HEALTH CONCERNS

This article was last updated 10 May 2012

Fish oil is important for a healthy diet. Fish contain many healthy ingredients that are essential for the human body. They contain high levels of protein, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D. However, traces of mercury in fish pose serious risks to health in those who consume them. Many people are  now looking for alternatives that provide the same health-giving benefits but without the downsides.






 Fish is low in fat and can help reduce the risk of diseases such as childhood asthma and prostate cancer. Numerous studies show that fish oils play an important role in the prevention or treatment of heart disease due to the presence of Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are known to reduce triglycerides in the blood , blood pressure, inflammation and heart rhythm disturbances. Many studies also show that omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk of dementia, arthritis, asthma and kidney disease.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition May 1997, showed that a diet supplemented with fish oil supplements and fish meal contributes to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Reduced body fat in addition can also be achieved if the exercise is combined with the consumption of fish oil. Fatty acids in fish oil balance  high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). The fatty acids in  fish oil or fish oil supplements also relax the artery walls and prevents the formation of plaque inflammation and an increase in platelets. Fish oil may also be used to treat certain types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease in whic the synovial membrane becomes inflamed. This membrane acts to  protect and lubricate joints. Omega 3 fatty acids in fish taken via fish oil supplements may reduce inflammation in arthritic joints.Fish oil, combined with anti-inflammatories can also help to reduce the muscle and joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.

However, some recent studies have shown that too much fish  in a diet can do  more harm than good. This is because high concentrations of mercury are found in fish despite their looking fresh and shiny. Although the usual side effects of mercury  are moderate in adults, some members of the population need to be careful. In particular, exposure to mercury is dangerous for children and pregnant women. Birth defects, learning difficulties, and hair loss are just some of the effects of mercury poisoning.

Traces of mercury in fish are caused by  biomethylation. Biomethylation is the process of transforming the elemental mercury in water and bacteria into methyl mercury. Methyl mercury is absorbed through the gills of fish as they eat aquatic organisms. The toxins are then spread through the food chain,and other parts of the ecosystem. Normally, the bigger fish like tuna have higher levels of toxins relative to small fish such as tilapia and salmon.

Cooking does not remove toxins from fish. However, toxicologists are careful to say that the fish itself does not cause toxicity, just the traces of mercury in fish. People should not be afraid to eat fish. In moderate amounts, fish is always good for consumption because it is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients.

The best way to obtain the benefits of fish oil without the disadvantages of eating large quantities of fish is through the consumption of high quality fish oil supplements.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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