Cod liver oil is a dietary supplement rich in vitamin D, an essential nutrient for improving the absorption and maintenance of calcium levels in the blood, strengthening bones and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis, falls and fractures.
In addition, cod liver oil is also rich in omega 3, a healthy fat that helps strengthen the immune system, fight free radicals and reduce inflammation, helping to prevent Alzheimer’s, stroke and heart attack. Discover other foods rich in omega 3.
Cod oil is usually sold in pharmacies or health food stores, in the form of pills or syrup. However, this oil should only be used under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist, as excessive ingestion can cause symptoms such as peeling skin, bleeding, headache, or nausea.
For all its components and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, consumption of cod oil can be used to:
1. Prevent cardiovascular disease
Cod liver oil has great amounts of omega 3, a healthy fat with anti-inflammatory properties, promoting good functioning of the arteries and preventing diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke.
In addition, the omega 3 present in cod oil also has an antioxidant function, which helps to prevent the oxidation of fat cells, balancing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, and preventing heart attacks and heart failure.
2. Strengthen bones
Because it is rich in vitamin D, cod liver oil helps to improve the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which helps balance the levels of these minerals in the body, strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis. See list with other foods rich in vitamin D.
In addition, vitamin D, present in optimal amounts in cod liver oil, participates in the formation and maintenance of muscle mass, helping to preserve strength and prevent falls and fractures.
3. Prevent premature aging
Cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A, a nutrient with antioxidant properties that fight excess free radicals, one of those responsible for damage to skin cells, preventing sagging and the formation of wrinkles.
Because it is rich in omega 3, a healthy fat that helps maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier, cod liver oil also helps to slow down water loss, promoting skin hydration, elasticity and smoothness.
4. Helping to prevent cancer
Because it is rich in vitamin A, D and omega 3, nutrients with excellent antioxidant action, cod liver oil helps fight free radicals, which are mainly responsible for damage to healthy cells, helping to prevent some types of cancer.
5. Preserve mental health
Cod liver oil is rich in omega 3, a fat with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, protecting the cells of the central nervous system, helping to treat anxiety and depression.
In addition, cod liver oil contains large amounts of vitamin A and omega 3, compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which protect the cells of the central nervous system against inflammation and free radicals, helping to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s .
6. Avoid diabetes
Because it contains omega 3, vitamin A and vitamin D, nutrients with important antioxidant action, cod liver oil strengthens and protects the cells of the pancreas against free radicals, improving the action of the hormone insulin and preventing insulin resistance and diabetes .
7. Assist in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Cod liver oil is rich in omega 3, a nutrient with potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating action, which helps to strengthen the immune system and fight inflammation, thus helping to treat rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease where the body it produces antibodies that attack healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation in the hands, feet, wrists and knees. Understand better what it is and how to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
nutrition information table
The table below contains the nutritional information of 13.6g, which corresponds to 1 tablespoon, of cod liver oil:
|
Components |
Quantity per 13.6 g (1 tablespoon) of cod liver oil |
|---|---|
|
Energy |
123 calories |
|
Protein |
0 g |
|
Carbohydrates |
0 g |
|
Fat |
13.6 g |
|
Vitamin A |
1080 mcg |
|
D vitamin |
34 mcg |
|
Omega 3 |
2.9 g |
It is important to remember that to obtain the benefits of cod liver oil consumption, it is also essential to maintain a healthy diet, associated with regular physical exercise.
how to consume
Cod liver oil can be consumed in the form of capsules for adults, being generally indicated the intake of 1000 mg per day, preferably with meals.
On the other hand, cod liver oil syrup is generally indicated for children, with the ingestion of 1 to 2 teaspoons daily with breakfast or lunch being recommended.
However, the dosage and form of consumption of this supplement varies according to goals, current health status and individual nutritional needs. Therefore, it is recommended that cod liver oil supplementation be done only under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.
Possible side effects
Consumption of cod liver oil can cause some simple side effects such as dry skin, headache, nausea, metallic taste, stomach pain. In addition, the use of this supplement can also cause some more serious reactions, such as itchy and red skin, dark colored urine, yellow skin and eyes, or bleeding.
who can’t use
People who use medication to control diabetes should only consume cod liver oil with a doctor’s supervision, as this supplement can interact with the medication, causing hypoglycemia.
In addition, cod liver oil supplements may interfere with the action of anticoagulant medications, in which case, the supplement should only be used under the supervision of a physician.
Cod liver oil is not suitable for women who are breastfeeding or who are pregnant, as excessive intake of vitamin A can increase the risk of miscarriage and malformations in the baby’s central nervous system and heart.
