Cod liver oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been used for centuries to boost immunity and as a natural remedy for many ailments, including joint pain and muscle stiffness. Learn now about the benefits of cod liver oil, how to use it, and how to avoid its harm.

Cod liver beans

Cod liver oil is a dietary supplement made from the oil extracted from the liver of Atlantic cod. It is a rich source of vitamins and essential nutrients such as vitamin A and vitamin D, which plays a major role in enhancing the functioning of the immune system, and maintaining cardiovascular health and hormones.

So it is a good food supplement for both adults and children. In order to benefit from the benefits of cod liver oil, you can eat fresh cod liver or take cod liver supplements, which do not require a prescription.

Nutritional value of cod liver oil

Each teaspoon of cod liver oil contains approximately 41 calories, and about 4.5 g of fat, which is divided into monounsaturated, saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The most beneficial aspect of cod liver oil is that it contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, the same type of fatty acids found in seafood and oily fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

Benefits of cod liver oil

Cod liver pills have many health benefits. Among its most important benefits:

Boosting the functioning of the immune system

Every cell in the body needs fat, and when you eat healthy fats with your meals, they help slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar. This helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Therefore, one of the benefits of cod liver oil is that it is one of the richest natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which, with their anti-inflammatory properties, help in the following:

• Maintaining healthy skin
• Fighting mental disorders
• Increase the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals
• Improve the ability to sleep
• Support bone growth
• Prevention of the risk of infection with many diseases.

It is also a popular dietary supplement for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, due to its ability to reduce inflammation.

Maintain eye health

Vision loss may be due to many causes, but one of the main causes is age-related macular degeneration. This disease may result from the presence of chronic inflammation.

Therefore, one of the benefits of cod liver oil is that it contains vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect against eye diseases caused by inflammation.

However, despite the benefits of vitamin A in maintaining health, it is not recommended to take it in high doses, to avoid the risks of vitamin A poisoning.

Prevention of heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world, and studies have shown that people who eat fish regularly are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

Among the benefits of cod liver oil for the heart are the following:

• Reducing high triglycerides: Which may reduce triglycerides by 15% to 30%, which reduces the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis.
• High blood pressure treatment: Cod liver pills help lower blood pressure and balance blood cholesterol levels, especially in people who suffer from high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Prevent plaque formation: Using cod liver oil helps reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can narrow the arteries and cause a heart attack or stroke.

Treating anxiety and depression

Depression and high levels of anxiety and stress are among the most common diseases in the world. What may be interesting is that some scientific studies have found a link between chronic inflammation and depression.

Studies have also found that the omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver can help reduce inflammation, thus relieving symptoms of depression and stress.

This is in addition to the indication of some other studies, that there is a link between higher levels of vitamin D, and lower levels of anxiety and depression, which helps to improve mood.

Stomach ulcer treatment

Stomach ulcers are usually caused by bacterial infections, overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs, or frequent stomach acid reflux. Some laboratory and animal studies have indicated that the use of doses of cod liver oil has contributed to the healing process of stomach and intestinal ulcers. Although the results appear promising, more studies are needed in humans.

Mnemonics

In a study conducted on rats, researchers found an association between vitamin D and cognitive performance. This confirms that vitamin D may play a fundamental role in maintaining healthy brain function and preventing cognitive impairment, especially in the elderly.

How to use cod liver oil

Although there are opinions of some experts of health organizations about the amount of daily allowance allowed, but opinions have differed greatly. However, most organizations have recommended a minimum of 250 mg to 500 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day. In order to treat certain health conditions, higher amounts may be recommended.

As for alpha acid, the recommended amount is about 1.6 gm per day for men, and about 1.1 gm per day for women.

In order to use cod liver oil in treatment, these are the doses that have been mentioned in scientific research:

• Triglyceride treatment: 20 ml (about 2,000 mg to 4,000 mg) of cod liver oil is used daily.
• coronary heart disease: A dose of about 1,000 mg of DHA and EPA is used together daily, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
• Treating high cholesterol: Use 30 ml of cod liver oil daily
• High blood pressure treatment: Use 20ml of cod liver oil daily

Notice: It is not recommended to use cod liver pills in treatment without consulting a doctor first, in order to determine the appropriate doses according to each case.

As for its topical use, there is not enough information about the degree of its safety or what are the possible side effects.

Read also: All that matters to you about Closese capsules

Harmful effects of cod liver oil

Excessive consumption of fish may have some side effects due to environmental toxins in the fish, however, researchers have noted that the process of preparing the supplements may reduce the risk of environmental toxins.

In general, the use of cod liver oil is safe for most people when it is taken orally, and it may have some mild side effects such as:

But these side effects can be mitigated by taking cod liver oil with meals. As for high doses, it is not safe, which may lead to the following symptoms:

Anorexia

Although cod liver oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin D, excessive consumption of sources that contain vitamin D may lead to some side effects such as:

• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• arrhythmia
• Increase the level of calcium in the blood
• Kidney stones develop

Therefore, it is recommended not to exceed the maximum allowable intake of vitamin D, which is 4,000 IU per day for people 19 years of age or older.

slowing down blood clotting;

Using cod liver oil pills alongside anticoagulant medications may lead to drug interactions, which slows down the blood clotting process, which increases the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Reduction of Blood pressure

Taking cod liver pills along with antihypertensive medications may significantly lower blood pressure levels. Therefore, a doctor should be consulted before use.