5 Ways Fish Oil Can Improve Your Health

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Larry_L._Taylor/123790]Larry L. Taylor

Fish oil can improve your health in many ways. Most people know about the benefits for cardiovascular health. Here are 5 benefits you might not know about on how fish oil can improve your health.

Improved Appearance of the Skin

Various studies have been conducted concerning the benefits of specific nutrients for the skin's health and appearance. Wrinkles and sagging are among the most common concerns people have as they age. Recent studies have shown that fish oil supplements improve the skin's firmness, which reduces sagging.

Premium fish oils that include the antioxidants lycopene and astaxanthin do even more for the skin's appearance. Studies have shown that the multi-ingredient supplement improves the skin's thickness and density while reducing scaling and roughness.

Improved Insulin Sensitivity

Reduced insulin sensitivity is involved in type II diabetes. The cells stop recognizing insulin. As a result, blood glucose levels rise. One study has shown that increased intake of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil improve insulin sensitivity with the result being better blood sugar control.

There are other benefits specific to diabetes. One study showed an improvement in kidney function, kidney failure is a risk accompanying diabetes. Another showed that EPA, an omega-3 found in fish oil, prevented vascular complications in diabetic patients. It is the vascular complications that cause pain and numbness in the feet, as well as slow healing.

Improved Joint Function

Inflammation is involved in many diseases and plays a major role in joint dysfunction. One of the earliest recognized benefits of fish oil was to prevent and improve the joint pain of arthritis. Coldwater fishermen of the North Atlantic were the first to make note of the benefit.

Modern research has shown that the reason for the benefit is because of the anti-inflammatory activity of the combination of omega-3 fatty acids and some other "x" nutritional factor that has yet to be identified. Certain natural fish oils have been shown to have more anti-inflammatory activity than a concentrated one with containing more omega-3s.

In rheumatoid arthritis, supplementation has been shown to reduce morning stiffness and reduce the need for anti-inflammatory pain-relieving drugs. The reduced need for drugs is a good thing because the drugs are hard on the stomach and the liver.

Improved Mental Function

The omega-3 DHA is naturally present only in fatty fish like salmon. DHA has proven to be essential for normal brain function. Low DHA levels are associated with depression and suicidal behavior. Supplementation also has proven benefits for ADHD and anxiety.

Improved Vision

Large quantities of DHA are naturally present in the retina, a small area in the back of the eye which connects to the optic nerve, allowing you to see what is written on this page. The DHA in the retina must be replenished for continued good vision. Supplementation has proven benefits for age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.

Fish oil is not some kind of miracle drug. All of the benefits might be unbelievable. It simply has to do with the importance of omega-3 fatty acids that are largely missing from the typical modern diet.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Ways-Fish-Oil-Can-Improve-Your-Health&id=7632067] 5 Ways Fish Oil Can Improve Your Health