Benefits of Fish Oil For Women & The Entire Family
Filed Under Fish Oil, Omega 3, Omega 3 Supplements
What is the benefit of fish oil for women? Well, there are the general benefits of increasing omega-3 intake that apply to both sexes and specific benefits that have to do with a woman’s health and the health of her children.
Doctors and researchers suggest that women of child bearing age, especially those that are planning to become pregnant, should strive to meet optimal nutritional levels on a daily basis. Some of the most important nutrients, in terms of having a healthy baby are folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. Of particular importance is an omega-3 called Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA.
Folic acid (B9) deficiencies, particularly during the first 28 days after conception, cause neural tube defects like spina bifida and can cause mental retardation. DHA deficiency has been associated with learning and behavioral problems, such as attention deficit disorders. Omega-3 deficiencies in general are associated with pre-term births and postpartum depression.
If mom is not getting enough DHA in her diet, the body will pull it from every source in order to get it to the baby. That’s why taking fish oil for women is so important to her sustained mental health. One of the largest storage facilities for DHA is the brain. If she’s not getting enough in her diet, the body will break down brain cells in order to get the nutrient to the developing fetus.
Unlike other omega-3 fatty acids, DHA is only found in fatty fish and some types of marine algae. There are no other dietary sources, excepted for fortified foods. Eating a lot of fish is not always appealing to the taste buds and keeping track of which species are mercury-free and which are health hazards can be difficult.
So, that’s why healthcare professionals recommend mercury-free fish oil for women that plan to become pregnant and for those that are currently pregnant or nursing. For older women and those that are not planning a pregnancy, the supplements provide relief from PMS, menopausal symptoms and inflammatory conditions. Regular supplementation may reduce the risk of breast cancer and heart disease.
Low levels of DHA are associated with all types of depressive disorders. The symptoms of PMS and menopause vary greatly from one woman to the next, but depression or moodiness is fairly common. Cramping and lower back ache are other PMS symptoms that may be relieved.
When it comes to inflammatory conditions, the benefits of fish oil for women are the same as those for men. In arthritis and inflammatory bowel the supplement relieves pain. The reduced risk of heart disease is well recognized and a woman’s risk of heart disease increases during menopause.
There is another benefit, too that has to do with looking more youthful. Researchers have seen a 10% improvement in the skin’s firmness after three months of oral supplementation.
Of course, all supplements are not the same. It is important to compare purity and omega-3 content. Not all supplements provide the 200mg of DHA that has been recommended by researchers. But, as long as you find a good brand, there are numerous benefits of fish oil for women and no risks.
Valerie Rosenbaum thinks taking omega 3 fish oil supplements is the easiest and most effective way to improve your health. Visit her site now to discover the pure, fish oil product she uses and recommends: http://www.TakingFishOil.com
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