain.