---
title: The Many Health Benefits of Fish Oil
description: Fish oil plays important roles in brain function, growth and development, and inflammation.
---

[Direct Primary Care](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog)

# [The Many Health Benefits of Fish Oil](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/the-many-health-benefits-of-fish-oil)

 Written by [William Kirkpatrick](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/author/william-kirkpatrick) | May 29, 2017

 

What’s so special about fish oil? It’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in brain function, normal growth and development, and inflammation. Deficiencies have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, some cancers, mood disorders, arthritis, and more.

Here's a list of 11 ways fish oil can benefit you. 

**1) Heart Health**

Clinical trials have shown that omega 3 is effective in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Fish oil is a great source of omega 3 and therefore, reduces the risk of heart diseases and [heart arrhythmias](http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-arrhythmia/home/ovc-20188123). It also lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL), and increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL). Thus, fish oil is effective in preventing strokes and regular usage of fish oil can help avoid sudden cardiac death. 

**2) Weight Loss**

Fish oil has also been popularized as an aid in losing weight. [Research](http://w3.unisa.edu.au/news/2005/300305.asp) has shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in attempts to reduce weight. Volunteers who were given fish oil in their diet showed greater weight loss as compared to those who did not regularly consume it. Exercise combined with the oil had a positive effect on body shape and composition of the participating patients.

**3) Post-natal depression**

A [study](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/222167.php) published in Medical News Today Fish found that fish oils consumed during pregnancy may help protect mothers from post-partum depression. 

**4) Pregnancy **

When pregnant women are given fish oil supplements, their children show enhanced hand eye coordination. Thus, it is very beneficial to consume fish oil either by eating fish or taking fish oil supplements, tablets, capsules, or pills during pregnancy for the overall development of the child and the well being of the mother. 

In a [study](http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/93/5/1025.full) published in 2008, scientists found that omega-3 consumption by the mother during the last 3 months of pregnancy improved the baby's sensory, cognitive, and motor development.

**5) Improved Immunity**

Regular consumption of fish oil aids in boosting your immune system, thereby enabling you to resist the occurence of common diseases like colds, coughs and the flu. 

**6) Hair Care**

Fish oil aids in increased development of hair and in preventing hair loss. It helps maintain a good luster of the hair as omega-3 has growth stimulating properties, and it provides nourishment to the follicles. 

**7) Mental health benefits**

A pilot [study](https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-6-16) carried out in 2007 suggested that fish oils may help young people with behavioral problems, especially those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

The 8-week [study](https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-6-16) demonstrated that children who consumed 8-16 grams of EPA and DHA per day, showed significant improvements in their behavior.

**8) Memory benefits**

One [study](http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0046832#s3) found that Omega-3 fatty acid intake can help improve working memory in healthy young adults. 

However, the benefits of fish oils for cognitive function in older populations may be less impressive. A [study](http://www.neurology.org/content/81/17/1484) suggested that high levels of omega-3 are of no benefit to cognitive decline in older women.

**9) Anti-Inflammatory Properties**

Regular consumption of fish oil supplements is helpful to those who suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases. 

**10) Eye Disorders**

It is well known that fish oil has the ability to [improve vision](http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/fatty_acid_1.htm). It also helps in avoiding age-related macular degeneration. 

**11) Epilepsy**

A 2014 [study](http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/low-doses-of-fish-oil-may-reduce-seizures-in-patients-with-drug-resistant-epilepsy) claims epilepsy patients could reduce seizure frequency by consuming low doses of omega-3 fish oil every day.

 

**Caution On Dosage Of Fish Oil**

An excessive dosage of fish oil can have adverse [allergies](https://www.organicfacts.net/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-allergies.html?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=smartlinks) and side effects on the body. Furthermore, fish oil can be problematic if you have certain conditions so it is necessary to consume fish oil supplements cautiously. You should consult a doctor or physician for the exact dosage of fish oil you should take. 

Please leave questions or comments in the form below.

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