Fish Oil Prevents Heart Diseases, Other Ailments

A Nutritionist, Hajiya Jummai Hassan, has said that fish oil is of immense benefit to the body as it prevents heart diseases and other ailments. Hajiya Hassan works with the Wuse General Hospital, Abuja.

She said individuals can get fish oil which is in the tissue of oily fish by taking fish oil supplements or eating oily fish.


Fish oil, Hassan said, is high in Omega 3 fatty acids, also known as the ‘good fats’ and low in ‘bad fats’ commonly found in red meat called Omega 6 fatty acids.

Studies have shown that consuming fish oil lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Fish oil also helps to build the immune system, thereby guarding the body against various diseases and infections. On account if this, fish has been reckoned to be ‘brain food’, by many people.

For the same reason, fish has been incorporated into the diet of people in the treatment of depression, anxiety, psychosis, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and other brain disorders.

“Fish oil is also used in the treatment of diabetics, asthma, kidney diseases and osteoporosis,” Hassan explained.

In addition, fish oil is highly recommended in pregnancy, as it helps to increase fertility, she said.

Studies have also shown that women sometimes use fish oil to prevent complications associated with pregnancy such as miscarriage, high blood pressure, late pregnancy and early delivery.

Fish oil is also given to babies, and traditional medicine recognises its benefits.

The nutritionist urged people to be careful while preparing the fish, in order not to destroy its nutritional value or negate its benefits, recommending steaming as the best method of cooking fish to preserve its properties

Some fishes that are high in Omega 3 fatty acid include mackerel, tuna, salmon, sardines, mullet, herring and anchovy.
(NAN)