Fish Oil Scientifically Proven to Boost the Immune System
Natural health experts have since then claimed that fish oil has immunity-boosting effects due to its anti-inflammatory properties. But scientists are quite sceptical about it, until today. Good thing, a report to appear this month in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, a group of researchers was able to discuss, detail by detail how fish oil improves our immune system.
Fish oil is one of the most popular types of food supplement these days, which have a wide range of health benefits. As the name pertains, the oil is taken from the tissues of fatty fish such as mackerel, herring, tuna, halibut, salmon, and cod liver. Research reveals that fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – two natural compounds that are known to reduce inflammation in the human body.
According to the current study, fish oil may have immune-enhancing properties that could benefit individuals with a compromised immune system. Researchers from Michigan State University conducted a lab experiment involving two groups of mice – one was fed with a control diet and the other was supplemented with DHA-rich fish oil for 5 weeks. Then, samples of B cells were taken from the mice and then stimulated in culture. Researchers checked for markers of the B cell activation, as well as any B cell membrane changes and cytokine production.
Findings reveal that fish oil improves B cell activation and antibody production, which, according to the researchers, may actually aid immune responses associated with pathogen clearance.
More Health Benefits of Fish Oil
Fish oil has been labelled a ‘brain food’ because some people take it to help with depression, Alzheimer’s disease, psychosis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other mental illnesses. Others use fish oil for dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration disease, and glaucoma. It is also used by women who suffer from painful periods, breast pain, and pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, miscarriage, and early delivery.
Dear Readers,
What other health benefits of fish oil can you name?
Share your comment below.
Source of this article:
©Copyright 2013 by http://www.NaturalTherapyForAll.com Counselling Coventry - All Rights Reserved.