October 20, 2016 — Fish oil is one of the most commonly consumed dietary supplements.
It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are very important for your health.
If you don’t eat a lot of oily fish, taking a fish oil supplement could help you get enough omega-3 fatty acids.
Here is an evidence-based guide to fish oil supplements and their health benefits.
What Is Fish Oil and Why Should You Care?
Fish oil is the fat or oil that’s extracted from fish tissue.
It usually comes from oily fish such as herring, tuna, anchovies and mackerel. Yet sometimes it’s produced from the livers of other fish, as is the case with cod liver oil.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends eating 1–2 portions of fish per week. This is because the omega-3 fatty acids in fish provide many health benefits, including helping protect against a number of diseases.
But if you don’t eat 1–2 portions of fish per week, fish oil supplements can help you get enough omega-3s.