Cod liver oil may be the oldest supplement we know of today, having been marketed since the 1930s. There are many health benefits of cod liver oil thanks to its high omega-3 content and, unlike conventional fish oil, it also contains vitamin D and vitamin A, which play an important role in maintaining health.
Where is Cod Liver Oil Extracted From?
As its name suggests, cod liver oil is extracted from the liver of cod fish.
Fish feed on phytoplankton, which is a type of seaweed rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-3 is the main source of most of the Cod Liver Oil.
Who Can Take Cod Liver Oil?
There are many health benefits associated with omega-3, vitamin D, and vitamin A, so anyone who wants to maintain good health can take it.
Cod liver oil may be a good alternative for people at higher risk of vitamin D deficiencies, as there are not many foods rich in vitamin D, and the body absorbs much of this vitamin through sunlight. This makes it a suitable supplement for the winter months, especially for residents of countries with fewer hours of sunlight.
1. May Help Improve Bone Health
Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the health of body bones. Vitamin D deficiency reduces calcium release, which affects bone formation. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including that is very important to maintain good bone health.
2. May improve heart health
The omega-3s in fish oil has been claimed to help reduce the risk of heart-related disease, although such claims are highly disputed.
In any case, it is recommended to include a portion of oily fish in the diet once a week, but if you do not like oily fish, cod liver oil can be a good way to continue taking advantage of its many health benefits.
3. It can help improve mood
Some studies have shown that cod liver oil may be beneficial for people suffering from low mood. A study that compared the mood of people who took a cod liver oil supplement with that of people who did not take it reported that depressive symptoms were less frequent in people who did take it.
However, a person’s mood can be affected by a myriad of factors, and studies of the mood-enhancing effects of cod liver oil remain quite mixed, with most involving participants who were already taking antidepressants.
4. It can help maintain the immune system
Both vitamin D and vitamin A play an important role in maintaining the immune system and reducing the risk of infections. Since cod liver oil is rich in both vitamins, its consumption can help improve the functioning of the immune system, especially in people with a diet low in either of the two vitamins.
5. May Help Reduce Joint Pain
Different studies show that cod liver oil supplementation can help reduce joint stiffness and pain. But, the results of these studies about Cod liver Oil are quite conflicting, and joint pain was only reduced in participants with arthritis.
When to Take Cod Liver Oil Supplements
The benefits of fish oil are seen after long-term supplementation, which means that the time of intake is not too important, as long as it is taken regularly.
Does it Have Side Effects?
As long as you take high-quality Best Cod Liver oil capsules and the recommended dose is not exceeded, its consumption is safe for most people. However, pregnant women are advised to avoid supplementation due to the vitamin A content.
Conclusion
So, is cod liver oil good for you? The most probable answer is yes.
Since it is rich in omega-3, vitamin D and vitamin A, cod liver oil can be a suitable supplement for anyone who wants to take care of their health.
Its many benefits include heart health, bone health, and immune system maintenance. Its consumption is safe in doses of up to 3 g per day and the benefits are observed with its long-term consumption.
If you want to take advantage of all these benefits but you don’t like oily fish, a cod liver oil supplement may be a good option.
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