Last Updated on February 7, 2021
Cod liver oil is an interesting type of oil found in the liver of codfish (as the name itself implies). This oil is mostly consumed in the form of cod liver capsules. Being a fish oil, cod liver oil consists of high omega-3 fatty acids content, which is known to be found in oily fish, like herring, mackerel, salmon, or tuna. But that’s not all! Cod liver oil is also an amazing source of both vitamins A and D – two vital nutrients for our organism. That’s why it’s an incredibly popular dietary supplement in the Nordic countries, where a large part of the population needs to restore their vitamin D levels due to the lack of sunlight in that part of the globe. Nevertheless, people from all other parts of the world could also benefit from this incredible product. Here are some of the most amazing cod liver oil benefits that might convince you to include this supplement in your diet.
6. Improve joints and bone health
Bones and joints are the two body parts that suffer most from the aging process. The high incidence of diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis among the elderly proves this fact and emphasizes the need to keep the bones and joints in good shape as we age. Well, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids might do just that. That’s why cod liver oil can be the perfect option to improve both joints and bone health. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for bone strength, especially when combined with the recommended intake of calcium since it helps the body absorb calcium from the gut more efficiently. It can also reduce and delay the bone mass loss that occurs naturally with aging. On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce joint inflammation and protect them from serious damage. A cod liver oil supplement can also help those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis improve uncomfortable symptoms, including joint stiffness and swelling.
5. Improve eye health
There is a clear link between vitamin A deficiency and eye disease. An observational study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology back in 2012 concluded that vitamin A intake can be crucial to prevent glaucoma, a condition that affects the eye’s optic nerve and causes vision loss – it is actually the most common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The combination of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids provided by cod liver oil can help reduce the chronic inflammation that usually leads to glaucoma and other fairly common conditions like age-related macular degeneration.
