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Cod liver oil is a popular nutritional supplement which comes from the liver of cod fishes. This supplement is very rich in essential fatty oils called Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexanoic acid (DHA). It also contains high amount of Vitamins A and D. Aside from being a nutrient supplement, cod liver oil can also be employed for the relief of symptoms of arthritis and other body pains.
With its high nutrient content, cod liver oil has many health benefits. One of which is its ability to help with depression. A study involving 20,000 people aging 40 years and above states that those individuals who are taking cod liver oil supplements regularly have lesser risk of developing depression than those people who did not. Another study also stipulated that the duration of cod liver oil supplementation is directly related to the extent of depression of an individual. Therefore, the longer the person is supplementing with cod liver oil in a regular basis, the lesser risk and extent he/she has to become depressed. The mechanism of action of this supplement can be accounted because of its high levels of essential fatty acids.
As we know for a fact, essential fatty acids are important to the body most especially in the brain. Human studies reveal that omega -3 fatty acids inside the body are stored and concentrated more in the brain. These chemicals are necessary for cognitive performance, such as memory and learning ability, and behavioral adaptation. It must be supplied by and obtain from the diet because the body does not have the capacity to produce this significant body substance. It plays a significant role in brain development and nervous system activity. It can also greatly help in the prevention of brain cellular damage which can cause significant effect to the person’s memory, mood and optimum functioning. Scientists have stipulated that regular supplementation of cod liver oil can potentially lessen the risk of depression as high as 30 %. In some countries, cod liver oil or other essential fatty acid supplements have been employed as an adjunct medication for depression. However, this chemical compound cannot be used as a substitute for anti – depressive agents. It must only supplement, not replace.
There are many available cod liver oil supplements in the market. To know a high quality product, the oil must be pale yellow in color, not viscous and seems to be like an oily liquid. It can also have a sardine – like or fishy flavor and is usually tasteless. Some manufacturers, however, add a little flavoring to diminish its fishy aftertaste. The usual flavors include citrus or mint in which the cod liver oil becomes more tasty and palatable.
Aside from its critical role in the nervous system, essential fatty acids can also potentially lower the risk of life – threatening cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and hypertension. These health conditions may put the person at higher risk of heart attack or stroke. Also, cod liver oil also contains ample amount of anti – inflammatory agents therefore it can be good for body and joint pains brought about by arthritis.
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