Cod liver oil, one of the oldest nutritional supplements, offers for many generations (since 17th century) its invaluable benefits to young and old as a health supplement.
Vitamins, good fats, proteins and energy.
Today’s article, following a research by our team, presents the best cod liver oils available in the market of 2021, along with a simple and straightforward explanation of its nutritional value.
More specifically, below is a list of the topics discussed:
The answers are presented in the following lines of the article.
Cod liver oil considered as the “king of fish oils, is absolutely justified.
Produced from the liver of oily fatty fish (cod, hake and halibut), while the fat produced by the fish itself is extracted to be consumed by humans as a dietary supplement.
Natural (and very healthy, though smelly) nutritional supplement, aiming at children, adults or even the elderly, is one of the most important sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins important for the organism.
We could characterize this fish oil as a very concentrated source of valuable nutrients (quite difficult to get entirely from one’s diet, especially in our days).
In Norway, cod liver oil has been produced and used for more than 1000 years.
In fact, there are references to this particular fish oil even in the Bible.
Historically, cod liver oil did not have a significant use as a valuable nutritional health booster, having not even nutritional use.
The body of fish was used (mainly due to precious oils) to preserve various furniture, floors or lamps from adverse weather conditions in Norway.
Many years later (during 17th century), the nutritional properties of this oil became known. Therefore, doctors at those years started recommending cod liver oil and other fish (abundant in the area) to fight diseases such as rickets or rheumatism.
However, its unpleasant smell is (still remaining) extremely repulsive for young and old persons. Many companies are now trying to produce cod liver oil supplements without the characteristic odor, for easier consumption.
Unlike other fish oils (such as salmon oil or herring oil), cod liver oil is not made from the flesh of the fish but from the liver using a special technique.
Considered an excellent food, is very nutritious, while many even describe it as “superfood”.
Here is a quick look at the 10 most important benefits to organism, never to be ignored.
The oil extracted from oily fish mentioned above, is a top heart booster, improving its function and preventing the appearance of various diseases.
It also enhances the proper functioning of blood vessels, helps control blood pressure and reduces atherosclerotic plaque.
The large amount of good fats offered to organism, is the most important for the health of joints, especially for people who:
They should even more “invest” in a good and quality cod liver oil supplement for the health of their joints.
There are several (even recent) scientific studies, confirming the theory that good fats of cod liver oil also help eye health (boosting eyesight).
In fact, many scientists now believe that systemic administration of it can even prevent vision problems, usually occurring over time and older ages.
Especially in the “country of cod liver oil” (clearly referring to Norway), depression is a reality. Is it perhaps because of endless weeks of night, or of a heavy winter? Is it the lack of natural light for long periods? However, Norway is undoubtedly the country with the highest rates of depression in the world.
Research has shown that regular consumption of cod liver oil could reduce depression rates to negligible rates (almost 30%).
Rickets is a disease (mainly occurring in young children) associated with reduced / insufficient intake of vitamin D (the sun vitamin sun)
The bones become weak, brittle and prone to fractures. The use of cod liver oil as a dietary supplement shown to strengthen bones, reduces the risk of developing this disease.
A similar bone disease (as rickets), occurs mainly in adults. Cod liver oil acts mainly as a preventive and principle measure, against certain symptoms of the disease.
The use of the oil is important for women during menopause where the risk of osteoporosis / osteopenia increases.
Among the various diseases and other painful health problems fought by the cod liver oil, worth mentioning the care offered to hair.
Rich in Omega3 good fats works soothingly on damaged hair (especially on women’s hair subject to great damage due to frequent styling).
As beneficial as it is for the hair, it is just as beneficial for skin as well. Fish oil acts as a “nutrition” for skin enhancing the healing of wounds, traumas and even stretch marks.
Performs anti-aging action, being also protective from pollutants and adverse weather conditions (cold, heat, air).
It is one of the best baby food supplements used for centuries, completely safe, promoting the smooth development of children by providing them with many nutrients.
Apart from those very important benefits mentioned above, there are other reasons to add cod liver oil in your daily nutrition:
Energy: 40 calories
Cholesterol: 26 mg
Monounsaturated fats: 2105 gr
Polyunsaturated fats: 1015 gr
Saturated fats: 1020 gr
Vitamin A: 4500 IU
Vitamin D: 450 IU
Vitamin K.
Vitamin E
Omega3 good fatty acids
According to experts, the appropriate dose for children (over 12 years old) and adults is 1 teaspoon per day.
Note: The best and most beneficial administration of the supplement (in syrup or capsule form) is during a meal.
Chronic and continuous consumption (with no periods of interruption) of cod liver oil or other fish oils may cause:
Ideally, its administration (during periods administered) should be daily. However, at regular intervals it is good to stop using it to avoid the possibility of organism intoxication.
However, no clear answer to this question is possible, as each dietary supplement has a different composition, encouraging different administration.
Dangerous to use it with anticoagulants, as it could cause bleeding episodes.
Also contraindicated in conjunction with antihypertensive treatment, as might lower blood pressure more than desired.
In any case, – especially for persons suffering from a disease – it is advisable to consult your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
The use of cod liver oil is recommended for both adults and elderly, as well as for children (in fact being particularly beneficial for their development).
Below the top 5 (following careful research) cod liver oil supplements available in today’s market.
No.1: Carlson Cod Liver Oil
No.2: Nordic Naturals’ Cod Liver Oil
No.3: Seven Seas Original Cod Liver Oil
No.4: Möller’s Cod Liver Oil
No.5: Arctic Cod Liver Oil