What is Fish oil

Fish oil is derived from the tissues of oily fish and is a source of omega-3 (EPA) Eicosapentaenoic acid and (DHA) Docosahexaenoic acid essential fatty acids. These fats are considered 'essential' because they cannot be synthesised by the body and must be supplied through the diet or via supplementation.

What is the difference between omega-3 and fish oil?

Omega-3 is a component of fish oil. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). It is the EPA+DHA content of fish oil which provide many of its therapeutic benefits. While omega-3 can be found in foods such as linseeds and wheat-germ, combined omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are available in large amounts in deep-sea cold water oily fish such as salmon, anchovies, mackerel and sardines.

Grams of omega-3 fatty acids per 3oz (85g) serving of popular fish

Types of Omega fatty Acids

1. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in both plant and animals but the most concentrated dietary source of combined omega-3s EPA and DHA is fish oil from cold-water fish, such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel.

2. Omega-6 fatty acids obtained from the diet such as linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) come from vegetable oils.Omega-6 fatty acids are important for the health of our cell membranes, and may be recommended for conditions of the skin including dry skin and eczema.

3. Omega-9 fats are a class of mono-unsaturated fats and are found in vegetable oils such as olive oil.

Health Benefits of Fish Oil

• Prevent sudden cardiac death (50% risk reduction).

• Prevent stroke (40-50% risk reduction).

• Prevent irregular heartbeat.

• Prevent some forms of cancer (e.g. Breast Cancer & Colon Cancer).

• Reduce craving for fatty foods. Fish oil may help in weight regulation.

• Prevent age-related prostate enlargement in males.

• Prevent and treat Major Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD and Anger/Aggression. Fish oil also helps treat Huntington's Disease.

• Prevent Alzheimer's Disease.

• Prevent and treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and other inflammatory conditions.

• Improve skin, hair and nail health.

• Prevent diabetes.

• Preserve eyesight decline associated with aging. Fish oil also help to reduce eye dryness.