When I was a school-going kid, my grandfather used to give me Cod Liver Oil Capsule daily. I never knew why did so? But, now that I am a mother of a child myself, I give my son a capsule of Cod Liver Oil too. Perhaps, because now I know the health benefits of cod liver oil.
Cod liver oil is a rich source of nutrients required by children and adults alike. Children, who consume this oil in any form are at a lesser risk of suffering from vitamin D deficiency disease called rickets. Besides, this oil is super-rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is considered a superfood for your heart health. Let us dig deeper to understand a lot more about cod liver oil benefits along with cod liver oil side effects.
What is Cod Liver Oil?
Cod liver oil, as the name suggests is an oil found in the liver of the codfish. It is a dense and nutritious oil that is good to be taken as a dietary supplement. Both kids and adults can take cod liver oil supplements for good health. Cod liver oil boasts of being one of the richest sources of Omega-3 Fatty acids like DHA and EPA. Besides, it has a high concentration of Vitamin A and D. Consuming cod liver oil as a dietary supplement is good for health in multiple ways.Cod Liver Oil - Nutritional Fact Sheet:
Cod liver oil is good for health, but how? The following nutritional fact sheet about cod liver oil will make things clearer. Listed below is the nutrition found in 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil:- Calories – 42
- Omega- 3 Fatty Acids – 900 mg
- Fat – 4.5 g
- Vitamin D – 115% of the daily requirement
- Vitamin A – 90% of the daily requirement
- Monounsaturated Fat – 2 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat – 1 g
- Saturated Fat – 1 g
Cod Liver Oil Benefits
1. Shoots Up Immunity
The best cod liver oil benefit is that it helps to boost immunity. Rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, cod liver oil helps to reduce free radical damage and keeps one immunity strong.2. Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Cod liver oil is also rich in Vitamin D. Due to this high content of Vitamin D, it helps to prevent the risk of growing cancer cells in the body. It is, therefore, clear that cod liver oil helps to prevent cancer.3. Reduces Chances of Respiratory Infections
When talking about the numerous cod liver oil benefits, note it is good for preventing respiratory infections. Some studies revealed that cod liver oil helps to diminish the chances of getting respiratory illness by up to 55%.4. Good for Eyes
Another surprising benefit of cod liver oil is for your eyes. Rich in Vitamin A, cod liver oil helps to keep the eyes healthy by eliminating viruses, and bacteria to enter the surface of the eyes. This reduces the risk of eye infections.5. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Full of healthy fats, cod liver oil helps to combat diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels and control insulin resistance too. Thereby, it helps to control diabetes.6. Good for your Heart
At the same time, cod liver oil is beneficial for your heart health too. It contains a high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help to keep cardiac diseases at bay.7. Prevents Anxiety
Another study conducted in the year 2007, revealed that cod liver oil helps to prevent anxiety disorders. People suffering from depression may expect a lot of relief by consuming cod liver oil supplements.8. Good for Bone Health
Being a rich source of Vitamin D, cod liver oil is good for your bone health. Give it to your kids for healthy and strong bones. Taking cod liver oil supplements also prevents the risk of suffering from osteoarthritis.9. Reduces Inflammation
Those suffering from chronic inflammation can expect a lot of relief by consuming cod liver oil. The omega-3 fatty acids present in this fish oil help to suppress inflammation. The nutrients found in this oil help to neutralize harmful free radicals and relieve inflammation.10. Heals Gut and Stomach Ulcers
Cod liver oil is also beneficial in treating stomach and gut ulcers. An appropriate dose of cod liver oil helps to heal these ulcers caused by inflammation. Since cod liver oil relieves inflammation, it helps heal ulcers too.Cod Liver Oil Side Effects:
Although, cod liver oil is very good for your health, some people may experience some side effects consuming it. Some side effects that one may experience by consuming cod liver oil are:- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach Ache
- Upset Stomach
- Change in the color of the stool
