Should You Take Fish Oil Supplements?

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? Have you noticed fish oil supplements making the heart health news headlines? Why are they so good for you?

Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied by doctors for years. 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? You can eat fatty fish, nuts, and soy products, all of which contain omega-3 fatty acids. 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 is the right amount of omega-3 fatty acids? You’ll want to be careful not to take too much because there are health risks associated with too much omega-3 fatty acids. 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 body's need for omega-3 fatty acids is somewhat altered by how much omega-6 fatty acids you take in each day.

You are consuming omega-6 fatty acids every time you eat linoleic-rich vegetable oils. If you limit your consumption of omega-6, you'll require less omega-3 to get the same effects. If you eat a typical American diet, you should aim to consume fatty fish twice a week and soy products and nuts daily. If you eat a lot of vegetable oil, you'll need to eat more omega-3 fatty acids in order to see the benefits. Consult your doctor, bringing up all concerns, including heart health and bleeding issues, to determine how much omega-3 fatty acids is right for you. 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.