When attempting to lose weight or to get healthier, what one attempts to avoid are any types of fat or oil, instantly assuming that they’re enemies when it comes to attempting better health. As a result, those on a diet, seeking better health, or wanting to get fit will completely avoid them.
What most fail to realize is for the body to function properly, it needs fat, so the real question becomes what type. There are a variety of good fats as there are bad ones. Completely avoiding the intake of fat can potentially prove to be detrimental to ones overall health.
What’s now known is that essential fatty acids (EFA) are needed in the body for it to function properly and efficiently, so as a result, it needs to be a part of our daily diet.
Without these healthy fats and oils, the body can’t purpose itself properly, which can lead to medical issues. So whats needed to be known are what types of healthy fats to consume.
Omega-3 EFAs Or Omega-6 EFAs
There are slight yet significant differences when it comes to these types of essential fats, this when distinguishing between the Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils. There are proven studies which reveals the benefits of each.
What’s now known is that the consumption of the Omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, tumor growth, and potential blood clotting. The opposite however has been found in the consumption of the Omega-3 EFAs.
Omega-6 EFAs are usually found in vegetable oils, while Omega-3 EFAs are found most prominently in fresh fish and certain nuts.
The Difference Between The Essential Fatty Acids
Researchers all agree that the potential cause behind the increasing levels of heart disease, high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and premature aging, can be because of the imbalanced intake of Omega-3 EFAs and Omega-6 EFAs.
Omega-6 EFAs are most prominently found in vegetable oils, the most common being soy oil and corn oil, both which are also known to contain high levels of linoleic acid.
Marine plankton (fresh fish) is the primary source of Omega-3 EFAs, along with walnut and flaxseed oils. It should be noted that what fresh fatty fish oil contains are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
These substances are singled out as they’re found to provide superior health benefits to the human body. A study based on Greenland Eskimos found that the major reason for they rarely suffering any forms of heart disease, was because of their extremely high fatty fish diets.
The two beneficial essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are known to be helpful when it comes to preventing atherosclerosis, depression, heart attacks and stroke, along with other serious diseases.
Foods which are supplemented with fish oil has also proven to be useful in treating illnesses such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Raynaud’s disease.
Other Benefits Of Fresh Fish Oil
What we need are fats and oil in our body for it to function properly, so it comes down to what type we consume. Omega-3 is proving to be the most beneficial, as it fights off or prevents a variety of illnesses and health conditions.
Makes The Heart Healthier
The heart is obviously the most important organ in the human body, and it’s proper functioning is considered to be detrimental for survival. Having a healthy heart becomes extremely important when dictating ones life span.
So naturally, it’s in our best interest to keep our hearts along with our brain in peak condition as possible, and one food or supplement source that’s able to do so is Omega-3 rich fatty oils.
There are various studies which shows a correlation, a direct relationship between the inflammation of one’s blood vessels and the lack of Omega-3 type of fats in our diet. The results showed that those who ate fresh fish on a consistent basis, than those who didn’t, all had lower levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6.
Both C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 are commonly used when measuring the likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These levels remained even or improved in those who adopted a fresh fish diet.
Fish Oil When Losing Weight
Another study revealed that the consumption of fresh fish reduces hypertension and obesity. It was discovered that a weight loss diet which consisted of Omega-3 laden fresh fish or supplements, can be an effective method which reduces blood pressure, while improving glucose tolerance.
Fresh Fish Oil Combats Asthma
Those who suffer from respiratory problems such as asthma, are usually assumed to be unhealthy and unfit. But what’s been found is that the consumption of Omega-3 fresh fish oil for those who suffer from these issues, can be beneficial.
It’s known that up to 25% percent of children can suffer from various degrees of asthma at a certain point in their lives. There’s mounting evidence that a diet which contains high levels of linoleic acid can potentially be the cause behind it.
So a test was conducted on children who suffered from asthma issues, were fed a high-fish diet, while another group remained on a regular diet. The results showed that those on the fish diet were less prone to asthma attacks, also breathing a lot more freely, this than the other group.
Fresh Fish Or Supplements
Some just can’t tolerate the taste of fish, so supplemental form is recommended. It also becomes detrimental once the consumption becomes too excessive, or if one completely avoids a particular food type, which could be just as harmful.
So what’s recommended is to consult with your nutritionist for the right amount of Omega-3 fish intake you should consume for your weight, age, and health condition.