What is the health function of fish oil?

Dec 10, 2024Leave a message

Fish oil, an oil derived from fatty fish, is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and has the following health benefits:
First, the benefits of cardiovascular system
Reduce blood lipids
EPA and DHA can lower triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of lipid in the blood, and high levels can increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Fish oil reduces the amount of triglycerides in the blood by reducing the synthesis and secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the liver. For example, for some patients with hypertriglyceridemia, triglyceride levels can be significantly reduced after taking fish oil supplements.
Improve vascular endothelial function
It can promote the release of nitric oxide (NO) by blood vessel endothelial cells. NO is an important vasodilator, which can relax vascular smooth muscle, dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, inhibit platelet aggregation and white blood cell adhesion, reduce vascular inflammation, and maintain the integrity and normal function of vascular endothelium.
antiarrhythmic
Omega-3 fatty acids stabilize the cell membrane of the heart muscle and reduce the risk of arrhythmia. Studies have found that in some patients with myocardial infarction, supplementing with fish oil can help reduce abnormalities in the heart's electrical activity, such as ventricular arrhythmias.
Lower blood pressure
Although the antihypertensive effect of fish oil is relatively weak, long-term use may have a certain regulatory effect on blood pressure. The mechanism may be related to improving vascular endothelial function, reducing angiotensin II production and reducing peripheral vascular resistance.
Second, support for the brain and nervous system
Promotes fetal brain development
DHA is an important component of the brain and retina. During fetal and infant life, an adequate supply of DHA is essential for the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of nerve cells in the brain and for the development of photoreceptors in the retina. Fish oil supplementation in pregnant and lactating women can increase the amount of DHA in breast milk, which helps the brain and vision development of the fetus and infant. For example, studies have shown that children born to mothers who took fish oil supplements during pregnancy may score higher on tests of cognitive development.
Improve cognitive function
In adults, fish oil is also thought to potentially improve cognitive function. It helps maintain the fluidity and integrity of nerve cell membranes in the brain and promotes the transmission of nerve signals. Some studies have found that after the elderly supplement fish oil, there may be a certain degree of improvement in cognitive areas such as memory, attention and executive function, and it may also have a potential role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
The metabolites of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain may be involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters. Studies have shown that fish oil may have an adjuvant therapeutic effect on some mild to moderate depression and anxiety patients, which can regulate the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine and improve emotional states.
Third, the benefits of eye health
Prevention of retinopathy
As mentioned earlier, DHA is the main structural component of the outer segment of photoreceptors in the retina. It helps maintain the normal structure and function of the retina, and may have a certain role in preventing eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. In some people with diabetes, fish oil supplementation has been found to reduce the risk of retinopathy.
Improve vision
Although fish oil does not directly improve vision, it can indirectly support the healthy visual function of the eye by providing nutrients that the retina needs to develop and maintain function, such as DHA. Especially during childhood and adolescence, adequate DHA intake is important for the normal development of vision.
4. Anti-inflammatory effect
Inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators
Omega-3 fatty acids can compete with arachidonic acid (AA) for cycloxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) metabolic pathways. AA is a kind of omega-6 fatty acid, and its metabolites such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) are important inflammatory mediators. EPA and DHA in fish oil can reduce the production of AA-derived inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing the inflammatory response.
Relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases
For some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc., fish oil may have an adjuvant therapeutic effect. It can reduce symptoms such as joint pain and swelling, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, and some patients have reduced disease activity after taking fish oil supplements.
However, when using fish oil supplements, you should also pay attention to the appropriate amount, and it is best to do it under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist, because overdose may increase the risk of bleeding and other adverse effects.

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