Benefits of Liver & Fish Oil

Fish oil is taken from deep-sea fish whose tissues are rich in oil and fat. Unlike saturated oil found in red meat and dairy products, fish oil is unsaturated and is good for the heart and overall health. Because of increased interest in the health benefits of fish oil there is a greater variety of such products available in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Cod Liver Oil

• Cod liver is a rich source of vitamins A and D and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

  Cod liver oil is an age-old remedy that was once considered a panacea for all ailments, though it is no surprise when you take into account its great variety of nutrients. It contains large amounts of vitamins A and D, as well as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which all help support the immune system, healthy skin, strong bones and mood and energy levels. According to a study published in the scientific journal "Rheumatology" in 2008, cod liver oil is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce the medication needed to treat patients suffering from rheumatic arthritis.

Shark Liver Oil

• Shark liver oil may be a useful anti-cancer supplement.

  Shark liver oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids and natural chemicals called alkylglycerols, which stimulate the immune system and may have cancer-fighting qualities when taken internally via shark liver oil, according to the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine." These alkylglycerols may also fight viral infections, wounds, psoriasis, asthma, arthritis and AIDS. A study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" in 1998 suggested that alkylglycerols in shark liver oil stimulate the body's production of macrophages, which are immune cells that roam the body and destroy viral, bacterial and cancer cells.

Salmon Oil

• Salmon oil may help treat cardiovascular conditions and depression.

  Salmon is the most common source of commercial fish oil, containing up to 30 percent Omega-3 fatty acid. Fish oil taken from salmon reduces cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, the risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias and inflammation, as well as protects against free radicals. In a 2010 review of research published in "Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics", Aroujo Rocha of the University of Rio de Janeiro cites 12 scientific studies that found that salmon oil and omega-3 fatty acids reduced depression in patients. Consequently, salmon oil a popular choice for people with cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and arthritis, and those looking to balance their mood naturally.

Krill Oil

• Krill, the mainstay of a whale's diet, is now becoming popular in oils for humans.

  Krill oil is a new product on the shelves of pharmacies and health food stores, but it may soon soon surpass other forms of fish oil because in addition to being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids it also contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin and phospholipids that help make the oil more absorbable. According to a 2008 study called "Lipids in Health and Disease" by researcher Jia-Jin Zhou of the University of Zhejiang in China, krill oil is effective at reducing body weight and cholesterol and inhibiting growth of colon cancer cells. Another study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" suggests krill oil can quickly reduce inflammation and arthritic symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.