Fish Oil Benefits For Men’s Health
Fish oil offers many benefits for men, from improved memory and eyesight to joint, bone and heart health. Men who neglect the health of these organs, especially after 40, can face a host of physical and mental challenges as they age. Yet there are simple things you can do to promote your overall health and keep your heart pumping strong. We all know eating well and exercising are two – supplementing with high-quality fish oil is another.
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What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is a dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids that’s derived from, you guessed it, oily fish — like herring, mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies and trout. Your body uses omega-3s for many functions, including muscle activity and cell growth.
There are three main types of fatty acids found in omega-3s:
- Eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), which may reduce inflammation
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which aids in brain function
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the parent, non-biologically active form of omega 3
To achieve optimal benefits, ALA must be converted to EPA or DHA. However, this conversion process is inefficient in humans, as only 1% to 10% of ALA is converted into EPA — and even less into DHA. The remaining ALA is stored in the body like any other fat.
ALA is mostly found in plant-based omega-3 sources like seeds, nuts and plant oils. Fish hold the highest concentration of EPA and DHA.
For this reason, the Cleveland Clinic reports the best way to ensure sufficient omega-3 intake is to eat fatty fish at least twice per week. One Harvard study found that wild fish tend to be higher in omega-3 than farm-raised fish because in the wild, their diet is comprised of smaller fish instead of high-protein food pellets. However, both are beneficial. If you don't eat a lot of fatty fish or seafood, you may want to consider taking a supplement.
Fish Oil Supplements
Not every fish oil supplement is created equal. Keep the following factors in mind when comparing brands.
What type of fish is used, and where is it sourced from?
Aim for sustainably sourced, wild-caught, cold-water fish.
How many milligrams of DHA and EPA are included?
Look for a fish oil supplement that contains at least a few hundred.
Is it fresh and pure?
Heavy metals, dioxins, furans and PCBs can oxidize the fish oil and lead to rancidity. Break open the capsule and smell what’s inside; fresh fish oil will not have a fishy scent.
How Does Fish Oil Help Your Heart?
The American Heart Association (AHA) has found that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by fighting inflammation. Over time, inflammation can damage your blood vessels, loosen plaque in your arteries and trigger blood clots — which are the primary causes of heart attacks and strokes.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may have the following heart health benefits.
Decreasing Triglycerides
When you eat, your body converts the calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood. High triglyceride levels can harden arteries and thicken artery walls, putting you at greater risk for heart disease. Fish oil could lower triglycerides by anywhere from 15% to 30%.
Reducing Blood Clots
Fish oil is a natural anticoagulant, which means it can help stop your blood from clotting. The AHA reports that fish oil’s heart-healthy benefits are largely due to its anticoagulative properties.
Lowering Blood Pressure
Many hypertensive patients have reported lower blood pressure levels after consuming fish oil consistently for three to four weeks.
More Life-Changing Benefits of Fish Oil as You Age
Though all scientists haven’t reached consensus about the true power of fish oil, it’s been said to help with a wide range of issues beyond heart health, including:
- Mental disorders: May help prevent or delay the onset of psychotic disorders, for those who are at risk.
- Memory loss: May improve memory in healthy, older adults as they age.
- Joint health: Anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate joint pain and chronic inflammation.
- Bone health: High omega-3 levels are linked to better bone mineral density.
- Weight loss: Some studies report fish oil can help you lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Eyesight: May help prevent eye diseases and eyesight decline.
Even if you don’t cook fish every night to reap the benefits of this super-nutrient, the right fish oil supplement, a healthy diet and regular exercise can work wonders. Our popular Mdrive Omega supplement — packed with 451 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids derived from high-quality fish oil, as well as omega 6 and 9 fatty acids — will give your heart, mind and body the boost they need to fuel your drive for years to come.
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