Cod liver oil is taken from a liver of the Atlantic codfish. It serves as a joint dietary supplement, and it is packed with nutrients. It is easily counted among one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA and DHA.
It is also rich in vitamins namely vitamins A and D. The exact concentration of cod liver oil nutrients depends on the species of the cod. The health benefits of cod liver oil can be considered well known.
It was first used as a medication in 1789 to cure rheumatism. It then started being used for rickets in 1824. By the 1930s, it was even given for vitamin D deficiency. Like regular fishy oil, it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids linked to health benefits like low blood pressure and inflammation.
Nutritional Profile of Cod Liver Oil
| Vitamin D | 113% of the RDI |
| Vitamin A | 90% of the RDI |
| Saturated fat | 1 gram |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 gram |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 890 mg |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2.1 grams |
| Fat | 4.5 grams |
| Calories | 40 |
Cod Liver Oil Benefits
Cod liver oil is nutritious. One teaspoon of cod liver oil provides 90% of everyday requirements for vitamin A and 113% for vitamin D. Vitamin A is helpful in that cod liver oil benefits skin, eye, and brain health due to this fat-soluble vitamin(1). Cod liver oil is also enriched with vitamin D, which helps in maintaining healthy bones and promoting calcium absorption. Apart from that, cod liver oil combats inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil suppress interleukin proteins that promote chronic inflammation. Rich in antioxidants, cod liver oil benefits the body by undoing oxidative stress(2) associated with a lot of chronic diseases. Due to cod liver oil, constipation and GI issues can also be tackled.
Those deficient in vitamins A and D are also at the risk of chronic swelling. They may benefit from cod liver oil. The omega-3 fatty acids in the oil suppress protein that promotes chronic swelling. After 30, the bone mass is lost, leading to fractures later in life post-menopause.
Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin D and reduces age-related bone loss, helping the body to absorb calcium, a mineral vital for healthy bones. , Cod liver oil for toddlers can also strengthen fragile bones. Fermented cod liver oil benefits can reduce joint pain, improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like joint stiffness and inflammation.
Cod liver oil benefits also include healing pain to the extent that patients reduce anti-inflammatory medicines. It’s also excellent for eye health, reducing the chances of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
Omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil benefits skin and reduces terrible cholesterol, blood pressure, Or acne. This nutrient-rich oil also prevents heart disease.
How to use?
Cod liver oil is excellent for diet. It occurs in numerous forms. The most popular options are liquid and capsule form.
Most recommendations consider the safe consumption of vitamins and fatty acids. A typical dose is 1-2 teaspoons. Taking one tablespoon per day is safer. Higher doses are not recommended, as they result in excessive vitamin A intake.
While cod liver oil benefits health, it can act as a blood thinner, so if you’re on Warfarin or have high blood pressure, proceed with caution. Further, the relevant factors on which the dose depends include the user’s age, health, and other conditions.
[ Read: Health Benefits of Fish Oil ]
Precautions
Cod liver oil for babies is safe, as well as for adults. It causes side effects like bad breath, belches, loose stool, heartburn, and nausea. Taking cod liver oils are unsafe. They keep blood from clotting and increase the chances of bleeding. Vitamin A and D levels may swing to extremes if too much cod liver oil is used.
Cod liver oil provides a host of benefits, but care should be taken to consume the right amount. From skin to acne, stomach issues to heart diseases, there are a lot of health problems cod liver oil can stave off. Cod liver oil uses can be safe for infants, toddlers, and adults, provided the oil in the form of capsules or liquid is taken in the right amount.
FAQs
1. What is cod liver oil good for?
Cod liver oil is good for skin, hair, brain, heart health, and wards off pain and inflammation associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. It is an effective solution for rickets and diseases related to a deficiency of vitamins A and D.
2. Are there any risks associated with cod liver oil consumption?
According to experts, high fish oil consumption can have some element of risk, on account of environmental toxins. But generally, supplements reduce these risks and prevent hypervitaminosis. Too much cod liver oil consumption results in calcification of tissues and blood vessels.
3. Can cod liver oil supplements be beneficial?
Cod liver oil supplements have a host of health advantages. They should be checked and meet the requirements of the US-FDA. However, supplements should always be taken with medical supervision. According to the 2015-2020 guidelines for diet in America, nutritional needs should be met with food sources, ideally.
