Cod Liver Oil Benefits
laurel on September 10th, 2010
What are the benefits of Cod Liver Oil?
The benefits of Cod Liver Oil cover a broad range of health and well being topics. Cod Liver Oil can help with skin, joint, and heart health as well as advance cognitive functioning and reduce the symptoms associated with depression. Cod Liver Oil has also been connected to the ease of pain caused by arthritis.
Also, it can be considered a great source for Vitamin A and D and Omega-3 fatty acids. Cod Liver Oil has the highest natural amount of Vitamin A and D, per weight, than any other food. Both of these essential vitamins are important to our diets and allow us to build and maintain healthy bones. The benefits are vast; however, it is always important to talk to your doctor about adding Cod Liver Oil to your diet.
Can I overdose of Cod Liver Oil?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on Vitamin D and Vitamin A; however, it is not extremely common. During the summer months, usually a person is able to obtain their needed amount of Vitamin D from sun exposure alone. It usually only takes about 30 minutes of direct sun exposure for a person to get enough Vitamin D. Adding Cod Liver Oil supplement during the winter months can help the body get the needed about of Vitamin D. However, increasing the amount of Cod Liver Oil consumed can put your level of Vitamin A too high. If a person is out in the sun a substantial about of time plus taking a Vitamin D supplement, it is possible for your body to have too high about of Vitamin D. Since, Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, the excess Vitamin D is unable to leave the body and ends up being stored in the liver and fatty tissues. Systems of a Vitamin D overdose can be constipation, vomiting and nausea but the only way to tell if your levels of Vitamin D are too high is to see your doctor.
Does Cod Liver Oil contain a sufficient about of Vitamin D?
Yes, Cod Liver Oil has a very high about of Vitamin D. Your body needs Vitamin D in order to allow your body to metabolize calcium and phosphorus. It takes about 30 minutes of direct sun light for the human body to create the needed about of Vitamin D; however, one teaspoon of high quality Cod Liver Oil can deliver the same amount of Vitamin D.
What are the benefits of Cod Liver Oil?
Cod Liver Oil is an important supplement that can be added to a diet. It supplies a high level of Omega 3 Fatty Acid plus high levels of vitamin D and A. Omega 3 Fatty Acid is used to help balance out our unhealthy American diet. Omega 3 helps counter act the abnormally high levels of Omega 6 and Omega 9 Fatty Acids found in our current diets. Some people refer to Omega 3 as “healthy” fats. Omega 3 Fatty Acid are poly-unsaturated fatty acids. The current amount of Omega 3 Fatty Acid in the diet can help lower high cholesterol, increase good cholesterol and help prevent blood clotting. There are also links between a protein found in Omega 3 Fatty Acid and Alzheimer’s.
Cod Liver Oil contains a sufficient amount of Vitamin A. Vitamin A can be linked to healthy teeth and healthy bones. It is a fat soluble vitamin. It is possible to have too much or too little of vitamin A in a standard diet, so it is very important to consult your doctor before adding a vitamin A supplement.
What is the difference between Fish Oil and Cod Liver Oil?
It differs from Fish Oil in regards to the vitamin D that can be found in Cod Liver Oil. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is used to maintain healthy joints and bones. The body naturally produces vitamin D; however, the body needs to have a certain level of sunshine exposure to produce the amount of vitamin D required. Some people believe that you should use Cod Liver Oil in the winter months, when direct natural sunlight is harder to come by and to use Fish Oil during the summer month, to avoid over doing the amount of vitamin D. However, other studies have shown it is not necessary to alternation based on your diet and your doctors recommendations.
Can I overdose of Cod Liver Oil?
Yes! It is possible to have too much vitamin D in your diet. This can happen when someone has a lot of natural sun exposure plus consumes a diet with foods (Cod Liver Oil, Margarine and Butter) that also contain a large amount of vitamin D. Symptoms of a vitamin D overdose are constipation, nausea and can lead to weakness and painful joints.
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