Cod Liver Oil – What Are Its Benefits?

We all know that fish is one of the healthiest foods on earth. It contributes to a better overall health, and it increases life expectancy. But what if you simply can’t stand fish? There are a few people who don’t like at all the taste or smell of fish, and no matter how healthy this food may be, they can’t eat it. Not to mention that convincing a child who doesn’t like fish to have at least one serving of this food per week is near to impossible. But does this mean that you have to give up on its health and beauty benefits? No way. You can still take advantage of these by opting for cod liver oil.

Vitamin A

Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient for healthy skin, hair, and nails. But it also has a multitude of healthy benefits, as it is a very potent antioxidant, enhancing neurological and immune functions. Vitamin A is well-known for its anti-inflammatory proprieties, too. This makes it a great ally in any chronic inflammatory disease, but also in common colds, flu, or skin issues, such as acne or rashes.

Moreover, your eyes health is also directly linked to this nutrient. To improve your eyesight or to reduce the damage caused by prolonged exposure to unhealthy light (such as the light of screens), you need vitamin A.

This vitamin encourages a smooth and proper function of your body cells, and it also prevents mutations. Therefore, you should pay more attention to your vitamin A intake and make sure you consume foods rich in this nutrient.

Vitamin D

In order to unlock calcium and phosphorus deposits, your body needs vitamin D. In fact, without this nutrient, you cannot even absorb calcium, no matter how calcium-rich your diet is. Therefore, we can affirm that vitamin D is necessary for proper bone development and health. This is why you need this nutrient at any moment in your life, no matter your age.

Besides fish and cod liver oil or other fish oils, you can also benefit from vitamin D by spending at least a few minutes per day outside, in the sunshine.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

This type of fat plays a vital role when it comes to your cardiovascular system. Omega-3 fatty acids protect it from numerous diseases and dysfunctions, by decreasing fat levels in your blood. This action reduces the risk of heart strain and stroke significantly.

Another important benefit of omega-3 fats is that they can fight cancer. Linoleic acid is one of these nutrients, and it is present in cod liver oil, as well as in coconut oil, olive oil and, primrose oil.

If you want to lose weight, improve asthma symptoms, boost your memory or help your natural detoxifying system, you should go with an optimal intake of omega-3 fatty acids, too. Not to mention that these nutrients are necessary for the proper development of the baby, too. But if you are pregnant, you should avoid consuming sushi or raw seafood, as well as several types of fish.