Fish oil, derived
from the tissues of oily fish like mackerel, tuna and sardines is considered to
be an important dietary source of essential fatty acids or omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are basically known for their immense health
benefits, and for reducing the risk for certain life-threatening health
conditions. There are basically three types of fatty acids, alpha-linolenic
acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). While
nuts and some vegetable oils like, canola, soybean, olive oil and flaxseed oil
supply us with alpha linoleic acid, fish oil is known to provide the other two
types of essential fatty acids, i.e. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Among all of its health benefits, one that is most
discussed these days is their effect in the phenomenon of weight loss.(
Fish oil weight loss
Consumption of excess
fats and oils are always associated with weight gain and obesity. Therefore,
anyone who wants to lose weight tries to cut down the amount of oils and fats
in the diet. However, it is the saturated and harmful fats, which can cause
several health complications including, heart disease and excessive weight
gain. But, the essential fatty acids are important for human health and
nutrition and they are usually not associated with excess weight gain or
obesity. Instead, the essential fatty acids, known as omega-3 fatty acids found
in fish oil can aid in the process of losing weight.
Some studies have
pointed out that the DHA found in fish oil can in fact help burn more fat,
which can help to lose weight rapidly. It can also improve the effectiveness of
aerobic exercises in reducing weight. The reason being the ability of fish oil
to activate the enzymes that burn fats. Studies have shown that along with
aerobic exercises, it can increase the rate of metabolism and hence, rapid
weight loss.
Many also believe
that it may in some way help to control appetite, which can reduce total
calorie intake and subsequent weight loss. On the other hand, another theory
suggests that as it increases the elasticity of the blood vessels, and hence,
can promote blood circulation to the muscles while exercising. According to the
theory, this can speed up the process of losing fat, via an increase in the
delivery of lipolytic stimuli to the fat cells.
Other Benefits of
Fish Oil
Fish oil for weight
loss is known to provide protection against heart diseases and stroke, and
lower the risk for certain types of cancer. It can help to regulate the level
of cholesterol in the body, and significantly reduce the risk for some
pregnancy complications like, low birth weight and premature delivery. If taken
during pregnancy, it can aid in brain development and reduce allergy in babies.
Apart from these, it can strengthen the immune system, improve vision, and
prove beneficial in reducing inflammation in arthritis and rheumatism. Fish oil
can also help to alleviate inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and
prevent depression, eye disorders, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.
It should be kept in
mind that, using only fish oil may not prove effective for fat shedding, if it
is not supplemented by other weight loss measures like, regular exercising and
reducing the total calorie intake. Again, its overdose can cause certain side
effects like, stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea and heartburn. (