Cod
liver oil is the oil extracted from the livers of Atlantic cod. It is commonly
taken as a dietary supplement and is packed full of nutrients.
It is one of the best
sources of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), and it contains relatively high
amounts of vitamin A
and vitamin D.
The exact concentration of
nutrients in cod liver oil depends on the species of cod, or Gadus, the oil comes from.
Cod liver was first used in medicine in
1789, to treat rheumatism, followed by rickets in
1824. By the 1930s, it was frequently given to children to help prevent rickets
and other conditions caused by vitamin D deficiency.
Other fish oils are extracted from the tissue of deep sea cold
water fish, including tuna, trout, mackerel, herring, salmon, and cod.
Cod liver oil comes only
from the livers of cod. It contains less omega-3 fatty acids than regular fish
oils, but more vitamins A and D.
Possible health benefits of cod liver oil
Cod liver oil is an
excellent source of nutrients, and it may have some important therapeutic
properties.
It is thought to help relieve joint stiffness
associated with arthritis,
have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, and help repair damaged teeth,
nails, hair, and skin.
However, there is not
enough evidence to prove all of these claims.
1) The right kind of fat
Every single body cell
needs fat. Fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, found in cod liver oil, will
promote skin health, increase vitamin and mineral absorption, and boost the
immune system.
Fat keeps you feeling full.
When you consume fat, your brain receives a signal to turn off your appetite.
Eating healthy fats with a
meal helps slow the breakdown of carbohydrates into
sugar. This helps to keep blood sugars levels stable. The brain needs fat to
function properly.
2) Arthritis
Cod liver oil is a common supplement for those
with arthritis. The use of marine oils, such as cod liver oil, has been found to help in rheumatoid arthritis.
Fish oils are known
to reduce inflammation, which can
explain how older large studies found that pain, tenderness, and stiffness were
reduced with supplementation.
3) Age-related macular degeneration
Some studies have suggested that omega-3
oils might support eye health and prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Higher intakes of the nutrients in cod liver oil such as eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) lead to less or delayed occurrence of
macular degeneration.
Other nutrients that may
help prevent AMD are carotenoids. Cod liver oil is also high in carotenoids,
which people need to produce vitamin A.
4) Coronary artery disease
Daily intake of cod liver
oil may help prevent coronary atherosclerosis.
There are fatty acids in cod liver oil which act as potent antioxidants.
The buildup of plaque in
the circulatory system is a result of inflammation.
Therefore, regular intake
of fish oils can help protect against arteriosclerosis.
They also provide protection against blood clots.
5) Repairing wounds
A mouse study, published in
2009, found that topically applying a 25-percent cod liver oil ointment to ear
wounds could promote healing.
The scientists concluded
that topically applying the ointment "significantly accelerated both the
epithelial and the vascular component of healing, compared with saline."
They believed that vitamin
A may be the key component in this process.
6) Cognitive performance
Cod liver oil contains a
high amount of vitamin D. A link between vitamin D and cognitive
performance was identified in a study in
rats. The researchers concluded that Vitamin D may play a key role in
maintaining good brain function in old age.
In 2011, scientists gave
cod liver oil to rats that were experiencing chronic stress.
Results of tests of memory, locomotor skills, and anxiety behavior indicated that the cod liver oil helped prevent cognitive impairmentTrusted Source in these rats.
7) Tuberculosis
In 2011, a review of a
historical study from 1848 published in the BMJ revealed that cod liver oil
could be an effective treatment optionTrusted Source for tuberculosis (TB).
8) Inflammation
In 2017, scientists
reported discovering a previously unknown group of molecules that may have
anti-inflammatory properties. They come from cannabinoids that derive from
omega-3 fatty acids.
The researchers suggest
that these molecules could be extracted from omega-3 fatty acids for
therapeutic purposes. The effect, they say, could be similar to that produced by medicinal marijuana, but without
the psychological risks.
Cod liver oil - the forgotten food
In this video, originally
featured on America Now, wellness and nutrition expert
Peggy Hall discusses the possible health benefits of cod liver oil and the
differences between cod liver oil and fish oils.
Cod liver oil and vitamin D
Cod liver oil is one of the
richest sources of vitamin D available. Sun exposure is also important, because
the body cannot get all of its vitamin D needs from food sources.
Vitamin D is important for regulating calcium and
phosphorus levels in the blood, two factors that are extremely important for
maintaining healthy bones.
Vitamin D deficiency has
been associated with osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
It may also affect the risk
of cancer, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), multiple sclerosis,
and other conditions.
However, more reliable
studies are needed to confirm some of these associations.
Nutritional profile of cod liver oil
According to the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one teaspoon of cod liver oil,
weighing 4.5 g, containsTrusted Source:
- Energy:
41 calories
- Vitamin
A: 4,500 international units (IU)
- Vitamin
D: 450 IU
- Saturated
fatty acids: 1.017 g
- Monounsaturated
fatty acids: 2.102 g
- Polyunsaturated
fatty acids: 1.014 g
- Cholesterol:
26 milligrams (mg)
Potential health risks of cod liver oil
Research published in
the American Journal of
Cardiology cautions thatTrusted
Source high fish consumption can cause side effects because of
environmental toxins in fish, such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls,
dioxins, and other contaminants.
However, the authors note
that the processing that is involved in preparing supplements reduces the risk
of environmental toxins and hypervitaminosis, or excess consumption of
vitamins.
Too much vitamin D from
food sources may lead to anorexia,
weight loss, polyuria, and irregular heart rhythms. It can also lead to
excess levels of calcium in the blood, resulting in calcification of tissues
and blood vessels. Kidney stones may
develop.
The tolerable upper limit of
vitamin D is 4,000 IU a day for adults aged 19 years and over.
Should I get supplements?
Cod liver oil supplements
may have health benefits. They are available to purchase online
It is important to ensure
that cod liver oil and other supplements come from a reputable source and that
they meet the requirements of the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Anyone who is considering
taking supplements should speak to a doctor before starting. Do not take more
than the recommended dose without medical supervision.
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendTrusted Source meeting nutritional needs
with food sources, as far as possible.
Source: Medical News Today
No comments:
Post a Comment