Codliver Oil | Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

First established in the fishing populations of Scotland and Scandinavia many years ago, codliver oil has become one of the most beneficial oils known to man and a multi-million dollar product. Those fishermen first used codliver oil as a means to protect themselves against the harsh conditions in which they worked and it became very popular in treating rickets, aching muscles and rheumatism. By the 1950’s the anecdotal benefits led to more rigorous research being carried out to really explore the benefits of codliver oil and, in particular, the roles played by both docosohexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA).

Codliver oil has gone on to become one of the most popular health supplements in the world and is taken by millions of individuals on a daily basis.

Codliver Oil and the Essential Fatty Acids

It is commonly discussed that the modern, Western diet is dangerously devoid of omega3 fatty acids. Essential to our health in a myriad of ways, omega3 (alongside omega6) fatty acids cannot be synthesised by our bodies, and so rely upon fresh and natural foods (such as codliver oil and flax oil) as a source. It is for this very reason that they are labeled as the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). While many of our diets are dangerously low in omega3s, we often consume omega6s in far too large quantities. Ideally, the ratio of omega3 to omega6 in our diets would be 1:1 or 2:1 – however, in most cases our ratio is nearer to 1:20 and can even be as high as 1:50.

Unfortunately, to compound this issue, the omega6s that we most regularly consume are from oils such as corn, soy, sunflower and butters. In these forms the omega6s have almost always been highly refined, heated, treated and exposed to light and air – all of which actually make them toxic and damaging to the human body.

Many research studies are now showing that this lack of omega3 in our diets is one of the primary causes for the huge increase in degenerative diseases in the Western world, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as the increase in Alzheimer’s, arthritis and Type 2 Diabetes.

Codliver Oil

The EFAs omega3 and omega6 can be found in a variety of different foods in varying ratios. At one end of the spectrum flax seed oil is very high in omega3 and has a ratio of 3 to 6 of approximately 3:1 or 4:1 and at the other are oils such as sunflower which have a ratio of approximately 1:6 or 1:7.

Codliver oil has been much heralded in the health community due to it containing both DHA and EPA. It is not common that both omega3 fatty acids can be found in one substance without creating an oil blend (such as Udo's Choice).

Codliver oil is also an extremely good source of Vitamin D, which is essential to those who do not experience a great deal of natural sunlight.

Benefits of Codliver Oil

The general benefits of omega3 fatty acids are obviously also relevant to codliver oil, however, codliver oil is especially beneficial in the following ways:

Brain function – the ratio and combination of EFAs in codliver oil is particularly beneficial in terms of preventing and treating neural problems such as depression, ADHD and Alzheimer’s.

Blood Flow – the EPA and DHA contained within codliver oil can discourage blood platelets from sticking together.

Immune system – codliver oil is also especially beneficial to the immune system, helping to ward off more common illnesses.

Arthritis – a recent study by the Arthritis Research Campaign in association with Cardiff University has shown that codliver oil reduces pain and inflammation in joints and also removes the enzymes which cause cartilage damage.

The Difference Between Codliver Oil and Other Fish Oils

The main difference between codliver and fish oils is the fact that codliver oil is very high in vitamin D. For humans, the bodies requirements of vitamin D are produced during exposure to natural sunlight and often there is no requirement for additional supplementation. As a result of this, the consumption of codliver oil during the warmer, summer months or in counties that are lucky enough to have year-round sunshine is not always recommended. In such conditions, other oils such as fish or flax oil are recommended.

However, in the winter months, or in countries (or lifestyles) that do not have a great deal of sun exposure, codliver oil may be more beneficial to boost vitamin D levels.

In the UK and USA, the general rule would be to take codliver oil from mid-autumn to early-spring and another oil supplement throughout spring and summer. To ensure you are taking the correct oil and not over-consuming vitamin D, a simple test can be taken at your local Doctor’s Surgery/ Health Centre.

Codliver Oil Summary

Research has proven that taking codliver oil is definitely beneficial to the human body. This is no longer regarded as an old wives tale, or a ‘recommendation from Grandma’! Its EPA and DHA content means that it can give the body great assistance in preventing and treating degenerative disease and other health issues.

Cod Liver Oil (300ml) - Click Here