benefits of cod liver oil, better blood flow, night vision, strong bones and teeth, healthy skin etc.

COD LIVER OIL

Cod Liver Oil 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 rigor 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.

Cod Liver Oil contains vitamin A, which is essential for the immune system, bone growth, night vision, cellular growth, testicular and ovarian function. It also contains vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption and utilization of calcium and potassium, both of which are required for skeletal growth. Cod liver oil also contains 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.

Benefits

Cod liver oil is beneficial in a number of ways. Some of them include:

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 favorable way and reduces the viscosity of blood, thereby facilitating blood flow.

Bones and Teeth—Both 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—Cod Liver Oil 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 fetus.

Arthritis—Improvements in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis have been reported in patients taking fish oil supplements.

Not mentioned above, cod liver once thought to reduce the wear down of cartilage, has been proven to actually aid in the formation of new cartilage.