Cod liver oil

Cod liver oil is an oil extracted from cod livers. Once commonly given to children daily as a nutritional supplement, it is rarely given today, probably because of ignorance. Cod liver oil is a significant source of supplemental vitamin A and D. Scientists are rediscovering that it wasn't just the vitamins in cod liver oil that are healthy, but they say essential fatty acids found in fish oils (such as omega-3) also helps fight and prevent heart disease, cancer, depression, Alzheimer's, arthritis, diabetes, ulcers, hyperactivity and many other diseases. Increases your energy level and ability to concentrate. Provides greater resistance to common illnesses such as flu and cold. Helps pregnant women avoid premature births, low birth weight and other complications.

Americans consume a dangerously insufficient amount of Omega-3. While a helpful form of Omega-3 can be found in flaxseed, walnuts and a few other foods, the most beneficial form of Omega-3 -- containing two fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that are essential to fighting and preventing both physical and mental disease -- can only be found in fish. Meanwhile, our intake of Omega-6, another fat found in corn, soy, sunflower and other oils, is far too high. The ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 should be 1:1, but the typical American's ratio ranges from 20:1 to 50:1! This lack of Omega-3 in our diets is a primary reason behind many of the diseases Americans face, and our shorter lifespan in relation to many other "first world" countries such as Japan or Greece.[1]

Supplementing ones diet with high quality fish or cod liver oils daily is becoming more popular due to its health benefits. For example Scientists in the UK are pushing for cod liver oil supplementation in schools[2] and Kellogg signed a 15-year agreement with Martek Biosciences to provide omega-3 fatty acids for its cereals and cookie products, perhaps by next year.[3]

For people who tend to eat a lot of fish regularly you may not need to take supplemental fish oil, but bear in mind the majority of fish are contaminated with mercury (a highly toxic liquid metal) due to pollution, and all farm raised fish have compromised levels of omega fatty acids (more omega 6 than omega 3) due too their unnatural diets. [4]

Cod liver oil and fish oils are similar but not the same. Cod liver oil is extracted from cod liver. Fish oils are extracted from the tissues (flesh) of fatty fish like salmon and herring and are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. Fish oils usually contain very little vitamin A and D, but cod liver oil does contain some EPA and DHA. However, you would probably exceed the recommended daily intake of vitamins A and D if you were to try to obtain therapeutic amounts of EPA and DHA from cod liver oil if you also spend a lot of time in the sun. So good practice is to take cod liver oil during the winter, and fish oil during the summer.[5]

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