TOP 6 BENEFITS OF COD LIVER OIL

TOP 6 BENEFITS OF COD LIVER OIL

 

Cod liver oil is one of the best sources of omega-three fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). It also contains a high level of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. It is used as the extra oil.

Vitamin A helps to treat xeropthalmia and night blindness (nyctalopia)  and is useful for our skin.

Vitamin D helps to make healthy bone and is also used in arthritis and helps in calcium absorption.

Omega 3 fatty acids(eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) are used to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

Image showing cod liver oil

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural source:

Cod liver oil is processed or prepared from the fresh liver of codfish, Gadus morrhua belonging to the family Gadidae.

 

 

Nutritional value:

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one teaspoon of cod liver oil, weighing 4.5 g contains :

• Energy: 41 calories
• Vitamin A: 4,500 international units (IU)
• Vitamin D: 450 IU
• Saturated fatty acids: 1.017 g
• Monounsaturated fatty acids: 2.102 g
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 1.014 g
• Cholesterol: 26 milligrams (mg)

 

• Benefits of cod liver oil:

1. Helps in eye vision

1 gm of Cod liver oil contains 255 mcg of Vitamin A, which helps in improving eye health. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin containing three biologically active molecules: retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid, which helps in the eye vision.

 

The omega-three fatty acid present in cod liver oil reduces the risk factor for glaucoma (increase in the pressure of the fluid in the eye, causing compression and obstruction of the small blood vessels that nourish the retina. This may result in nerve fiber destruction and gradual loss of vision).

 

A healthy eye

 

2. Improve bone health

As our age increases, bone density decreases. Especially in women after the menopause, bone loss started due to the hormonal factors, and in many cases, osteoporosis occurs. The deficiency of vitamin D can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

 

Cod liver oil is beneficial to increase bone density as it is a rich source of vitamin D (the active form is calcitriol), which helps to regulate calcium level and bone formation in our body.

image describing a healthy bone

 

 

1. In rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where our antibody could not recognize our body cells and destroy them. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints.         

 

Many study reports show that omega-three fatty acids present in the cod liver oil help to reduce rheumatoid arthritis to a greater extent.

 

image showing joint pain

 

1. Effect on heart

Now –a –days due to different type of heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Over 17.9 million people die due to cardiovascular disease annually.

 

Irregular, unhealthy lifestyle and eating so much junk foods are the leading cause of heart diseases like cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, arteriosclerosis, congestive heart failure, etc.

 

Cod liver contains omega-three fatty acid, which

• Reduce the triglyceride level by 15-30%
• Lower the blood pressure in patients having hypertension and high cholesterol.
• It increases the good HDL cholesterol, which reduces the chances of heart disease. image showing heart

1. Repairing wounds

Research studies have shown that vitamin A present in cod liver oil can repair wounds when It is applied topically.

1. In skincare

Cod liver is also helpful in skincare. Cod liver oil (liquid) is beneficial in hyperpigmentation, acne, etc.

image showing healthy skin

 

 

 

Side effects: 

Though cod liver oil is full of nutrition, a high amount of it causes some side effects.

High levels of vitamin D may cause anorexia, weight loss, and an increase in the calcium level may cause an increase in blood pressure, calcification of tissues and blood vessels, and kidney stones.

The maximum daily intake that is recommended for vitamin D is 4000 IU per day.

If anyone wants to have a cod liver oil supplement, he/she should consult with his/her physician.

 

Summary :

• One can get cod liver oil from the market very quickly. It is available in various forms but mostly in capsule and liquid form.
• Cod liver oil is very nutritious, rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-three fatty acids.
• It helps you to improve your eye vision, increase your bone density, and to reduce your joint pain.