When we were little kids, do you remember most mommies give their naughty children Seven Seas cod liver capsule to fight infections?
The cod liver capsule also got us Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins D and E, and better heart functioning. It means that Cod Liver Oil was as important as drinking milk or eating a high-nutrition diet.
Yet, how many of us know the vastness and extent of cod liver oil benefits?
The aim of this article is to share with you the goodness of cod oil so that you are aware of it and start including it as a dietary supplement.
Any idea what is cod liver oil extracted from? From the livers of Atlantic cod.
History of Cod Liver Intake:
Do you know, cod liver was first used in medicines in 1789 to treat rheumatism, and then in 1824 to treat rickets?
It was in the 1930s when it was frequently given to children to help prevent rickets and other conditions caused by the deficiency of vitamin D.
Fish oils are also extracted from the tissue of deep sea cold water fish, including cod, salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, and herring.
Bottom line – cod liver oil comes only from the livers of cod. Though it has less of omega-3 fatty acids than the regular fish oils, it has more of vitamins A and D.
Nutritional Benefits Of Cod Liver oil:
1 tsp of cod liver oil, weighing 4.5 gm, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) contains:
- Energy of 41 calories
- Vitamin A: 4,500 international units (IU)
- Vitamin D: 450 IU
- Saturated fatty acids: 1.017 g
- Monounsaturated fatty acids: 2.102 g
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 1.014 g
- Cholesterol: 26 milligrams (mg)
Now, over to the health benefits:
Health Benefits of Cod Liver oli:
In terms of nutrition, cod oil is an excellent source. It also has therapeutic properties.
Briefly, cod liver oil does the following:
- Relieves joint stiffness associated with arthritis
- Has a positive effect on cardiovascular health
- Helps repair damaged hair, teeth, nails, and skin.
There is not enough evidence to prove all these claims though.
Still, one cannot rule out the possible advantages and benefits of the cod liver oil. Let us go over them one by one.
1. The Right Fat:
There is not a single cell in our body that doesn’t need fat. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in cod liver oil, up the mineral and vitamin absorption, boost the immune system and promote skin health.
Though fats keep you feeling full, when you consume it, it helps your brain to function properly.
Eating healthy fats slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar. This stabilises the blood sugar levels.
2. Arthritis:
Those who suffer from arthritis can thank cod oil because it is a common supplement for those down with arthritis and joint pain. Marine oils, such as cod liver oil have been found to combat rheumatoid arthritis.
It is a known fact that fish oils when taken as supplements, reduce inflammation. This is why they cut down on pain and stiffness.
3. Macular Degeneration:
With increasing age, most individuals suffer from ailments of the eye. The omega-3 oils in cod liver oil work in favour of eye health and prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Cod liver oil is also high in carotenoids, which is needed to produce vitamin A.
4. Coronary Heart Disease:
A daily intake of cod liver oil can prevent coronary atherosclerosis. The oil has fatty acids, which act as antioxidants and provide protection against blood clots and plaque that might develop in the arteries.
5. Wound Repair:
According to a study on a mouse, published in 2009, topical application of a 25-percent cod liver oil ointment to ear wounds can stimulate and boost healing. The scientists feel that vitamin A could be the key component in this process.
Apart from the above, cod liver oil supplements are useful in tackling TB, inflammation, and maintaining good brain function in old age.
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Health Risks of Cod Liver:
I know it is difficult to believe or swallow the cod liver oil side effects, as there are some potential threats attached to cod liver oil.
According to a research published in the American Journal of Cardiology, high consumption of fish can lead to side effects because of environmental toxins in fish, such as mercury and other contaminants.
Also, too much of vitamin D from food sources can be the cause of weight loss, anorexia (lack or loss of appetite) and irregular heart rhythms, among other concerns. It can also lead to an excess of calcium in the blood, causing calcification of blood vessels and tissues. Kidney stones can also develop.
When Should You Take Cod Liver oil:
Cod oil supplements meet the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
But before starting on cod liver oil supplements, it is advisable to consult a doctor first. Avoid taking more than the recommended dose, without medical supervision.
Do bear in mind that the recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 4000 IU per day.
The Difference Between Cod Liver Oil And Fish Oil:
They are two different oils, even though both of them come from fish and have a similar fatty acid profile.
What is the difference between cod liver oil and fish oil?
Cod Liver Oil Vs Fish Oil:
Fish oil is extracted from the flesh of cod, tuna, herring, cod, and other deep-sea oily fish species. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids but doesn’t have much of vitamin A or D.
Cod liver oil comes from the liver of the cod fish. And the difference is that cod liver oil has less of omega-3 but is very rich in vitamins A and D. In fact, cod liver oil was routinely given to children in the 1960s. Why? Because it was a good source of vitamin D in northern Europe, where sunlight is not much during their long winter span.
In winters, the intake of cod liver oil rises because many people tend to stay indoors owing to the winter chill, which deprives them of vitamin D. When it is summer time, they switch back to fish oil so that they don’t consume excess vitamin D.
Now you know when you should take cod liver oil and fish oil.
Hope this article educated you amply about the cod liver oil benefits and side effects. Do you take cod liver oil? Why? Tell us your experience with the health benefits of cod oil.