12 Potential Benefits of Fish Oil

Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils may protect the heart and offer other health benefits, but research results have been mixed. Eating fish is a better way of getting fish oil or omega 3 than taking supplements.

Two types are plentiful in oily fish:

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): The best-known omega-3 fatty acid, EPA helps the body synthesize chemicals involved in blood clotting and inflammation (prostaglandin-3, thromboxane-2, and leukotriene-5). Fish obtain EPA from the algae that they eat.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): In humans, this omega-3 fatty acid is a key part of sperm, the retina, a part of the eye, and the cerebral cortex, a part of the brain.

DHA is present throughout the body, especially in the brain, the eyes and the heart. It is also present in breast milk.