Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for the heart, skin, and various vital organs of the body. While it is best to get an adequate intake of fish oil directly from fish such as mackerel, tuna, herring, trout, and sardines, fish oil supplements are an excellent alternative. So, if one is considering boosting their omega-3 intake, here are the key benefits of fish oil supplements:

1. Boosts heart health
Fish oil helps support a healthy heart by helping lower cholesterol, maintain blood pressure, and prevent plaque formation that hardens arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent stroke and other cardiovascular illnesses. Additionally, fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help in stabilizing atherosclerotic lesions. Research also suggests that those who take fish oil supplements for more than a month may see improvement in heart health.

2. Helps reduce inflammation
Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce chronic inflammation that can lead to health conditions like heart disease or diabetes. While the role of omega-3 fatty acids isn’t fully understood in managing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, they are known to reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

3. Promotes healthy skin
Fish oil supplements contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and D, and selenium. These nutrients promote skin healing, improve barrier function, and fight or prevent inflammation caused by exposure to harmful UV light. The vitamin A in fish oil supplements helps boost skin elasticity and slow down the aging process.

4. Maintains eye health
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a condition that causes vision loss in older adults. It is seen that those who add fish to their daily meals have a lower risk of developing AMD and other eye-related illnesses. Similarly, those who take fish oil supplements regularly may be able to prevent vision loss and slow down AMD progression.

5. Helps in managing arthritis symptoms
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of arthritis that wears down the cartilage in the joints and causes extreme pain and difficulty in walking and performing other day-to-day activities. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks healthy cells, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints. Here, adding fish oil sources to the daily nutritional regimen can help. Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing chronic pain associated with OA and RA.

So, fish oil supplements can benefit the heart, eyes, and skin, as well as help in managing inflammation associated with various health conditions. However, it is important to consult a physician before adding fish oil supplements to daily meals. This is because a doctor can assess overall health and recommend the right food-based changes and treatment to deal with nutrient deficiencies without increasing the risk of complications.