Why is cod liver oil important for your body?

While it might not sound appealing, cod liver oil is used widely as a key source of vitamin A, vitamin D and essential fatty acid, Omega-3. All of which can play an integral part in maintaining both our physical and mental health. In recent years, cod liver oil has experienced a resurgence in popularity due to the purported health benefits it brings.

Today, cod liver oil is available in a variety of forms, it can be taken orally as capsules, added to food or shakes as droplets or even spread on your toast. In its fermented form it gives a higher dose of antioxidants. But why exactly is cod liver oil good for you? And what does cod liver oil do? Here, we look into the benefits of cod liver oil and answer some common questions surrounding its use.

What is Cod Liver Oil Good For?

Just like any oily fish or fish oil, cod liver oil contains Omega-3, as well as, vitamin A & D. Let’s dive into what cod liver oil is good for.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of our diet, as they can't be made by the human body and it has to obtain it from external sources, such as cod liver oil supplements. Omega-3 is arguably the most important ingredient in cod liver oil. With many potential health benefits of supplementing it regularly:

● Heart health - research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may contribute towards keeping your heart healthy by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

● Reduced inflammation - omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory compounds in the body. Which can help to reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions such as asthma.

● Brain function - there is some proof that omega-3 can be useful for the development and overall functioning of the brain. Promoting neuron growth and protecting against age-related cognitive decline. Which also helps to improve facets such as memory.

● Liver health - according to the British Liver Trust, around 1 in 5 people in the UK suffer with Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Which can lead to serious health consequences if not actioned. Omega-3 appears to have a beneficial impact on this by potentially reducing fat levels in the liver.

Vitamin A

Cod liver oil is a source of vitamin A, an essential nutrient that aids many bodily functions, including:

● Immune health - it supports a healthy immune system to give your body the tools to fight illness and infection without resorting to medical intervention.

● Eye health - vitamin A has the ability to reduce the risk factors associated with eye conditions such as glaucoma.

● Skin health - vitamin A is also important for healthy skin. It has been shown to help keep your skin moist and soft, which in turn, can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.

Vitamin D

In the summer months, when there is a lot of daylight, just getting out and about in the sunlight is usually enough for your body to get what it needs. But if you live in a country where the winters are usually dark and cold, getting enough vitamin D can become an issue. This is where supplementing cod liver oil can come in handy.

Vitamin D helps your body maintain the necessary levels of calcium and phosphate in your body, which helps keep your bones, teeth and muscles healthy and strong.

How much cod liver oil should you take daily?

Each cod liver oil product has different dosage limits, but you’ll find the recommended dosage on the back of your cod liver oil products.

It’s important to remember that supplements should be taken alongside a balanced diet and not be substituted for food. If you choose to not or cannot eat oily fish you should contact a health professional for further advice.

When to take cod liver oil?

What time is best to take cod liver oil? As above, the product you choose will recommend when to take your cod liver oil dosage. Ordinarily, for effective absorption into the body it is recommended to take cod liver oil supplements at meal times with food.

Should I take cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil supplements can be an excellent source of important vitamins D & A, as well as fatty acid Omega-3. Which our bodies need to maintain aspects of our mental and physical health. So if you struggle to eat oily fish on a weekly basis supplementing cod liver oil could be ideal for you.

Our cod & fish liver oil supplements are available in a variety of flavours and forms, including capsules, oils & spreads. We only stock gold standard rated products that are naturally extracted for an all-round quality supplement.

If you choose to supplement cod liver oil, it’s important to ensure that you only purchase supplements that have been rigorously tested and quality checked by globally recognised supplement administrators. We recommend consulting with your health practitioner before the use of any supplements, including cod liver oil.