Why is Cod Liver Oil Good for us?

As a child there was nothing I hated worse than getting a cold as it always meant that I would be fed on that tasteless cod liver oil. Trying to convince me that cod liver oil was good for us was a punishment in itself. Things have changed now and other than eating fresh fruits and vegetables, cod liver oil is slowly being proved to be one of the most important additions to diet that fights and prevents disease.

Cod liver oil contains large amounts of elongated omega-3 fatty acids, preformed vitamin A and vitamins D as well as small amounts of vitamin K. Studies have shown that it contains more vitamin A and vitamin D per unit weight than any other common food. It is so nutritious that just a teaspoon will provide more than the recommended daily allowance for both nutrients.

Omega 3 containing the fatty acids, EPA and DHA are also contained in cod liver oil. These two fatty acids are beneficial in combating both physical and mental illness. They can also be found in fish but the difference here is that by taking cod liver oil, you avoid the dangers of taking too much mercury in your fish diet.

The Omega 3 contained in cod liver oil has been shown to improve the health of those likely to suffer fatal and non fatal heart attacks. Moreover cod liver oil was shown to be greatly tolerated by the body. Cod liver oil greatly improves heart function to prevent hearth disease and to treat it even in advanced stages. It alters the linings of the arteries in such a way as to improve the healing after damage.

Cod liver oil is also great for pregnant moms in that infants have a lower risk for juvenile type 1 diabetes. It also increases the fatty acid profile in breast mil to promote optimal brain devotement and increases the levels of vitamin A to prevent infections.

If you are feeling down and depressed, studies have shown that cod liver oil will cause a reduction in depression symptoms like anxiety, sadness and sleeping problems. Dr. Stoll a Harvard psychiatrist has compiled a great body of evidence supporting the use of cod liver oil to treat depression.

The interesting aspect of cod liver oil is that though eating fish will not provide the levels of nutrients in cod liver oil. It has been shown that even in heavy fish eating populations, the addition of cod liver oil in diets improves the general health of the people. Eating fish also has the added risk of contaminants like mercury. Mercury being present in the flesh of fish is not present in the oil making cod liver oil a better alternative.

The biggest danger of cod liver oil turning rancid is not a concern if properly handled. It has also come a long way from the days of a fishy smell to the now present sweet tasting versions. As such cod liver oil has started a new wave in general health and can only get better as more of its uses are told.

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