Are Fish Oil Supplements Good For You?

Mind is All

Many doctors recommend this because fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which has been proven to be beneficial for your health. However, how much do you need, and what are good ways to get omega-3 fatty acids? You may have heard of people taking fish oil supplements to improve heart health. How much fish oil is too much, and why is it considered beneficial?

Many studies have proven the medical benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are credited with improving heart and artery health, which can affect everything from risk of heart disease to lower blood pressure and healthier arteries.

How can you get omega-3 fatty acids? The natural source is fish, but nuts and soybeans also contain one of the three omega-3 fatty acids (ALA – alpha-linolenic acid). Because a lot of the fish available have been contaminated with environmental contaminants, you may want to get a portion of your omega-3 fatty acids from real fish, but some from nuts, fish oil supplements, and soy products, spreading out your sources.

How much should you take? However, you'll need to limit your intake of omega-3 fatty acids because too much can cause health problems. You may risk uncontrolled bleeding if you take too much omega-3 fatty acids, so if you are prone to this, you'll want to be extra careful. You’ll also want to watch how much omega-6 fatty acids you are consuming, since omega-6 fatty acids interfere with the body’s ability to use omega-3 fatty acids.

You are consuming omega-6 fatty acids every time you eat linoleic-rich vegetable oils. If you eat less omega-6, you'll need less omega-3. Most Americans would benefit from eating fatty fish two times a week and eating soy and nuts every day. If you know you consume a lot of omega-6 fatty acids (vegetable oil), you'll want to eat more omega-3 fatty acids if you wish to experience the heart health benefits. Talk to your doctor about your diet and health needs before consuming fish oil supplements so you can calculate the appropriate dosage for your situation. You will want to take precautions with children in particular; ask your doctor if fish oil supplements will be helpful or harmful for your child before giving them supplements.