Fish oil is the best supplement which can fight heart diseases, ease arthritis, and even stave off blindness, nutritionists have said.
Researchers believe that intake of fish oil supplements are good for the immune system of babies as well as pregnant mothers.
Studies have shown benefits from fish oils for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
“Fish oils have an anti-inflammatory effect which targets the cause of joint pain and helps the body deal with the pain,” Catherine Collins, principal dietitian at St George’s Hospital, London, was quoted saying in the Daily Mail.
Fish oils contain Omega-3S types of polyunsaturated fatty acid which are essential for health. Fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout, sardines, pilchards and fresh tuna, which are known as oily fish, are the richest sources.
The anti-inflammatory effects of fish oils also have benefits for the heart. They reduce the blood-vessel inflammation that can lead to heart disease.
“They also stabilise heart rhythm, especially in patients who have suffered a previous heart attack,” Collins said.
Shona Wilkinson, head nutritionist at The Nutri Centre, said: “Cod liver oil comes direct from the liver, whereas fish oil comes from the flesh of oily fish. Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that live in the ocean. The oil found in them contains omega-3s similar to those found in fish oils.”
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends we eat a minimum of two portions of fish each week, one of which should be an oily fish.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, nutritionist for the Health Supplements Information Service said: “Studies suggest DHA is more important for the brain, retina and infant development, while EPA is more important for vascular health.”
A Harvard University study of 38,000 women found those who ate the most fish oils had a 38 per cent lower risk of developing AMD compared with those who ate the least. The highest concentration of DHA in the body is found in the eye.
“Fish oils also contain Vitamin A which is essential to healthy eyes,” Collins said.
