"Cod Liver Oil - Five Reasons Why You Should Be Taking It"Cod liver oil (CLO) is a popular home remedy that has been in use for centuries. Indeed, you may have heard your grandfather talk about using this remedy for rheumatism, or generally, what ever 'ails' you. At one time, its primary use was as a vitamin supplement for children. In fact, it is actually taken from the livers of cod, a particular type of fish. Initially, cod liver oil was used in the fishing communities of Iceland, Norway, Scotland, and Greenland. These countries choose it to protect them from the rigorous extremes in weather that is characteristic of these regions. In any event, let us now begin to explore five reasons why you should be taking cod liver oil.
It may help prevent the development of heart disease. It is important to note that several studies have shown that ingredients in cod liver oil, specifically, omega-3 fatty acids; minimize risks of developing this disease. Also, one European study revealed that individuals with coronary artery disease given this oil saw a slower progression of their condition then those that were given a placebo. Additionally, the CLO group experienced fewer fatal and nonfatal heart attacks and strokes, than the placebo group. Next, it minimizes your risk of blood clots. This is because it helps prevent blood platelets from sticking together. Finally, it is also an effective treatment for high blood pressure. This is probably because CLO contains large amounts of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
This oil may also help to minimize pain from arthritis. Basically, omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that may provide relief from those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Equally important, one British study found that omega-3 fatty acids helped to reduce inflammation and pain in affected joints. It seems that omega-3 fatty acids contain large amounts of an ingredient known as eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. Generally speaking, EPA Is thought to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. To some degree, there is an inflammatory component in osteoarthritis, so it may also prove to be a useful treatment for this condition.
Cod liver oil may also help individuals that are depressed. it is also interesting to note that one Norwegian study of over 40,000 individuals, found that those individuals taking CLO were at a 29% lower risk of becoming depressed then those not taking it. In addition, another 12-week study found that those individuals receiving one gram of omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in CLO, saw an overall reduction in their symptoms. Similarly, previous studies have shown that the brains of depressed individuals have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Equally important, it was found to improve brain and memory function as well. In fact, earlier studies demonstrated it was effective in reducing symptoms of schizophrenia.
CLO may also help to prevent diabetes. For example, population studies have shown that infants given CLO during their first year of life were substantially less likely to develop diabetes later on. Truly, this may be attributed to the fact that it contains large amounts of vitamin D. Furthermore, this effect only appeared in women taking cod liver oil, and was not present in those taking vitamin supplements. Consequently, researchers have discovered that a deficiency of vitamin D impairs the performance of your insulin producing cells of the pancreas, the Islet of Langerhans. It is also interesting to note that pregnant women taking CLO were at reduced risk of giving birth to babies with juvenile diabetes. This can be attributed to the fact that the CLO these women were taking contained vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids.
It may also strengthen your immune system, enhancing your body's ability to fight infection. Subsequently, researchers have learned that vitamin A, indirectly, causes your body to increase production of a type of white blood cell called a Helper T-cell. Further, it seems that these helper T-cells don't actually kill the bacteria themselves. Think of them as a general, whose job is to rally the troops. In contrast, the other 'soldiers' of the immune system are the killer T-cells, and another type of WBC called the B-cells. in conclusion, cod liver oil is a supplement rich in vitamins A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids. It has a rich history of usage going back many centuries. Whether you use it as a treatment for arthritis, or just as insurance that you are receiving needed vitamins, you can't go wrong with this one! One caveat however. As CLO does contain vitamin A, be sure to follow the recommended dosage on the label., Large amounts of vitamin A can be toxic.
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