Contra-indications/Precautions
It first became established in the
fishing communities of Scotland, Iceland, Norway and Greenland several
centuries ago where they used it to protect themselves against the rigour in
the intense cold that they were exposed to.
Our grandparents are fond of telling stories of taking their daily dose
of Cod Liver Oil (CLO) to relieve such complaints as rheumatism, aching muscles
and stiff joints. During the 1890s, it
was commonly used to treat rickets, which affected nine out of ten malnourished
children. In the 1950s, more research
was carried out into the essential fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic
Acid (DHA) contained in Cod Liver Oil and other oily fish. This research has led to the modern view of
Cod Liver Oil as not only beneficial in such conditions as rheumatism, but also
as a benefit to the heart and circulatory system. This is now probably one of the biggest selling supplements in
Europe.
Blood flow – may be aided by EPA and DHA, discouraging blood
platelets from sticking together.
Blood pressure – EPA and DHA may help reduce this.
Coronary Heart Disease – risk may be reduced if regular intakes are given. Research has shown that it reduces the
likelihood of blood clotting, makes the heart less prone to arrhythmias
(irregular heart beats). It alters the balance
of blood fats in a favourable way and reduces the viscosity of blood, thereby
faciliting blood flow.
Bones and Teeth – require vitamin D to maintain their strength. Cod Liver Oil is a good source of vitamin D.
Vision – Vitamin A is essential for the formation of visual
purple (for night vision).
Healthy Skin and Mucous
Membranes – CLO is rich in Vitamin A, the
large amount present is beneficial for skin and mucous membranes.
Pregnancy – Omega 3 fatty acids are important for the brain
development of the foetus.
Arthritis – Improvements in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
have been reported in patients taking fish oil supplements.
Cod Liver Oil contains:-
Vitamin A, which is essential for
the immune system, bone growth, night vision, cellular growth, testicular and
ovarian function.
Vitamin D, which is essential for
the absorption and utilisation of calcium and potassium, which are required for
skeletal growth.
EPA and DHA, omega 3 fatty acids,
which are converted in the body to produce prostaglandins that affect a wide
variety of physiological processes due to their modulating effect on the action
of hormones. It is thought that EPA and
DHA may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. DHA seems essential for normal brain development in unborn
babies.
Cod Live Oil is probably best
avoided by pregnant women, asthmatics, diabetics and people taking
anti-coagulants, such as Warfarin.
Fish oils can cause nausea when taken initially. It can be lessoned taking them with meals.
Further Reading:-
Articles:
What is Cardiovascular Disease?