10 Impressive Health Benefits of Salmon Oil

Ten impressive health benefits of salmon oil include:

1. Helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels: Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon oil help increase high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol levels and decrease low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Healthy blood cholesterol levels help ensure healthy blood flow, thereby ensuring the health and functioning of vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys.
2. Lowers inflammation: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. Long-term or chronic inflammation is associated with health conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The anti-inflammatory action of omega-3 fatty acids may be achieved through various mechanisms including a decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) and free-radical scavenging activities.
3. Good for cardiovascular health: Studies suggest that salmon oil improves the health of blood vessels and the heart through various mechanisms. It reduces the likelihood of plaque buildup in the walls of blood vessels, which may lead to cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Moreover, salmon oil may help regulate blood pressure levels, thereby ensuring a healthy cardiovascular system.
4. Helps provide healthy hair, skin, and nails: Essential fatty acids, vitamin A, and B vitamins in salmon help improve the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Besides the consumption of salmon oil, the topical application may help soothe your skin and scalp. Additionally, it may help improve the strength of your nail cuticles.
5. Helps promote brain health: Studies report that salmon oil helps protect the brain cells against oxidative damage and boosts cell repair. This may protect against neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. 
6. May improve eye health: Studies have suggested the beneficial roles of salmon oil for eye health. A high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids is seen in the retina of the eyes. These fats protect the eyes against diseases such as macular degeneration (age-related and myopia-related). They may protect against cataracts and glaucoma.
7. May lower cancer risk: Although the research is inconclusive, many studies have suggested the protective roles of salmon oil against certain types of cancer such as colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. This may be because salmon oil helps prevent cellular oxidative damage and promotes cell repair that helps eliminate abnormal cells, lowering the risk of cancer.
8. May provide relief from arthritis: Salmon oil consumption helps reduce the inflammatory signs and symptoms such as joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis. According to studies, the application of salmon oil may particularly provide relief in rheumatoid arthritis. 
9. Helps improve reproductive health: Studies suggest that salmon oil may improve fertility in both men and women. It may help improve sperm counts and egg quality, increase the likelihood of getting pregnant, and improve fetal health and pregnancy outcomes. In addition, salmon oil is suggested to improve menstrual symptoms such as abdominal cramps.
10. Good for the gut: Studies suggest the beneficial role of salmon oil for the gut. It has been found to improve the health of gut flora, which plays a huge role in nutrient absorption and immunity. According to some studies, salmon oil may help manage inflammatory bowel disease.

Salmon oil is generally available in liquid forms and soft gel capsules. The dose may vary depending on your:

• general health,
• age,
• dietary habits, and
• purpose of using the supplement.

Prefer buying salmon oil supplements that have both eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.

Your doctor may guide you about the dosage you may need although generally up to one gram a day of salmon oil supplement is considered safe for most healthy adults. These supplements are not advised in children younger than 18 years.

When consumed under medical guidance, salmon oil supplements are generally safe.

Avoid consuming more than three grams of oil each day. Higher amounts typically cause side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea 

Salmon oil supplements may not be safe for people with seafood allergies. People on blood thinning medications may avoid these supplements unless suggested by their doctor.

There is a likelihood of heavy metal contamination in fish oil supplements. Hence, it is advisable to buy them from a reputable brand with preferably a third-party certification to support the safety and authenticity.

Fish oils often cause bloating, gastric distress, and a fishy odor in some people, thus their use must be limited.