Cod Liver Oil – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

07/29/2017 / By Earl Garcia

Cod liver oil is an essential fish oil that is valued both for its health benefits and historical significance. The consumption of cod liver oil dates back to the Viking era when it was used both as food and medicine. The superfood served as an important component of the Norse diet and has been used as a remedy to various ailments. The Vikings were known to stock up on cod liver oil during winter.

List of known nutrients

As with other fish oils, cod liver oil is loaded with healthy fats and vitamins that benefit the body. Separate articles posted on the health and wellness websites Organic Facts and Nutrition Value list the many nutrients found in fish and cod liver oils.

Docosa Hexaenoic Acid
Docosanoic Acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Eicosenoic Acid
Hexadecenoic Acid
Monounsaturated fats
Octadecadienoic Acid
Octadecanoic Acid
Octadecenoic Acid
Polyunsaturated fats
Tetradecanoic Acid
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin D

Medicinal uses for cod liver oil

Like any other fish oils, cod liver oil is specifically helpful in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular profile. Cod liver oils contain beneficial fats that help lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride rates. Regular cod liver oil consumption is also associated with reduced odds of cardiovascular diseases. The superfood is found to contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that facilitate healing following cardiac damage. The high vitamin A and D levels in cod liver oil also promote nutrient absorption, muscle function, and blood vessel elasticity. Likewise, it is touted to prevent coronary atherosclerosis onset.

Cod liver oil is also known to relieve muscle pain and alleviate muscular pain and a feeling of physical weakness due to vitamin D deficiency. The superfood’s rich vitamin D content is also shown to improve bone strength and integrity and slash the risk of developing osteoporosis. Likewise, it is found to contain anti-inflammatory properties that help curb osteoarthritis as well as joint pain associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

In addition, cod liver oil is known to fortify the body’s immune system. The superfood is an excellent source of vitamin A and D that help keep various infections and illnesses at bay. Aside from this, cod liver oil is valued for its positive effects on the central nervous system. The high vitamin D content in cod liver oil is found to improve cognitive performance. On the other hand, the its ample supply of omega-3 fatty acids is known to reduce anxiety.

Moreover, cod liver oil is touted to address various upper respiratory illnesses such as tuberculosis. Likewise, the superfood is found to contain healthy, essential fats that regulate insulin resistance. This makes cod liver oil a powerful superfood against diabetes. Various studies have also demonstrated that cod liver oil possesses compounds that show potential in cancer management.

Body systems supported by cod liver oil

Cod liver oil is particularly helpful in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular profile. Likewise, the superfood benefits the muscular and skeletal systems. In addition, it helps strengthen the body’s immunity and alleviates respiratory system ailments. Moreover, cod liver oil is found to improve the central nervous system.

Ways to use cod liver oil

Good cod liver oils ought to have a pleasant fish flavor, minus the fishy aftertaste. It can be incorporated into juices. Likewise, it can be applied to the skin as a topical add-on to boost magnesium oil’s efficacy. An article on NourishedKitchen.com features ways on how to use cod liver oil.