Cod Liver Oil: Health Benefits, Side Effects, And More!
You may have heard about cod liver oil. It is a dietary supplement packed with full of nutrients. It has several health benefits. If you are not aware of the purpose of cod liver, don’t worry. You are at the right place.
Read the entire article to learn more about code liver oil, its use, and its health benefits. The report also explores whether it has any side effects and the potential risks related to the supplement.
Contents
Introduction To Cod Liver Oil – Is It Good To Consume Cod Liver Oil Every day?
Cod liver oil is an oil obtained from the Atlantic cod. It contains vitamin A and Vitamin D. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It prevents blood clotting and is a great solution for pain and swelling.
Many people are taking cod liver oil as a supplement. The concentration of nutrients in the oil may vary depending on the species of cod, the oil is obtained from. It is used for several health conditions. In the beginning, it is used as a medicine for a childhood bone condition called rickets.
Children who have this condition are more prone to fractures and other irregularities. It occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin D. Cod liver oil is a great source of vitamin D and beneficial to treat the disease.
Health Benefits Of Cod Liver Oil
As abovementioned, cod liver oil is loaded with various nutrients. Each nutrient plays several functions in the body. It contains a high amount of vitamins A and D. Both play a vital role in several health benefits. Let’s look at some of its health benefits.
👉Reduce inflammation
Your body can heal injuries and prevent infections. In some people, the inflammation process will be at a low level. In such situations, cod liver oil is beneficial to reduce chronic inflammation.
The omega-3 fatty acids do this function. In addition, the antioxidants like vitamin A and D helps to reduce inflammation. People who are deficient in these vitamins should take supplements like cod liver oil.
👉Prevent cancer
As you know that cod liver oil contains vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. These powerful anti-cancer properties help to fight against cancer cell development and interfere with tumor growth. The supplement is also used to treat cancer.
👉Decrease blood pressure
It is good for reducing high blood pressure. Studies show that the oil along with your medications for high blood pressure is beneficial for lowering blood pressure. You can see the visible changes in blood pressure after taking the test.
👉Protect eye health
Studies found that it acts as a medicine for vision loss. The supplement protects against inflammatory eye diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
👉Prevent anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are mental illnesses that affect millions of people. As you know that cod liver oil is beneficial for chronic inflammation. The inflammation is associated with anxiety and depression.
The studies show that the active component of omega-3 fatty acids in this oil helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
👉Support cardiovascular health
Heart disease is a common health condition worldwide. Recent studies show that people who consume fish on a regular basis have a low risk of heart disease. The omega- 3 fatty acids are helpful to decrease the bad cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides.
Omega-3 fat is also good for increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The high amount of HDL reduces cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, people with high cholesterol can use cod liver oil to reduce the number of bad cholesterol.
👉Best supplement to add to your diet
It is one of the best supplements to add to your diet. You can buy it from medical stores. It is available in different forms like liquid and capsule. The supplement includes the three most needed components such as vitamin A, Vitamin D, and fatty acids.
The components make the product unique from the rest. Consuming one tablespoon of this oil per day is safe for your body. However, you can not buy this product without asking for the consent of your doctor.
Side effects of Cod Liver Oil
Fish oil is good for health. What if you take too much?
It may bring some side effects from mild to severe. Here are the potential side effects of cod liver oil.
â—¼ Insomnia
A moderate level of cod liver oil helps in sleeping quality. But when you take too much, it may interfere with your good sleep and contribute to insomnia. Studies show that a high dose of any fish oil can worsen the symptoms of insomnia and anxiety. Research is still going on to find how a high amount of cod oil affects sleep quality.
â—¼ Stroke
A high intake of cod liver oil could increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. It is a condition that happens when a blood vessel in your brain ruptures and bleeds. Some research shows that it could inhibit blood clot formation. On the other hand, some studies argue that there is no relation between fish oil intake and hemorrhagic stroke. More research is needed in this field to conclude.
â—¼ Diarrhea
A high intake of cod liver oil may affect diarrhea. It is considered the most common side effect. It’s not fish oil itself that causes diarrhea. A high intake of omega-3 fatty acids causes diarrhea. It contains inherent laxative properties. When you take an excessive amount, it will increase the risk of diarrhea.Â
â—¼ Constipation
In some cases, a high amount of cod liver oil can affect constipation. The gas trouble and bloating can back you up, causing constipation. You can include fluids and high fiber content in your daily meal to relieve constipation.Â
â—¼ Heartburn
People who are taking this oil regularly may have heartburn issues. Issues such as indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux are common side effects of taking fish oil. However, these supplements should be taken with food.Â
Summary
Cod liver oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and other important nutrients that are most needed in the body. The nutritious type of fish oil supplement has several health benefits.
At the same time, keep remembering that a high intake of this oil causes several harmful effects too. So, anything at a moderate level is good for your health. Most people may not like the fishy taste.
Therefore, it’s better to take it before your first meal or consume it with a few sips of water. If you have any doubts regarding the quantity, seek advice from your health practitioner.
