That’s more than an eye-catching title, ladies…you know that fish oil packs a healthy punch, but you probably didn’t know about the fish oil benefits that are specifically related to women.
1. Improves brain health
Yes – brain health is one of them! DHA, one of the major omega-3s in fish oil, helps grow your brain. Your brain is made up of fat and mostly consists of DHA. This essential fatty acid helps improve the way your brain functions and also increases new cell growth. You’ve probably read in my earlier posts that essential fatty acids are called ‘essential’ because they must be consumed through your diet.
Surprisingly, for pregnant women it’s even more important. That’s because growing babies need DHA to fuel brain development, too. Therefore, expecting moms need extra DHA to make up for the added demand. And, studies show that moms who take fish oil are more likely to deliver babies on time and not prematurely. PLUS, children develop faster & better than peers when they themselves take fish oil supplements.
2. Good for hair, skin, nails
For women, the quest for beauty essentials is endless. And, often you wind up with gobs of product – all promising to make you look younger, firmer, prettier, and better. Thankfully, there’s one easy thing you can do that’s good for you hair, skin, and nails.
No kidding! But, you don’t have to take my word for it. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, dry & damaged hair, dry skin, and brittle nails can all be signs of low levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Helps with weight loss
Despite the fact that most women are born with gorgeous curves, many struggle to lose weight (thanks a lot media!). For some, weight loss goals focus on improving health and well-being. Whatever the reason, lots of women have a hard time whipping their bodies into a slimmer shape. You may be surprised to learn that when combined with diet and exercise, fish oil can actually help you shed pounds.
There are a number of studies that show fish oil can help with weight loss. Scientists think it has to do with how fish oil helps you feel fuller faster, decreases insulin resistance, and helps your body burn calories quicker.
4. Prevents and/reduces symptoms associated with menstrual cycles.
Many women experience painful and annoying cramps associated with their periods. However, there’s good evidence that taking a daily fish oil supplement can help reduce and even prevent PMS symptoms associated with menstrual cycles. Now, if that’s not good news, I don’t know what is!
5. Prevents blood clots
Women who are taking a hormonal birth control, or ‘the pill’ should pay extra attention here! Since fish oil is a natural anticoagulant, or ‘blood thinner’, there’s been a lot of research on the subject of fish oil and blood clotting.
Normally, this research focuses on the ability to prevent strokes which are seen later in life. However, it is widely known that taking birth control can greatly increase your risk of developing blood clots. If you’re taking birth control then you should be taking a fish oil supplement, too!
6. Strengthens bone density
Several clinical studies, including one from the journal Aging, show that fish oil can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, and can even strengthen mineral bone density.
7. Reduces the risk of developing breast cancer
Breast cancer is probably one of the more frightening conditions women face. Given the fact that women who consume omega-3s on a regular basis seem to be less likely to develop this cancer, fish oil clearly plays a significant role in breast health. Indeed, a recent study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, concluded that high levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6s may be responsible for an increased breast cancer risk, and that omega-3s may help you reduce this risk.
So, there you have it.
If you’re a woman, you owe it to yourself to treat your body like the brilliant and powerful force that it is. Numerous studies show that fish oil not only offers general health benefits, but also benefits that are unique to you as a woman. Go ahead – you deserve fish oil!
