Cod Liver Oil

I know this sounds disgusting at first glance. However, there are many benefits to fish oil if it is clean. Cod liver oil, in particular, is extremely healthy. Sally Falon, author of Nourishing Traditions, has listed many benefits of this oil.

* Addition of fat soluble vitamins found in butter from grass fed cows and cod liver oil to the diet often results in improved iron status. This is especially important for young children and pregnant women.

* Cod liver oil can work in small quantities.

* Cod liver oil feeds the nervous system, which can help combat post-pregnancy baby blues.

*Cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamins A and D. It contains DHA, which is essential to development of the brain and nervous system. DHA is also essential to proper development of the retina in a developing baby while in the womb.

* DHA in mother's milk helps prevent learning disabilities. I am not saying it is a cure-all in this area, but definitely works as a preventative measure.

* Good saturated fats helps the body put DHA in body tissues where it belongs.

* Cod liver oil contributes to a healthy reproductive system.

* Cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids needed for counteracting the effects of the over abundance of omega-6 linoleic acids and hydrogenated fats. Omega-6 fatty acids and hydrogenated combinations are linked to tumor formation and inflammation of the colon. Wild caught salmon is a good source of omega-3's. However, farm raised salmon has an over abundance of omega-6. Therefore, when shopping for and eating salmon, look for wild-caught and not farm raised.

*Some benefits of cod liver oil: thin blood, protect arteries from damage, inhibit blood clots, reduce blood triglycerides (type of fat), lowers LDL blood cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, reduce risk of heart attack and stroke, eases symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, reduces risk of lupus, relieves migraine headaches, fights inflammation, regulates immune system, inhibits cancer in animals (possibly humans), soothes bronchial asthma, combats early kidney disease.

*The higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood, the lower your blood pressure, which lowers your risk of heart disease and cancer.

* Cod liver oil is acknowledged to play a role in brain development, retina development, male reproductive tissue, skin integrity, lubrication of joints, and aid in the body's inflammatory response.

Weston A. Price has information on the best types of cod liver oil to purchase, as well as the proper dosages for various age groups.

I take a cod liver oil supplement every day and have ordered some for my son. Currently, I cannot afford the "best" as recommended by Weston A. Price, but can afford the "good." See the article for what that means. You can order the "good" stuff on vitacost. It may also be available in your local health food store, however, even with shipping is probably cheaper on vitacost. The co-op that I belong to orders from Vitacost to save on shipping. (I'll discuss the benefits of a co-op in my next entry.)

If you want to read more about Cod Liver oil and its benefits, see Nourishing Traditions, The Maker's Diet, and www.westonaprice.org. I also read an article in Time Magazine, June 26, 2006, by Andrew Weil, MD. It basically discusses the same points that I have listed above. Continue to read and research. Other fish oils are healthy, but from what I have read, cod liver oil seems to be the best.