Several research and studies have been conducted to find out whether fish oil capsules can really help reduce weight. Find out how fish oil can help shed those extra kilos, if it is combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Fish oil is the oil derived from oily fish like mackerel, tuna, and sardines. It is considered to be an important dietary source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are basically known for their immense health benefits. These fatty acids can help reduce the risk of certain life-threatening health conditions like heart disease.
There are basically three types of essential fatty acids – alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). While nuts and some vegetable oils like canola, soybean oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil contain alpha-linolenic acid, fish oil is known to provide the other two types of essential fatty acids, i.e., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Can Fish Oil Reduce Weight?
The consumption of excess fats is believed to be associated with weight gain and obesity. Therefore, anyone who wants to lose weight tries to cut down the amount of oil and fats in the diet. However, it is the harmful fat, which can cause several health complications, including heart disease and excessive weight gain. On the other hand, the essential fatty acids are important for human health. They are usually not associated with obesity. Instead, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help reduce weight.
Some studies have pointed out that the DHA found in this oil can help burn more fats, which in turn, can help reduce weight rapidly. It can also improve the effectiveness of aerobic exercises by activating the enzymes that burn fats. Some studies have pointed out that if combined with aerobic exercises, the fatty acids found in fish can increase the rate of metabolism.
It is also believed that the essential fatty acids found in fish can help control appetite, and thus reduce the total calorie intake. This can prove immensely helpful for people who fail to lose weight even after exercising regularly, mainly due to their large appetite. Another theory suggests that fish oil can increase the elasticity of the blood vessels, and promote the circulation of blood to the muscles while exercising. According to this theory, this oil can speed up the process of losing fat, by increasing the delivery of lipolytic stimuli to the fat cells.
Other Benefits
The essential fatty acids found in fish are also known to provide protection against heart disease and strokes, and lower the risk of certain types of cancer. They can help regulate the level of cholesterol in the body, and reduce the risk of developing some complications during pregnancy, such as low birth weight and premature delivery.
If taken during pregnancy, fish oil can promote the brain development, and reduce the incidence of allergies in babies. Apart from these, it can strengthen the immune system, improve vision, and may help reduce the joint inflammation associated with arthritis and rheumatism. It can also provide relief in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, depression, eye disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
It should be kept in mind that, fish oil alone may not be very effective in stimulating the fat burning process, if it is not supplemented by other weight-loss measures, like regular physical activity and a reduction in total calorie intake. Again, an overdose of fish oil supplements can cause certain side effects, like stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn. Sometimes, its excessive intake can also impair the absorption of certain essential vitamins, like vitamin A, D, E, and K. So, it is very important to take such supplements only in the appropriate dosage. So, be sure to consult a physician before using any kind of supplementation.
