Fish Oil Supplements: Benefits, Omega-3 & Heart Health

Fish oil is commonly taken as a nutritional supplement in gelcap form, similar to multivitamins. Fish oil is believed to have numerous health benefits stemming from the healthy fats it contains.

Purpose

• Fish oil supplements are high in omega-3 fatty acid, which is an essential dietary fat that the body cannot produce on its own. Omega-3 is lacking in many people's diets.

Heart Health

• Fish oil has been shown to lower the level of LDL or "bad cholesterol" in the blood and is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Muscles and Joints

• High levels of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce joint inflammation and recovery time after exertion and help maintain ligaments and tendons.

Appearance

• Fish oil supplements may help keep skin from drying out and keep the hair looking shiny and healthy.

Other Benefits

• According to the Mayo Clinic, fish oil may help reduce the impact of asthma, arthritis, depression and high blood pressure.