Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is a valuable source of the omega-3 essential fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which the American Heart Association endorses as good for the heart. It is also an excellent source of Vitamin D.

Cod liver oil has been used medicinally for hundreds of years, beginning in the fishing communities for Scotland, Iceland, and Norway and spreading to most Western medicine cabinets by the 20th century. While cod liver oil has long been used to alleviate the sufferings of rheumatoid arthritis and stiff joints, its medicinal value was not fully realized until scientists began studying it in detail in the 1950’s.

Hundreds of clinical studies have proved that diets high in omega-3 fatty acids have a lowered risk of heart attack, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms. Two studies found that diets with omega-3 supplements could even prevent sudden death from irregular heart rhythms. Omega-3 fatty acids lower the LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in the bloodstream, while simultaneously increasing the HDL (“good”) cholesterol. The supplement also keeps the heart healthy by working to keep blood clots from forming and preventing other fats from injuring arterial walls.

Omega-3 fatty acids have many other known health benefits. The omega-3 fatty acids found in Cod Liver Oil can lower blood pressure, prevent hypertension in post-transplant cardiac patients, and especially alleviate symptoms of arthritis by controlling inflammation and relieving pain in stiff and sore joints. In fact, studies have proved a reduction in the need for arthritis pain medication for those with a high intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids helps with the diarrhea and pain of Crohn’s disease, and may even increase the lifespan of people suffering from diabetes and other autoimmune disorders. Learn more...