Cod Liver Oil UK

Learn about benefits of the Omega-3 (Omega3) found in Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil

Some key benefits of Cod Liver Oil are:

• It helps fight and prevent heart disease, depression, cancer, arthritis, ulcers, diabetes, hyperactivity and many other diseases
• Increases your energy level and ability to concentrate at work or while studying.
• Provides greater resistance to common illnesses such as cold and flue.
• Helps pregnant women avoid low birth weight, premature births and other complications

While a helpful form of Omega-3 can be found in flaxseed, walnuts and a few other foods, the most beneficial form of Omega-3 (containing two fatty acids, DHA and EPA), that are essential to fighting and preventing both physical and mental disease -- can only be found in fish.

Some issues with Cod Liver oil

• Although fish oil is rich in healthy omega-3s, supplements can pose dangers. They can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, and people taking anticoagulants should not take them. Large doses may suppress the immune system.

• People with heart disease should consider taking the cod liver oil supplements, but only if they don�t eat enough fish and after consulting their doctor. Eating fish is a better option for most people. However look at our advice below about consuming fish.

• Cod liver oil, bottled or capsule, has some problems. It is a rich source of vitamins A and D. Just one teaspoon has 4,500 IU of A, and the standard dose is one to three teaspoons a day. The capsules contain less oil, but the vitamin can still add up, specially on top of the amount you get from foods and from the multivitamins, if you take any. Recent studies have found that as little as 6,000 IU of vitamin A daily can affect bone growth and promote fractures. And women of childbearing age should not exceed 10,000 IU of vitamin A because of the risk of birth defects. Too much vitamin D can also be toxic for your body.

• Cod liver oil is made from livers and the liver is a filter, so toxins (such as PCBs) get concentrated there. Thus cod liver oil is more likely to be contaminated than other fish-oil supplements.

Consuming Fish

People should not consume fish unless they are certain it has been lab-tested and shown to be free of harmful mercury and other toxins.

Fish of all varieties from all water sources are now showing dangerously high levels of the tasteless and highly toxic metal, mercury, and so unless you are certain the fish you are consuming have been independently tested and shown to be free of toxins.

Words to the wise: If you have arthritis and want to see if fish oil helps you, eat fatty fish 2-3 times a week. Even if it turns out that fish oil doesn�t help you, there are other benefits from eating fish.