Fish Oil Benefits for Athletes
Athletes tend to stay away from oils and fats. But, remember that there are good fats and bad fats.
Fish Oil facts
Our diets need to include essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids come in two varieties: omega-6 EFAs and omega-3 EFAS.
Although there are only very slight differences to distinguish the two groups of essential fatty acids from each other, studies have revealed that too much intake of omega-6 EFAs can lead to inflammation, blood clotting and tumor growth. The good news, however, is that the opposite is true for omega-3 EFAs. Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils while omega-3 EFAs can be found in fish oils among other foods.
Omega-6 vs. Omega-3
Physicians and scientists agree that an imbalanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs is linked to an increase in heart disease, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature aging and certain kinds of cancer.
Omega-6 EFAs can be found in vegetable oils, like corn oil and soy oil, both of which, contain high amounts of linoleic acid. Omega-3 EFAs on the other hand can be found also in marine plankton and walnut and flaxseed oils. It should be significant to take note that fatty fish and fish oils contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), fatty acids that have been observed to provide many benefits to the human body. In the early 1970’s, a study on Greenland Eskimos have revealed that one of the major reasons why they rarely suffer from heart diseases is because of their high-fat diet (mainly composed of fish).
The two essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are also helpful in preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, depression and various forms of cancer. Fish oil supplemented food have also proven to be useful in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Making the Heart Healthier
Your heart is one of the most important parts of your body. Having an unhealthy heart probably means having a rather limited lifespan. So, it’s in our best interests to keep our hearts healthy. One way of doing that is eating food that contains fish oil.
In Athens, Greece, for instance, a study was made to show if there was a direct relationship between high fish diet and inflammation of blood vessels. The results revealed that those who ate more fish than the others had a lower level of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, factors that are commonly used to measure likelihood of blood vessel inflammation. These benefits remained even when the various risks associated with high fish diet were taken into account.
Fish oil (Photo credit: ArtsieAspie)
Fish to Become Thin
In Perth, Australia, a study revealed that fish consumption can be used against hypertension and obesity. Researchers of the UWA (University of Western Australia) have discovered that a weight-loss diet which includes a regular amount of fish consumption can be quite effective in reducing blood pressure and improving glucose tolerance.
Fish Oil to Combat Asthma
People suffering from respiratory problems like asthma tend to be perceived as unfit and unhealthy. They should now be pleased to learn that certain studies have revealed the benefits of fish oil for asthma-burdened-individuals. Statistics show that approximately 20 to 25% of children today suffer one form of asthma or another at a certain point in their lives. And certain evidence reveals a regular diet of food with high linoleic acid content as the reason behind it.
University of Wyoming conducted a study of children. They started one group of children on a high-fish diet while the other group continued with their regular diet. Results revealed that the participants who ate more fish were less prone to asthma attacks and were able to breathe more easily as well.
Consult Your Nutritionist Now
Remember, nothing is good when consumed or used excessively but complete avoidance of a particular food type is equally harmful as well. Ask your nutritionist for the right amount of fish intake for your age and health status. Your health and life depend on making good decisions, like proper nutrition, exercise, and rest, while avoiding those things that tear-down our health, like alcohol, smoking, drugs, sugar, junk-food, fast-food, etc.
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