Were you one of the unlucky children forced to drink cod liver oil by their mom? Memories surrounding the fishy experience may bring back emotions of disgust, but it turns out your mom may have been onto something.
Cod liver oil is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on planet earth. The source of healthy fat is fortified with essential fatty acids (EFA’s.) These beneficial fatty acids have a tremendous impact on your health. EPA and DHA are EFA’s found in deep-water fatty fishes such as cod. When regularly consumed as part of a healthy diet plan, EFA’s enhance human health by protecting vital organs and improving their function.
Cold-pressed cod liver oil is available from your local health food store. When you take the oil home, make sure to store it in the fridge, to preserve the heat-sensitive EFA’s. Take a tablespoon before your first meal of the day to reap the benefits of this potent fishy formula.
Here are 10 benefits of this super supplement that you will wish you knew sooner.
1. Fight Off Inflammation
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are Omega-3 fatty acids found in deep-water fish such as cod. Cod liver oil is the most abundant form of these essential fatty acids. EFA’s are well-known for the extensive nutritional research into their inflammation-fighting properties. Omega-3 reduces the production of prostaglandin, a class of lipids found in damaged tissues or sites of infection. Omega-3 EFA’s diminish the need for anti-inflammatory medications and have a use as a natural inflammation suppressant.
EPA and DHA treat the symptoms and pain associated with inflammatory diseases, such as joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis. The majority of Americans have an imbalanced ratio of Omega-3 and 6. A healthy balance of these EFA’s is 2:1, with Omega-6 taking the lead. Diets that contain too much Omega-6 create inflammation, rather than fight it. Consuming a tablespoon of cod liver oil every day with your morning meal will improve the ratio balance and reduce inflammation.
