Fish Oil is oil derived from the tissues of oily fish. It contains the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors to eicosanoids that reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, flounder, albacore tuna and salmon may be high in omega-3 fatty acids, but due to their position at the top of the food chain, these species can accumulate toxic, because it contaminants such as mercury, dioxin, PCBs and chlordane.
The preferred source of omega-3 should be from the fish’s body, not the liver. The liver and liver products (such as cod liver oil) of fish and many animals (such as seals and whales) contain omega-3, but also the active form of vitamin A. At high levels, this form of the vitamin can be dangerous.
What are the benefits of taking an omega 3 Fish Oil supplement?
- Lowers blood triglyceride levels
- Can help regulate cholesterol in the body
- Reduces the risk of heart attack
- Reduces the risk of dangerous abnormal heart rhythms
- Reduces the risk of strokes
- Lowers blood pressure
- Several studies report possible anti-cancer effects of n?3 fatty acids found in fish oil (particularly breast, colon and prostate cancer). Omega-3 fatty acids reduced prostate cancer growth, slowed histopathological progression, and increased survival.
The FDA recommends no more than 3 grams of combined EPA and DHA per day. Intake of 3 grams per day or greater of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding, although there is little evidence of significant bleeding risk at lower doses. Very large intakes of fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_oil, http://www.intense-workout.com/fish_oil.html