While it may not sound very appetizing, consuming fish oil has multiple health benefits ranging from improving heart, eye, and even skin health. Fish oil comes from oily fish such as herring, anchovies, mackerel, and tuna. It’s extracted from the tissue of the fish and made into an oil that can be put into capsules and consumed as dietary supplements. Fish oil contains about 30% omega-3 fatty acid along with other fats and vitamins A and D. Omega-3 is a good fat and an essential nutrient that our brains need to function healthily. Some studies suggest that fish oil can improve skin by providing it with the necessary nutrients the skin needs to stay healthy.
How Does Fish Oil Benefit Your Skin?
Fish oil is said to help benefit your skin by improving skin barrier function, protect against inflammation (especially from UV rays), promote skin healing, and maintain homeostasis. The fatty acids in fish oil help skin cell membranes healthy so that they are able to hold and absorb more water. This means softer, more supple skin. UV rays are harmful to the skin and contribute to the appearance of wrinkles as we age. The anti-inflammatory benefits from fish oil help to protect your skin against the harm caused by UV rays, therefore help to slow down the aging process. Fish oil supplements have even been shown to reduce symptoms of certain skin conditions such as:
Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory disease that causes the skin to break out into red scaly rashes that can be itchy. Eczema breakouts can sometimes be painful especially if they crack and bleed due to dryness. There is no cure for eczema and those who suffer from the disease typically use topical creams to soothe their symptoms. However, one study found that fish oil supplementation reduced itching and dryness associated with eczema. This may be because of fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, fish oil’s hydrating effect on skin can help to reduce dry skin that can lead to skin cracks and bleeding.
Acne
Fish oil supplements may be able to reduce inflammation in the body that can cause pimples and cysts. One experiment asked participants to take an omega-3 supplement for 10 weeks after which they noted a significant decrease in acne lesions. Although, a similar study found that fish oil supplementation made some participants acne worse. Findings suggest that while fish oil supplementation may help some people fight acne, it doesn’t do the same for everyone. If you are using a fish oil supplement for the first time, start with a low dosage to see how your skin reacts. If acne symptoms worsen, stop taking the fish oil supplement immediately.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation in skin can be the result of hormonal changes, aging, skin trauma, UV exposure or medications that make you more sensitive to sunlight. The darker patches of skin can appear anywhere on the body and are due to increased melanin production. Fish oil can help reduce hyperpigmentation that is due to skin trauma by minimizing the risk of infection and speeding up the healing process. It can also inhibit the production of melanin, therefore reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation that’s caused by too much UV exposure.
Other Benefits of Fish Oil
What else can fish oil do for you? Well, beyond reducing symptoms of various skin conditions, regular fish oil consumption has been shown to reduce risk of heart problems. In fact, people who consume a lot of fatty fish in their diets have much lower rates of heart disease than those who don’t. Omega-3 is a good fat that can increase levels of good cholesterol and reduce the levels of triglycerides. It is also helpful in lowering blood pressure, preventing plaque buildup in your arteries, and reducing abnormal heart arrhythmias. Heart disease is the most common cause of death for adults in the Western world. Lack of healthy fats like those found in fish oil may be partly to blame. Those who are at risk for heart disease should consider a fish oil supplement as part of their health regime.
Omega-3 may also help treat certain mental conditions associated with brain health. Our brains are made up of 60% fatty tissue, mostly omega-3. Low levels of omega-3 are associated with certain mental conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Supplementing with fish oil has been shown to reduce symptoms of these psychiatric disorders with regular consumption. Omega-3 fats are also essential for eye health. Those who have low levels of omega-3s are more at risk for eye diseases like macular degeneration. Supplementing with fish oil can help to reduce your risk of eye disease, especially as we age. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that fish oil supplementation can help to reduce obesity by promoting weight loss.
How To Choose a Fish Oil Supplement for You?
Fish oil contains important fats that are associated with treating and preventing a myriad of diseases. It contains essential fats that we need for brain, heart, and vision health. If you do not eat a lot of fatty fish or get your omega-3 fats from elsewhere, a fish oil supplement may be helpful in achieving optimal health. When choosing fish oil supplements, do your research before buying. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, therefore it is difficult to know what you are really getting when you purchase from some supplement companies. You should be sure the company is a trustworthy source before consuming any of their products. The Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement from Hot Bod Nutrition is made from all natural ingredients including both EPA and DHA fatty acids and vitamin E. All of our products are produced in FDA registered labs for consumer trust. We pride ourselves on providing only the best ingredients and the most effective supplements backed by science. Our mission is to encourage our customers to live a healthier, more fit lifestyle by providing them with the products they need to do so. By choosing Hot Bod Nutrition for your supplement needs, you can ensure you are getting safe, quality products every time.
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