Cod Liver Oil & Fish Oil Heath Benefits for Women

When it comes to healthy supplements for the body, fish oil is at the forefront. This is especially the case for women. Although their basic vitamin and nutritional needs are the same as that of men, their biochemical makeup is different. This can make fish oils a welcome addition to their daily diet plan.

Significance

• Fish oil and cod liver oil have the essential fatty acid omega 3, but only cod liver oil has vitamin D in it. This is significant because vitamin D helps prevent metabolic disease and certain types of cancer.

Function

• One of the main functions of fish and cod liver oils is to balance out the omega fat ratios. The American diet is generally too high in omega-6 fatty acids.

Pregnancy

• According to the Mayo Clinic, supplementing with fish oils after the 22nd week of pregnancy is beneficial to the mother and fetus.

PMS

• There is a condition known as dysmenorrhea that is characterized by painful cramps. This is usually caused by an imbalance in fatty acid ratios. Fish oils can help counter this imbalance.

PCOS

• Some women suffer from a condition called PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. This condition causes irregular periods and the formation of small fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries. Fish oils can help reduce these symptoms.

Inflammation

• Cod liver oil and fish oil are both beneficial for reducing inflammation. When they are taken, they get turned into molecules that fight inflammatory cells.

Considerations

• When taking fish oil supplements, take into consideration the quality and where they come from. Always take oil supplements of fish that come from cold waters. These will have a lower mercury content.