Cod liver oil, as the name suggests, is the essential oil extracted from the livers of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).
Apart from being a good source of nutrients, studies have found that cod liver oil may have some very important therapeutic properties.
Cod liver oil is thought to help relieve joint stiffness associated with
arthritis, have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, and help repair wounded teeth, nails, hair, and skin.
Cod liver oil alleviates symptoms of arthritis
A German study, which included 43 patients with
rheumatoid arthritis
who ingested 1 g of cod liver oil every day for 3 months, found that
the patients experienced a decrease in the pain intensity of their stiff
joints.
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A separate study concluded that cod liver oil may also help those
suffering from osteoarthritis. Researchers at Cardiff University found
that cod liver oil helped reduce pain and
cartilage damage
caused by osteoarthritis, as well as reducing the need for joint
replacement.
In their study, the investigators found that cod liver oil
reduced enzymes linked to pain and cartilage damage caused by
osteoarthritis.
There are many benefits as well potential risks of taking cod liver oil.
Benefits of Cod Liver Oil
So, what nutritional benefits does cod liver oil have?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- DocosaHexaenoic acid (DHA)
- EicosaPentaenoic Acid (EPA)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The nutritional ingredients found in cod liver oil enable you to
achieve different health benefits. Some health benefits of cod liver oil
include:
1. Relieve Arthritis
Taking cod liver oil daily is a great way to prevent arthritis. For
those with arthritis, it will provide relief from pain. The recommended
cod liver oil dosage for arthritis is a teaspoon or two each day. For
those using it in capsule form, follow the directions provided on the
capsule bottle.
2. Relieve Muscle Pain
Muscle and bone pain are the two major symptoms of Vitamin D
deficiency. People who have this vitamin deficiency experience
significant leg pain and find it hard to climb stairs. Studies have also
shown that a teaspoon or two of cod liver oil increases levels of
Vitamin D in the body. This helps reduce muscle pain and improves the
strength of the muscles as well.
3. Prevent Heart Diseases
A daily dose of a teaspoon or two of cod liver oil improves the
functionality of the heart, even after a heart surgery or a heart
attack. This, in turn, helps prevent diseases affecting the heart.
Nutritional contents in cod liver oil make this benefit possible?
Omega-3 fatty acids line the arteries after damage hence improving
healing. Mineral absorption is also facilitated by Vitamins D and A
thereby supporting blood vessel elasticity and improving functionality
of the muscles.
4. Lower High Cholesterol
Cod liver oil contains fatty acids, which help lower bad cholesterol
in the body. The best remedy is consuming one to two teaspoons each day.
5. Fight Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Findings from a study conducted showed that expectant women who took a
cod liver oil teaspoon each day were at lesser risk of having children
with type 1 diabetes. Pregnant women are, however, advised to consult
their doctors prior to taking cod liver oil on a regular basis.
6. Maintain Brain Health and Mental Health
The human brain has high omega-3 concentration, and since cod liver
oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids, supplementing with this fish oil
gives your brain and mental health a boost. It has possible benefit for
conditions like ADHD and depression and it also notes possible
effectiveness for psychosis and bipolar disorder.
7. Other Cod Liver Oil Benefits Include:
- Prevention of infection of your inner ear
- Reduction in triglycerides levels in your bloodstream
- Treating/preventing psoriasis
- Prevention of birth defects brought about by vitamin A & D deficiency
- A good alternative treatment for the Crohn's disease
- Reduces high BP
- Reduces lupus contraction risk
- Relieves headaches/migraines
- Fights inflammation
- Helps in immune system regulation
- Helps in bronchial asthma soothing
- Combating kidney disease (early)
Research conducted has found that cod liver oil is effective, to some
extent, in treating cyst fibrosis, mental disorders, allergies, macular
degeneration, allergies and even sickle cell anemia. If you have also
been diagnosed and rely on NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, cod liver
oil is a good reliever. A study done in Norway showed that women
suffering from cancer and who also took cod liver oil had reduced
mortality significantly compared to those who did not take this oil (45%
for those with lung cancer, 25% for women with all sorts of cancer).
Potential Risks of Cod Liver Oil
Just because this oil has been generally recognized as being safe
(GRAS), it does not mean that anyone can take it at any given time. As
it is with all supplements, you first need to consult your doctor or
personal physician before embarking on alternative treatments or new
dietary remedies.
This is because there is toxicity potential when taken in high doses over some time. The side effects of the toxicity include:
- Mental confusion
- Bone loss
- Hair loss
- Liver damage
- Bad breadth
- Loose stool
- Heartburn
- Nosebleeds
- Nausea
Warnings
First off, lactating or pregnant women should consult their doctors
before consuming any supplements regardless of how safe the supplements
are.
Additionally, if you are under the care of a doctor for a heart
disease or under prescription medication like anticoagulants, you should
consult your doctors prior to taking supplements.
It should be noted that cod liver oil prevents clotting of blood, and
it also has the ability to lower your blood pressure. Therefore, it
should be contraindicated when routinely taking these medications. While
this oil can be considered safe to take, it should be taken in the
doses recommended.