Fish oil isn't usually what comes to mind when you think of fast muscle building supplements. But it is one of the few supplements out there that I consider a staple for just about everyone, no matter your goals. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that it contains are beneficial for your health, physique, and performance. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of fish oil.
The Basics
Fish oil is made-up of a variety of fatty-acids, but the two that have gotten the most attention are the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are thought to be responsible for most of the positive benefits of fish oil.
Now before we delve into fish oil, I know some of you may be thinking that flax oil is just as good because it is high in omega-3s. The problem with flax and other plant sources of omega-3s is that they don't contain EPA and DHA. So when you eat flax your body has to convert the shorter-chain omega-3s into EPA and DHA. Unfortunately, our bodies aren't very good at this, especially as we age. To avoid this problem it is best to use fish oil as your omega-3 supplement instead of flax oil.
History Lesson
There are many sources of EPA and DHA besides supplementary fish oil. EPA and DHA are both found in high amounts in animal products like wild salmon, grass-fed beef, eggs, and grass-fed dairy products. The problem is that these sources aren't consumed regularly by most people.
Thousands of years ago when human beings began evolving into what we are today these sources of long-chain omega-3s were plentiful. Since all fish was wild and all wild game was grass-fed, our predecessors didn't have to worry about taking fish oil. It's thought that the evolutionary development of our brains owes a great deal to this diet high in long-chain omega-3s, since the brain is made up largely of DHA.
Health Benefits
The fact that omega-3 fats once played such a prominent role in our diets, yet now are virtually excluded, may explain why fish oil has been shown to have positive benefits for nearly every disease out there. Indeed, if there was ever a cure-all, it seems that fish oil is it.
Specifically, EPA has been shown to get incorporated into the cell walls of nearly every cell in your body. Greater amounts of EPA in the cell wall make exchange of nutrients and wastes easier, which keeps our cells healthier. EPA is also noted for its anti-inflammatory properties. This plays a huge role in joint and cardiovascular health.
DHA is known for its effects on the nervous system. Studies have shown that lower DHA levels correspond to Alzheimer's disease.
Additionally, fish oil has been shown to play a role in treating and/or preventing the following conditions: heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson's, depression, ADHD, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and schizophrenia.
Physique Benefits
Fish oil is known to stabilize blood sugar levels, which is helpful for anyone looking to lose fat. It has also been shown to increase your metabolism. I have found with many of my clients that a high daily dose of fish oil often results in the loss of 1-3 pounds of fat in one week, with no other dietary changes. This may be due to stabilizing blood sugar levels, increased metabolism, or possibly the incorporation of EPA into the cell walls which allows fatty acids to be released more readily into the bloodstream for energy. Whatever the cause, the bottom-line is that it works!
In addition to its fat loss benefits, fish oil is well-known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. This translates into fewer nagging injuries and faster recovery from heavy training sessions, which means more productive training sessions. This is what makes fish oil a great fast muscle building supplement.
Summary
As you can see, fish oil has a wealth of benefits. There are very few people who shouldn't be using fish oil daily. Check with your doctor to make sure that fish oil is right for you. By adding fish oil to a sound training, nutrition, and supplement regimen you will soon see a healthier and better-looking body.
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