Here are some of the health benefits of fish oil, including:
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases: Not only helping to reduce triglycerides, cholesterol and hardening of the arteries, fish oil also prevents heart arrhythmias. . Cancer prevention: According to some studies, fish oil is effective against 3 common cancers, including colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help nourish normal healthy cells from mutating into cancerous masses and prevent useless cell growth. Balance cholesterol levels: This is the outstanding effect of fish oil. With the presence of EPA and DPA acids in most high quality fish oil supplements, it helps to balance cholesterol levels. Treatment of arthritis: fish oil is very effective in reducing and preventing joint pain when used for a long time Protects eye health: omega-3 found in fish oil helps protect eyes, avoiding the risk of macular degeneration score and reduce the risk of dry eye syndrome Reduce the risk of mental disorders: Fish oil supplements help reduce the risk of mental disorders, such as dementia, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease Hypotension Pressure: Omega-3 has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and blood pressure-lowering effects. Asthma treatment: Fish oil supplements help effectively treat respiratory diseases, including asthma. Fish oil helps patients reduce asthma attacks and breathe easier
Most of the benefits of fish oil supplementation are associated with long-term use, so in theory, you can take it any time of day.
Having said that, taking fish oils in two smaller doses in the morning and at night can reduce potential side effects, such as acid reflux.1
Fish oil is one of the most common dietary supplements, promoting optimal health and wellbeing through many means because of the omega-3 fatty acid content.
If you do not consume 1-2 portions of oily fish per week, you may want to consider supplementation. Either way, omega-3 fatty acids are essential to our health, so it's important you get enough of them.
Though are there any additional benefits to taking fish oils in the morning or at night-time? And can timing strategies result in a better health outcome?
Let’s take a look…
What is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is the common term used to describe two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Omega-3 fats are found in foods such as:
- Fish and other seafood
- Nuts and seeds
- Plant oils
- Fortified foods
EPA and DHA are involved in many important biological processes in the body, such as the inflammatory response, various metabolic signaling pathways, and brain function.2
Supplementation is sometimes necessary for those who lack an intake of fish and other foods rich in omega-3.
The Main Health Benefits of Fish Oil
Fish oil has been linked to a variety of health benefits such as cardiovascular health, eye health, bone health, skin, brain function, and supporting pregnancy and early life.
We cannot produce the essential fatty acids (omega-3) we get from fish oil naturally in the body, which is why they are considered essential.
It’s important to consume adequate amounts of these fatty acids regularly in the form of food and dietary supplements to support our overall health and wellbeing.
Let’s take a closer look at the main health benefits of fish oil!
May support heart health
Fish oil supplementation has been shown to support heart health in various ways, such as:
- Increasing levels of “good” HDL cholesterol
- Lowering triglycerides (a type of fat found in our blood)
- Reducing blood pressure in people with elevated levels
- May prevent plaque that causes arteries to harden3
Reduce symptoms of depression
Fish oil supplementation has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression in majorly depressed individuals and has even been compared to pharmaceutical drugs such as fluoxetine (an anti-depressant).4
May reduce inflammation
Fish oil has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce symptoms of inflammatory diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.5
Best Time to Take Fish Oil: Morning VS Night
Breakfast is usually the preferred time to take many supplements and medication, as that’s typically a time that people feel refreshed, energized, and ready to focus on their health.
It is well known that the health benefits of taking fish oils are associated with long-term use, but are there any additional benefits to timing?
In short, only marginally.
Let’s explore!
Fish oil timing: to reduce side effects
One common side effect of taking fish oil is acid reflux, also known as the “fish burp”. This can be reduced or avoided by splitting your daily dose into two smaller doses, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Fish oil timing: to increase bioavailability
Some research has shown that taking fish oil alongside a meal with a good source of fat can potentially increase the bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids, thus increasing the effectiveness.
Taking fish oil alongside a meal may also help with the “fish burp” side effect!
Fish oil timing: to get out of bed in the morning
There have been some reports of people finding it easier and more comfortable to get out of bed in the morning when they take fish oil the night before.
This may be a timing strategy to consider if you suffer with arthritic conditions and achy joints, though more research needs to be done to confirm this.
Fish oil timing: the bottom line
As we have established, the key to unlocking the many health benefits of fish oil is long-term use. To maximize these benefits, it’s important to find a time that you remember to take it each day.
For some people, this could be the morning, and others may prefer to take it at lunchtime or in the evening. The most important thing is to take it consistently!
The American Heart Association recommends 1g of combined EPA and DHA per day, and to take no more than 2g per day. Performance Lab Omega-3 provides just that!