What is Cod Liver Oil?

Cod liver oil is a nutrient-dense source of necessary vitamins D, A as well as anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. This plays a crucial role in cardiovascular, hormonal, immune, reproductive, and neurological health. Many adults and children can benefit from daily supplementing with cod liver oil.

You can consume the Cod liver oil either by eating fresh cod liver or, more commonly, by taking over-the-counter supplements. Each teaspoon of cod liver oil contains about 41 calories and 4.5 grams of fat, split between monounsaturated, saturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The most beneficial regard of taking cod liver oil is that it holds high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The same type also present in oily fish or seafood like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. It’s also one of the rare and best Vitamin D-rich foods.

What are the Major Benefits of Cod Liver Oil?

Prevents Heart diseases

Regular intake of cod liver oil may help prevent coronary atherosclerosis. There are fatty acids in cod liver oil that serve as potent antioxidants. The buildup of plaque in the circulatory system is a result of inflammation. Therefore, the daily intake of fish oils can help protect against arteriosclerosis. They also provide protection against blood clots.

Healthy Fats

Every single body cell needs fat. Fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, obtained in cod liver oil, will promote skin health, increase vitamin and mineral absorption, and boost the immune system. Fat keeps you feeling full. When you consume fat in your diet, your brain receives a signal to turn off your appetite. Eating healthy fats with a meal helps lowers the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar. This helps to keep blood sugar levels stable. The brain needs fat to function properly.

Prevents Age-related Macular Degeneration

Some studies have proposed that omega-3 oils might promote eye health and prevent age-related macular degeneration. Required consumption of the nutrients in cod liver oil such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) escort to the delayed occurrence of macular degeneration due to its high Vitamin A content in it.

A great source of Vitamin D

Cod liver oil is one of the excellent sources of vitamin D available. Sun exposure is also necessary because the body cannot get all of its vitamin D requirements from food sources. Vitamin D is vital for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, two factors that are extremely important for maintaining healthy bones. It also supports key functions of all of our cells. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with osteomalacia and osteoporosis.

Aids in treating Rickets and Rheumatoid Arthritis

The daily usage of Cod liver oil is associated with lowering pain, joint stiffness, and swelling in patients with arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.

Improves Brain function

Cod liver oil carries a high amount of vitamin D. The researchers concluded that Vitamin D may play a vital role in maintaining optimal brain function in old age.

This supplementation is an effective and natural remedy for depression. Regular intake assists in the prevention of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Maintains Bone Health

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining and building strong bones. Researches show that women who live in cold, northerly latitudes and don’t get enough sunlight tend to be deficient in vitamin D, which increases the risk for bone turnover, bone loss, fractures, and also obesity. Vitamin D supplementation, including cod liver oil, is linked with a significantly lower risk of bone fractures and might help naturally prevent osteoporosis from developing.

Boosts Reproductive health and Infant development

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for reproductive health and ideal for a pregnancy diet. These fats found in cod liver oil and other aquatic sources are precursors to eicosanoids, a compound that affects cellular activity. Eicosanoids are involved in the inflammatory process and help to keep that in check, but they are also linked with menstrual cycles, fertility, and many hormone-related processes. When your diet is deficient in omega-3s, the functions fulfilled by eicosanoids can be disrupted, which is why increasing omega-3 consumption may improve issues with hormones and reproduction-related conditions.

Fights Ulcers

Cod liver oil has shown benefits for improving gastric ulcer healing and lowering gastric anti-secretory effects observed in rats. The oil also seems to produce gastric cytoprotective effects and causes a significant reduction in lowering stress and pain caused by gastric ulcers.