How does cod liver oil affect blood and cardiac health? What benefits can you expect from taking this marine oil?

Here's a look at cod liver oil studies and its effects on your blood and heart.

Recent studies on cod liver oil, blood triglyceride levels and cardiac health show the following benefits:

• Cod liver oil reduces your risk for heart attacks and strokes.
• Cod liver oil increases healthy cholesterol levels.
• Cod liver oil lowers triglyceride levels.

These are all good things for keeping your heart going strong for a vigorous and active lifestyle. Below is research showing the benefits of cod liver oil for heart health.

Studies find Cod Liver Oil improves Cholesterol and Heart Health

Researchers at a university hospital in Norway had a group of healthy men take 20 ml. per day of cod liver oil (about 4 teaspoons). After 3 weeks their HDL cholesterol and omega 3 fatty acid levels improved. The cod liver oil made their blood thinner, reducing their risk for heart attacks.

A similar study at The Science Institute at the University of Iceland involved a group of men that just had heart attacks. These men were instructed to take 20 ml. of cod liver oil every day for 6 week periods. One half of the group took cod liver oil for the first 6 weeks and then stopped treatment. The other half didn't start taking cod liver oil until 6 weeks after leaving the hospital.

Finding no difference in the timing of the cod liver oil, all men experienced increased blood levels of heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids. They also saw their triglyceride levels drop with no change in total cholesterol levels.

It appears taking cod liver oil improves the elasticity of your blood vessels and reduces plaque buildup. This improves how your blood vessels heal after any damage, reducing your risk for blood clots.

Studies show cod liver oil reduces triglyceride levels in your blood. All these benefits reduce your risk for heart attack and strokes.

Conclusions:

Research shows there are many benefits of cod liver oil on blood triglyceride levels and improving your heart's health:

• Increases your level of omega 3 fatty acids (helps fight inflammation).
• Reduces plaque buildup in your arteries.
• Decreases hardening of your blood vessels.
• Thins your blood reducing your risk for heart attack and strokes.
• Lowers your triglyceride levels.

Nowadays, some doctors suggest taking a daily aspirin to reduce your risk of heart attack and strokes. We're told that aspirin helps make our blood thinner, reducing our risk for blood clots. Now it appears we can say the same for cod liver oil's affects on cholesterol and other cardiovascular markers.

Evidence shows the benefits of cod liver oil on blood clotting risks and cardiovascular markers for good health. More research on optimal dosages, how long it can be taken for and if its effects wear off are needed. Nevertheless, this is an interesting topic and I'll share more research with you as I come across it.

Important Note:

Please consult your physician if you're taking cod liver oil for blood and heart matters. Cod liver oil can make your blood thinner and less likely to clot. This is important to know if you're taking medication for bleeding disorders, blood pressure or other heart-related conditions.

Research References:

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