by Ann C Evans

Created on: November 07, 2009   Last Updated: November 26, 2009

We have been taking cod liver oil for decades on the understanding that it does us good. We know that cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D which are necessary for our well being.

Vitamin A helps to maintain a healthy immune system as well as being essential for the formation on visual purple (for night vision). This vitamin also promotes healthy skin.

Vitamin D is important for strong bones and healthy teeth.

As far back as the 1890's in Britain, the many thousands of malnourished children with rickets were treated with cod liver oil; and during World War 2, young families were given access to free cod liver oil, in liquid form, in order to supplement their meager rations

It's found that cod liver oil contains the nutritional elements that we now know as essential fatty acids EFA'S. EFA'S are divided into two families, omega 3 and omega 6.

The problem however is there has to be an adequate balance of both types but it's found that our Western diets only incorporate sufficient amounts of omega 6 leaving a shortfall of omega 3. Taking a cod liver oil supplement (1g to 2g daily) would serve to rectify this imbalance. In Japan, for example, the population's diet is rich in omega 3 and they have not found to suffer from the degenerative diseases of heart disease, arthritis, cancer, allergies on the same scale as those populations on Western diets. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's)

Omega 3 consists of EPA and DHA fatty acids. It has been shown that EPA'S and DHA'S have a profound impact on health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, brain and nerve functions; neurological symptoms such as dementia, depression, epilepsy, schizophrenia and many other such related conditions are found also to respond well to fatty acids.

What's really exciting is that medical research has now discovered how cod liver oil actually works (i). It's found that cod liver oil is able to turn off the enzymes responsible for destroying cartilage and in fact could even reverse cartilage destruction of the joint.

The result of this research is staggering. By just taking a daily recommended dose of cod liver oil we will eventually be able to eradicate or at least, ease considerably, the pain suffered by millions upon millions of arthritic people. Consequently the reduction in the amount of hip replacement surgery alone would allow the extra time and money to be redirected into other areas of the health system.

Of course cod liver oil supplement is not suitable for everyone. There are those with high blood pressure, diabetes and those on certain medications where cod liver oil may interfere with their effectiveness, who should always seek their doctor's advice before administering any kind of vitamins or supplements. Pregnant women should also be cautious and get medical advice likewise. As with all supplements and vitamins only recommended doses should be adhered to otherwise more harm may be done than good.

Prevention is better than cure we are told and how truer adage that would be if everyone starting from an early age, was able to take a recommended daily dose of cod liver oil. Sadly, our self- inflicted Westernized diet, has brought on much of those degenerative conditions that plague so many of us today. If we really want a feeling of overall wellness by having strong bones, healthy teeth, maintain good cardiovascular health, good nervous system, good immune system and great eyesight then taking a daily amount of cod liver oil would be a beneficial way to start.

ref. (i) The Independent Newspaper 13th February 2004, Cod liver oil: The biography of the Remedy That Changed the World.

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