The cod fish oil, which is also known as cod liver oil, is extracted from the liver of cod fishes. There are three species of cod fish. These are Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), and Greenland cod (Gadus ogac). The oil from the livers of these aquatic species has been discovered to contain substances that are beneficial to health. The healthful substances from cod fish oil are omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins. Here are the benefits that can be received from these healthful substances.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Some fatty acids are beneficial while others are dangerous to health. The dangerous ones are saturated fats. Various research studies have linked the high intake of saturated fats to high risk of heart diseases. The beneficial fatty acids are the unsaturated fats. The Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats. The most common ones found in cod fish oil are the EPA and the DHA.

* EPA - The EPA acronym stands for eicosapentaenoic acid. The cod fishes do not produce EPA but they consume algae, the most abundant source of EPA. The EPA ends up in the liver, which is extracted as part of cod fish oil. According to a research supported by the National Institutes of Health, the EPA exhibits anti-inflammation abilities. This fatty acid can be used to counteract illnesses that involved inflammation, such as arthritis, asthma, and ulcer. In another study that was published in the journal of Biological Psychiatry, the intake of EPA has been found to fight depression and suicidal tendencies. This is why Omega-3 fatty acids are considered as enhancers of positive moods.

* DHA - The DHA acronym stands for docosahexaenoic acid. Similar to EPA, the DHA is abundant in algae, which are the staple food of cod fishes. In research trials, DHA has been found to reduce the risk of cancer, particularly colon cancer. DHA is also potent in the brain and the central nervous system. Diets that are high in DHA can enhance cognitive abilities. On the other hand, the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease have very low levels of DHA.

Vitamins

Vitamins, in general, are important because they help regulate bodily functions and support body metabolism. A deficiency in certain vitamins will lead to specific illnesses. For example, a deficiency in vitamin A leads to night blindness. A deficiency in vitamin D leads to rickets, a developmental disease of the bone. The vitamins A and D, along with vitamin E, are abundant in cod fish oil.

* Vitamin A - In the liver of cod fishes, this in a form called retinol. In the retina, the vitamin A encourages the formation of a chemical called Rhodopsin. This chemical is crucial in letting the eyes see things at night. In skin, vitamin A reduces the production of sebum, which is the food of bacteria. This is how this vitamin helps maintain healthy looking skin.

* Vitamin D - The precursor of this vitamin is found on the skin but with insufficient exposure to sunlight, vitamin D may not be formed. A supplement of vitamin D from cod fish oil will be useful. This vitamin is needed for the formation of health bones. In several researches, it has been discovered to help destroy cancer cells.

* Vitamin E - This vitamin is a powerful anti-oxidant. It scouts and deactivates the harmful free radicals, carcinogens, and mutagens. This is why the vitamin is viewed as anti-aging.