Taking fish oil can help regulate cholesterol in the body, because fish oil has high levels of Omega-3. Besides cholesterol regulation, benefits include anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on body composition.

			The preferred source of Omega 3 should be from the fish’s body, not the liver. The liver and liver products (such as cod liver oil) of fish and many animals (such as seals and whales) contain Omega-3, but also the active form of Vitamin A. At high levels, this form of the vitamin can be dangerous. Early explorers to the land of the Inuit were given raw liver by the natives, which contained a toxic overdose of Vitamin A for the white explorers; however, the same amount was harmless to the Inuit, who had no other source of Vitamin A except animal livers.

			Some studies were conducted on prisoners in England where the inmates were fed seafood, which contains Omega-3 Fatty acids. It was observed that the high consumption of these fatty acids led to a drop in the homicide rates.

			Another study was conducted in Finland where they found that prisoners who were convicted of violence had lower levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids than normal. It was suggested that these kinds of fatty acids are responsible for the neuronal growth of the frontal cortex of the brain, which, it is further alleged, is the seat of personal behavior.

			According to a study from Louisiana State University in September 2005, fish oil may help protect the brain from cognitive problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

			The National Eye Institute is investigating Omega-3 fatty acid supplements as a potential remedy for retinopathy caused by diabetes and for macular degeneration, an eye disorder that primarily affects people 60 and older. “This is terrific news that could potentially affect the burgeoning number of adults who are losing their vision to these causes,” said Nancy O’Donnell, coordinator of special projects at the Helen Keller National Center in Sands point. “The Omega-3 fatty acids have shown a beneficial effect in previous studies involving the retina. They have anti-inflammatory properties,” she said of omeag-3s, “and many conditions that adversely affect eyesight have inflammation as an underlying effect.”

			Fish oil has also been shown to aid in the treatment of people suffering with depression.

			Fish oil is excellent for the brain, eyes, circulatory system, heart, gums, and keeps skin and lips soft and supple even after years in the sun. Take one to four 4,000 mg capsules daily. Caution: Taking prescription blood thinners in conjunction with the blood thinning properties of fish oil can cause bleeding disorders in some people.