Effects of Cod Liver Oil on Blood and Heart Health
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:
- Reduces your risk for heart attacks and strokes.
- Increases healthy cholesterol levels.
- 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.
Cod Liver Oil Studies and Research
Norway - Researchers at a university hospital 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.
The Science Institute at the University of Iceland conducted a similar study except this one involved a group of men that just had heart attacks. The 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 hosptial.
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. Aspirin helps make your blood thinner, reducing your risk for blood clots. Cod liver oil may offer similar effects.
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 it's 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:
Influence of dietary cod liver oil on fatty acid composition of plasma lipids in human male subjects after myocardial infarction. Journal of Internal Medicine. 1990 Dec;228(6):563-B, Skuladottir GV, Gudmundsdottir E, Olafsdottir E, Gudmundsson TV, Hardarson T, Kristinsson A, Asvaldsdottir H, Snorrason SP, Gudbjarnason S. Science Institute, University of Iceland, Reykjavik
The effect of cod liver oil in two populations with low and high intake of dietary fish. Acta Medica Scandinavica. 1988;223(6):491-8, Simonsen T, Nordoy A, Sjunneskog C, Lyngmo V. Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Tromso, Norway.
The effect of cod liver oil and corn oil on platelets and vessel wall in man. Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 1981 Oct;46(3):604-11, Brox JH, Killie JE, Gunnes S, Nordoy A.
Clinical application of omega-3-fatty acids (cod-liver oil). Klinicheskaia Meditsina (Mosk). 2005;83(10):51-7
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