What is it about fish that is supposed to be so healthy for you?

Question

I keep hearing all these reports about how you are supposed to eat fish and it's supposed to be so good for you. What exactly is it about fish that makes it so healthy? I know it's supposed to be good for upping your LDL cholesterol, but what makes it be that way? The reason I ask is because my wife can't STAND fish (cooking, raw, touching, eating, anything about it = BARF) but we both know we should be eating more. Are there supplements that we can take that would give us the beneficial parts minus the fish (for my wife) and the mercury (that's my main concern)?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Fish is a good source of omega 3 and 6. If you cannot stomach fish (like myself, except tuna) then I would run to your local health food store and get fish oil capsules.

Here are the benefits of omega 3's and 6's in my report. Keep in mind this is a report about supplements in bodybuilding, so I am promoting omega 3's more than omega 6 since they help an anthlete more, but they both should be taken.

There are fifty ingredients that our bodies need two of them our bodies cannot produce. I will be talking about one of them, essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are important to the bodybuilder since they play a major role in hormone synthesis. Omega 3, which is a polyunsaturated fat, is an essential fatty acid. Omega 3 is a main component comprised of LNA (Alpha Linolenic Acid). The human body needs LNA for survival, however, the human body cannot produce it. Therefore, people need to supplement with it. A twenty-five year study done on 1,800 people that lived in the Greenland Eskimos showed that they did not have as many diseases, such as diabetes and asthma, as most people in other places do. This is because their diets are rich in EPA and DHEA from fish which is omega 3. Good sources of EPA and DHEA are fresh and cold water fish such as sardines, trout, salmon, eel, and mackerel. Diets high in EPA and DHEA have shown to decrease total cholesterol levels and can also reduce cancer, more specifically colon and breast cancer. Omega 3’s help reduce kidney diseases and they can help control kidney function loss. Omega 3 is shown to increase insulin sensitivities which promotes a greater anabolic response and makes the fat burning ability greater. A test was conducted on rats where the rats where given high doses of omega 6’s which is a counterpart of omega 3. The rats’ insulin sensitivity was poor in the end. Then the same rats where given high doses of omega 3’s and their insulin sensitivities eventually went back to normal. Another study was done where half of the rats calories came from cod liver oil (which is high in omega 3) the result was a greater insulin sensitivity level. Their was also a study done on diabetics with omega 3. They were given three grams of omega 3’s daily over eight weeks and they shoed enhanced insulin sensitivity and lowered plasma triglyceride levels. Omega 3 also helps the nervous system, vision, and brain functions. Bodybuilders exert a lot of pressure on their joints on a daily basis. Omega 3’s have shown to help sooth aching joints. A study on people with arthritis was done and showed significant reduction in pain. Omega 3’s have been shown to help reduce skin inflammation, disease, and increase skin perfection by keeping the skin blood flow.
Sources of Omega 3:
• Flax Seed Oil – 58%
• Fish - 31%
• Fish Oil Capsules - >25%
• Dark Leafy Greens - >20%
Omega 3’s have been also linked to making platelets thicker which makes blood clotting easier. If a person is deficient, they will suffer with impaired vision, weakness, mood swings, dry skin, and much more.
Omega 6’s are also polyunsaturated fats and its min component is Linolenic Acid (LA), it is the second essential fatty acid. Omega 6’s help promote cardiovascular health, they help lower blood pressure. Joint inflammation is also reduced. Omega 6 helps lower cholesterol, increase fat oxidation, stimulate the nervous system, and increase the usage of fatty acids for energy.
• Sources of Omega 6:
• Flax Seed Oil – 14%
• Natural Peanut Butter – 30%
• Grapes – 71%
A person that is deficient in omega 6 generally has inflammatory skin, growth retardation, poor wound healing, and poor immune system.
Essential fatty acids are delicate. When exposed to heat, the chemical makeup can change, thus making its benefit less. If they are exposed to the air too long, they can then become spoiled oils which are toxic and harmful to your body. If they are in the light too long, they can also become toxic. There is no set ratio for omega 3 to omega 6, it all depends on the individuals goals. Around ten percent of a persons calories should come from essential fatty acids. An athlete should consume more omega 3’s than omega 6’s only because omega 3’s have more benefits to an athlete.

Answer 2

By replacing the red meat with a fish is double good thing to do. The fish has Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that are good for LDL, and your heart. But it also helps by removing fatty deposits on your liver and thins your blood.

So the fish is good for:

1) Your heart
2) Your liver
3) Helps to increase your good cholesterol
4) Good for circulation (blood thinner)

You can purchase one pill at Walgreens that has both Omega 3 and 6. If you add this to your diet, always tell your doctor. If you drink wine, it also thins your blood, so tell your doctor about that also.

Answer 3

Shrimp are high in cholesterol. For high blood pressure avoid processed foods (anything that comes premade ex. boxed or canned or isn't natural ex. lunchmeat) all are high in sodium. Get regular exercise (walk 20 min each day). Don't smoke or take hormones(birth control or hormone replacement) Another thing to consider is do you snore? If yes you may have sleep apnea ask your dr about a sleep study. Apnea can raise your blood pressure because your body doesn't fully recover at night.

Answer 4

It's the omega 3 fatty oils. You can get supplements at any local health food or vitamin store.

Answer 5

omega 3s are not only beneficial to your heart, some studies suggest they're also good for: your brain, depression, bipolar disorder, other psychological disorders, healthy skin & hair, & autism.

there are supplements. your safest bet is to ask your doctor and pharmacist what they would recommend.

Answer 6

Fish oil pills might help, but there are fish out there that aren't so "barf"

Answer 7

omega 3 &6 protects the heart

Answer 8

Any Vitamins with Vitamin E, or "Fish Oil" in them is highly beneficial and will give you the same benefits.

And don't worry about the mercury - the fish was dead already when it was made into the "Fish Oil"!

roflmao!

Answer 9

For one it isn't red meat. (don't get me started on red meat) Ever hear the one about the blind fisherman and the Pastors wife that greeted him on the street?