Salmon Oil
Updated Oct. 13th, 2017
Salmon oil contains EPA and DHA, two omega 3 essential fatty acids. EPA is an important fatty acid in the maintenance of cardiovascular health and the regulation of inflammation. EPA is a precursor to a series of chemicals whose job it is to regulate the inflammatory effects of arachidonic acid.
Too much arachidonic acid leads to pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis. Arachidonic acid also causes inflammation in arteries and leads to the development of atherosclerotic plaques.
Deficiency of EPA can result in cardiac arrhythmias, high cholesterol and excessive aging. EPA has been used to treat heart disease, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. DHA is an essential component of the brain and central nervous system. It seems to concentrate in areas where there is lots of electrical activity such as the synaptosomes, where nerve cells communicate, and the photoreceptors of the eye. This is why a deficiency of DHA can result in poor brain development, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, memory problems and poor visual development. Fish oils may also offer protection against some forms of cancer.
Salmon contains more omega 3 rich fat than other fish species. Salmon supplements are usually found as standard soft gel capsules, containing 180 mg of EPA and 120mg of DHA per capsule. Some supplements, called pharmaceutical grade, contain up to twice as much EPA and DHA per capsule. Ensure your Salmon oil supplement is not processed with heat because it damages the acids and creates free radicals. It is important to purchase a good quality fish oil supplement that has been tested for contaminants. Keep capsules away from heat to increase shelf life.
Now here is something that I really can't live without. Salmon oil is one of the first supplements that I ever started taking. I take it every morning and every night. It works wonders for the joints. That's not the main thing that I take it for, though: I find that it really improves my mood. Every day used to seem dreary to me. I started taking salmon oil and now every day is a new world to me.
Salmon oil softgels are what I have been taking for the longest time. I take one 1000mg every day for skin issues, dryness and also as an antioxidant that is vital to health. I find with working out, it helps me to balance my diet and also adds the oils from inside out. This is a good article from NN.
Hello Roger,
Omega's are an important part of overall health, indeed. While they support cognitive health, they also support skin health as you mentioned. They are great for providing hydration to dry skin and plumping up skin that's fallen with age. We're glad you enjoyed our article, if you'd like to read more about omega's, check out our other articles as well:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/omega-3-essential-fats/
Stay healthy & well our friend!