Weight Loss Benefits of Fish Oil

Fish oil is considered vital in many weight loss programs. It is an extract from the tissues of fish like mackerel, tuna, salmon and cod fish. It is an effective nutrient consisting of two important fatty acids, namely EPA and DHA. These fatty acids protect the body from disease like cancer, heart problem, osteoporosis and other associated health hazards. However, take fish oil pills will not result in instant, rapid weight loss.

Exercise

• The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests says " that daily doses of oil containing omega-3 fatty acids, combined with moderate exercise like walking for 45 minutes, can result in significant weight loss".

Flow of Blood To Muscles

• A study by the University of South Australia suggests that "when combined with a calorie-counted diet and increased exercise, the effects of fish oil on weight loss could prove substantial. It is believed that omega 3 oil improves the flow of blood to the muscles during exercise and helps to stimulate enzymes which transport fat to where it can be used up for energy."

Appetite Control

• Fish oil helps regulate the hormone leptin that is produced by fat cells. This hormone controls the food cravings and instead burns the fat stored in the adipose tissue. It thus reduces food intake, which will help control weight.

Enhanced Thermogeneis

• Fish oils have the unique quality to increase thermogenesis (the burning of excess fat to produce heat), thereby speeding up the metabolism by slightly increasing the body temperature. It leads to increase in excess calorie burning, leading to less fat deposition and hence weight loss.

Limitations

• Fish oil has substantive health benefits but it not magic. It has to be coupled with proper exercise regime and healthy diet. There are quite a lot of research on the affect of fish oil in weight loss in animals, but research with regard to body fat in humans is negligible.