There is really only one reason you would ever want to take fish oil….
If you want to be healthy!
Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that humans and other animals must ingest because the body requires them for good health but cannot synthesize them. The term “essential fatty acid” refers to fatty acids required for biological processes, and not those that only act as fuel.1
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that also carry with them significant health benefits.
In addition to their role in helping our heart and brains function properly, these fats also help protect our genetic material, therefore reducing damage associated with aging.2
So taking fish oil will actually negate early aging and help you live a longer more productive life.
And another…
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play a critical role in virtually every human function including growth and development, brain and nerve function, emotions and behavior, maintenance of skin and bones, regulation of healing and inflammation, cholesterol levels, digestion, heart function, immune function, and vision.3
So taking fish oil will help in virtually every marker of health and function of your body.
Hmmm, so is it worth it to take fish oil every day with all the evidence that is available? It is important enough for me that I buy it for all my kids and grandkids and encourage them to take it every day.
The only reason you would want to take fish oil every day for the rest of your life is because it is absolutely vital to your health.
- Robert S Goodhart, Maurice E Shils. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease 6th (1980)
- JAMA 2010;303(3):250-257
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000 71(1):171S-175S