Health Benefits of Nordic Cod Liver Oil

I remember in the days of growing up my mom would give us cod liver oil every morning before we went off to school in the winter.  She used her own special brew of cod liver oil, 1 tsp of whiskey, and rock candy.  I do not remember how she mixed them together, but I do remember the burn going down.  It worked and we never had a single cold during the winter months from 1st grade - 8th grade never. Cod Liver Oil was great back then and it's still good stuff, read on to learn why.

Fish oil supplements such as cod liver oil have a multitude of natural health benefits for the human body. Cod liver oil supplements are rich in omega-3s, vitamin A, and vitamin D, all important essential nutrients for a healthy diet and overall wellness, but all of which are difficult to acquire from food sources alone.. While cod liver oil supplements are safe and can benefit everyone, people concerned with cardiovascular health, arthritis, and osteoporosis can especially benefit from taking these supplements. In addition, natural cod liver oil can also assist the development of strong bones and the central nervous system in young children.

Cod liver oil supplements can be a powerful weapon in the fight against heart disease. Fish oil can raise HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) and lessen the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular dangers. Fish oil can actually help treat heart disease in its early stages, can improve the elasticity of blood vessels, and can help repair artery damage and repair the heart function after surgery. This is because of the large amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in natural cod liver oil. Doctors normally recommend cod liver oil supplements to anyone battling heart disease because of the health benefits derived from omega-3s. Omega-3s are also an ideal part of a healthy diet and can aid in lasting weight loss. The nutrient helps suppress appetite and contributes to the feeling of fullness.

There are two types of omega-3s: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaeonic acid). EPA aids the creation of inflammation-reducing prostaglandins which controls and diffuses the inflammatory response in the arteries. This anti-inflammatory response makes fish oil supplements an excellent option for people concerned about or suffering from arthritis or other inflammatory disorders. Omega-3s actually work to decrease inflammation by suppressing the production of cytokines and enzymes that erode cartilage. People taking cod liver oil supplements have reported reduced pain and swelling, reduced joint tenderness, less joint stiffness, less fatigue, and an increased amount of energy.

Natural cod liver oil has several excellent benefits to bone health and strength in both children and adults. Osteoporosis sufferers can also greatly benefit from fish oil supplements due to their elongated omega-3 oils and to high levels of vitamin D. Particularly in women, the very high levels of vitamin D found in cod liver oil are shown to improve bone mineral density.

Women are also advised to take cod liver oil supplements during pregnancy. Fish oil during pregnancy helps lower risk for birth complication like premature delivery and low birth weight. Another benefit of fish oil for pregnant women is that fish oil supports the development of the newborn’s brain and reduces allergy development in the newborn child.

Natural cod liver oil’s other benefits include vision improvement and delay of the development of age-related eyesight problems and macular degeneration. Fish oil can also decrease dryness in the eyes.  Due to omega-3s and vitamin D in cod liver oil supplements, they can help boost mood, fight seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and can prevent depression, bipolar disorder, and attention disorders. Fish oil can also improve memory, stress response, and other brain functions.