Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil is a type of fish oil that is rich in the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA as well as Vitamins A and D. It is different than other fish oils because of the vitamins that are naturally found in it. Fatty acids are essential to the health of the body, brain and nervous system. Cod liver oil is derived from the liver of Cod fish which is then made into supplement form. You can purchase Cod liver oil in tablet or liquid form. It provides concentrated amounts of fat soluble vitamins A and D.
Cod liver oil is a natural source of the fatty acids that we all need order to maintain optimum health. It is a popular nutritional supplement that many people take to treat a wide range of medical conditions. EPA, DHA, vitamins A and D are essential nutrients the body needs to maintain:
- Strong bones and teeth
- Healthy joints
- Healthy cardiovascular system
- The health of the lining in the digestive tract
- Healthy skin
- Healthy nervous system
- Healthy brain functioning as well as the prevention of depression and other mood disorders.
Many individuals do not get enough of the essential fatty acids in their diet because they do not eat enough fish. Taking Cod liver oil supplements can help provide the theses essential fatty acids. The essential fatty acids found in Cod liver oil and other fish oils are called Omega 3 fatty acids. Large populations of people are deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids and should take fish oil supplements to maintain optimum health.
Cod liver oil provides the right amounts of EPA and DHA that people need. It is also one of the better sources of Vitamins A and D. Vitamin A is needed to maintain good eye health as well as healthy skin and a healthy digestive tract. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin and is needed to maintain strong bones and teeth. It also has been recently found as an essential nutrient to maintain a healthy immune system. Healthy blood sugar levels are also regulated by Vitamin D so it is extremely beneficial to individuals who have Type II diabetes. Individuals who are deficient in Vitamin D are at risk for developing hypertension. People may become deficient in Vitamin D in the winter time because of inadequate amounts of sunshine exposure, so taking Cod liver oil in the winter may be necessary people who live in cold climates.
Taking Cod liver oil can also help reduce cholesterol levels naturally. People who are obese can reduce their weight if they take Cod liver oil supplements as well. People are advised to eat fish at least twice a week to get enough of the essential Omega 3 fatty acids. However, many people do not ever eat fish. Some people do not like the taste of fish, others are wary of the mercury content in fish. Taking cod liver oil supplements is a good alternative.
When shopping for Cod liver oil supplements you should make sure you buy from a reputable manufacturer. Look for supplements made from a process called molecular distillation which ensures the removal of dioxins and mercury so that you get a pure product. Research shows that taking Cod liver oil by the teaspoon is more beneficial than taking it in capsule form. However, many people do not like the taste of Cod liver oil. To make it taste better, some brands have added lemon flavoring. If you find that you are not able to tolerate the taste then you should take it in capsule form.
The common dosage for children is 1 teaspoon a day. Adults can take up to 3 teaspoons a day. You should consult with your medical doctor if you are taking prescription drugs or over the counter medications before taking Cod liver oil supplements. Taking Cod liver oil along with aspirin or prescription drug thinning medications can cause internal hemorrhaging as fish oil also thins the blood and can enhance the blood thinning effects of these medications.
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