Cod liver oil is a type of fish oil supplement that provides a variety of health benefits. It is high in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, according to Ryan Raman of Healthline. Cod liver oil, like regular fish oil, is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including reduced inflammation and lower cholesterol. It also contains vitamins A and D, which have numerous health benefits. The cod liver was first used in medicine to treat rheumatism in 1789 and rickets in 1824, according to Megan Ware of Medical News Today. By the 1930s, it was commonly given to children to help prevent rickets and other vitamin D deficiency-related conditions. Other fish oils are extracted from deep-sea cold-water fish tissue, such as tuna, trout, mackerel, herring, salmon, and cod.
Megan Ware went on to say that cod liver oil is a good source of nutrients and may have some therapeutic properties. It is thought to help relieve arthritis-related joint stiffness, improve cardiovascular health, and repair damaged teeth, nails, hair, and skin. Fats found in cod liver oil, such as omega-3 fatty acids, promote skin health, increase vitamin and mineral absorption, and boost the immune system. Fat keeps you satisfied. When you consume fat, your brain receives a signal that tells it to suppress your appetite. Consuming healthy fats with meals slows the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar. This helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels. To function properly, the brain requires fat.
Inflammation is a normal physiological process that aids the body in fighting infections and healing injuries. Unfortunately, inflammation can persist at a low level for long periods of time in some cases. According to Ryan Raman, omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil may help to reduce chronic inflammation by suppressing the proteins that cause it. Vitamins A and D, which are powerful antioxidants, are also found in cod liver oil. They have the ability to reduce inflammation by binding to and neutralizing harmful free radicals. Cod liver oil is high in nutrients and meets nearly all of your daily requirements for vitamins A and D.
Besides that, studies show that when combined with a high-calcium diet, taking a vitamin D supplement like cod liver oil can reduce bone loss in adults. Cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamin D and may help to prevent age-related bone loss. This is because it aids your body's absorption of calcium, a necessary mineral for strong bones, from the gut. A daily dose of cod liver oil may help prevent coronary artery disease. Cod liver oil contains fatty acids that are powerful antioxidants. The buildup of plaque in the circulatory system is a result of inflammation. As a result, consuming fish oils on a regular basis can help protect against arteriosclerosis. They also help to keep blood clots at bay.
One of the best sources of vitamin D is cod liver oil. Sun exposure is also important because the body cannot obtain all of its vitamin D requirements from food. Vitamin D is essential for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, both of which are critical for bone health. A lack of vitamin D has been linked to osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Environmental toxins in fish, such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, and other contaminants, have been linked to side effects in studies published in the American Journal of Cardiology. The authors do note, however, that the processing involved in supplement preparation reduces the risk of environmental toxins and hypervitaminosis, or excessive vitamin consumption.
Supplementing with cod liver oil may have health benefits. Cod liver oil is a highly nutritious fish oil supplement. It's easy to use and contains a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D. It is critical to ensure that cod liver oil and other supplements come from a reputable source and meet Food and Drug Administration standards (FDA). Without medical supervision, do not exceed the recommended dose. Anyone thinking about taking supplements should always consult with a doctor first.
DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
1. 9 Science-Backed Benefits of Cod Liver Oil
By Ryan Raman, MS, RD — Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT, Nutrition — Updated on November 27, 2022
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-of-cod-liver-oil
2. What are the benefits of cod liver oil?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Megan Ware, RDN, L.D. on February 5, 2018
