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What Are the Benefits of Seal Oil?

The benefits of seal oil were first discovered by Danish scientists H.O. Bang and J. Dyerberg, who published a report in 1975 on the benefits of the diet high in seal meat consumed regularly by the Greenlandic Eskimos.

  1. History

    • Bang and Dyerberg reported that heart disease and plaque buildup in the arteries of the Greenlandic Eskimos was almost nonexistent. The researchers linked this to the consumption of seal fat high in omega-3 fatty acids.

    Omega 3

    • Seal oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are required by the human body in quantities larger than can be produced internally to help protect and develop the eyes, brain and nervous system.

    Health Benefits

    • Dietary supplements high in omega-3 acids, such as seal oil, have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

    DPA

    • The Canadian government reports seal oil to be unique in its high docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) content where the majority of omega-3 supplements have higher contents of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DPA is reported to have particular benefits for children and mothers.

    Chemicals

    • Compared with other marine life, the seal is capable of filtering chemicals from the food chain and thus eliminating them from its oil.

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