Omega 3 Fish Oils – Why All the Hype?

You can't walk into any pharmacy or the pharmaceutical department of any box store without finding some variety of omega 3 supplement. This comes under the label of "fish oil" or "cod liver oil," but the key ingredient that consumers are after is omega 3 fatty acids, also called omega 3 fish oils. These supplements are not new on the market, but they are improved with every passing year. If you aren't quite sure what all the hype is about, this guide will fill you in.


What are Omega 3 Fish Oils?

Omega 3 fatty acids are naturally found in the fatty layers of some fish. The fish most commonly used to create supplements of omega 3 fatty fish oils include:

    Salmon
    Mackerel
    Tuna
    Sturgeon
    Bluefish
    Mullet
    Herring
    Sardines
    Anchovy
    Trout

Consumers can get the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids by consuming these fish at least four times a week, but most people do not eat fish that often. In fact, many people do not like purchasing and cooking fish at all. That is why supplements that pack the essential oils from these fish are extremely popular today.

What are the Benefits of Omega 3?

You are probably wondering why anyone would want to consume so fatty fish, and the answer is simple: scientists have revealed amazing health benefits for those who regularly consume high concentrations of omega 3. The oils from the above listed fish have been proven to help with all of the following medical issues:

    High blood pressure
    Heart disease
    High cholesterol
    Depression
    ADHD
    Alzheimer's Disease
    Glaucoma
    Diabetes
    Asthma
    Kidney Disease

This list could go on and on. There is almost no end to the many different health problems that have been rumored to improve with regular supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids. As research into omega 3 fatty oils continues to expand, the list of medical conditions that it could help will continue to grow.

For example, many people who are trying to lose weight will now be recommended to a daily omega 3 supplement. Omega 3 fish oils can help boost energy levels, which makes it easier for overweight people to exercise and start losing weight. Overweight people are also at more risk of developing heart disease, and some research is showing omega 3 fatty acids could help prevent heart disease.

Those with mood, mental and memory disorders benefit from increased consumption of omega 3 fatty acids as well. Those with depression find themselves cheering up with a good supplement, while those suffering from memory problems have an easier time remembering.

The Limits of Omega 3

While research is showing that omega 3 fatty oils can be beneficial to people suffering from many different health problems, it is not a cure for all of these diseases. This one supplement is not going to cure cancer or eliminate heart disease from the world, but it can make many medical conditions easier to manage and prevent when combined with other treatments.