Why Arctic Cod Liver Oil Deserves a Place in Your Daily Routine: 11 Scientifically Backed Benefits
Not All Cod Liver Oil is Created Equal. Find Out Why Arctic Cod Liver Oil Is The Ultimate Elixir for Heart, Brain, and Immunity Boosting Power.
I remember being a boy and my mother giving me cod liver oil for the first time. It was in liquid form, not a capsule, and tasted foul. Maybe it’s an acquired taste because I’ve grown to like it, so much so that if I now take a capsule, I will crunch down and release the cod liver oil into my mouth, much to other people’s disgust. Despite taking cod liver oil daily, I wasn’t aware of all the benefits, nor that some cod liver oil is better than others.
I Thought Cod Was Cod?
Well, so did I, but it turns out that there are loads of the mandem: Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), Greenland cod (Gadus Ogac), Polar cod (Boreogadus Saida), Saffron cod (Eleginus Gracilis). Even Haddock (Melanogrammus Aeglefinus) is a closely related species often grouped with cod.
So What’s So Special About Arctic Cod?
Is Arctic cod liver oil that much better than all the others? Well, yes, it turns out that Arctic cod liver oil, which derives from the liver of Arctic cod (Gadus Morhua), is often considered superior to other types of cod liver oil for several reasons:
Purity: Arctic cod typically inhabit cold, clean waters, which results in a lower likelihood of exposure to environmental pollutants and contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and PCBs. This leads to a purer source for the oil.
Nutrient content: Arctic cod liver oil tends to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and vitamins A and D compared to liver oil from other cod species. This makes it more potent and beneficial for health.
Quality: High-quality Arctic cod liver oil products undergo rigorous purification processes to remove any remaining contaminants and ensure the oil’s safety and purity. This further enhances the product’s quality compared to other types of cod liver oil.
Sustainability: If you’re an environmentally-conscious consumer and something of a Greta Thunberg type, you may be interested to know that Arctic cod is often sourced from well-managed and sustainable fisheries. By choosing Arctic cod liver oil, you can support sustainable fishing practices. And even if you’re not that way inclined, there’s no harm in helping the planet.
So What Are The Scientifically Proven Benefits of Arctic Cod Liver Oil?
Here are 11 of them:
1. Supports Cardiovascular Health
Arctic cod liver oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are linked to improved cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
2. Boosts Immunity
Arctic cod liver oil is a natural source of vitamins A and D, crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin A plays a role in the development and function of immune cells, while vitamin D modulates immune responses and reduces inflammation.
3. Enhances Cognitive Function
The DHA found in Arctic cod liver oil improves cognitive function, particularly in memory and learning. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could improve cognitive performance, especially among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. (I must remember to tell my mum).
4. Promotes Healthy Vision
Arctic cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A and DHA, contributing to healthy vision. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the health of the retina, while DHA is a major structural component of retinal cell membranes. Regular intake of these nutrients reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
5. Supports Bone Health
The Vitamin D in Arctic cod liver oil is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. A review of multiple studies concluded that vitamin D supplementation effectively reduces the risk of fractures and falls in older adults.
6. Reduces Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids in Arctic cod liver oil have potent anti-inflammatory properties. EPA and DHA can reduce the production of inflammatory eicosanoids, cytokines, and reactive oxygen species, helping to alleviate chronic inflammation in various conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. And in case you’re wondering, eicosanoids are lipid-based signalling molecules that uniquely influence innate immune responses.
7. Improves Mood and Mental Health
Studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that omega-3 supplementation significantly improved depressive symptoms in individuals with major depressive disorder. In today’s stressful world, where mental health issues are increasing, looking after your mental health is essential.
8. Supports Healthy Skin
The vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids in Arctic cod liver oil contribute to healthy skin. Vitamin A is essential for skin cell growth and regeneration, while vitamin D plays a role in skin cell differentiation and immune function. Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain skin barrier function and reduce inflammation, alleviating symptoms of various skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Better skin helps you to look younger too.
9. Supports Joint Health
The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids in Arctic cod liver oil can help improve joint health and reduce symptoms of arthritis. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced pain and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
10. Supports Respiratory Health
Arctic cod liver oil, being rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, has been found to support respiratory health. Research indicates that adequate vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of respiratory infections and asthma. At the same time, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improved lung function and reduced inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. My mum has COPD, so I’ll be suggesting that she starts taking Arctic cod liver oil.
11. Helps Maintain Healthy Hair
The nutrients found in Arctic cod liver oil, including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D, can contribute to healthy hair growth and maintenance. Omega-3 fatty acids help nourish hair follicles and regulate sebum production, promoting a healthy scalp. Vitamins A and D are involved in the growth and health of hair, and their deficiency has been linked to hair loss.
It Sounds Great, But Can’t I Eat Cod Twice a Week?
So as you can see, Arctic Cod Liver Oil is a fantastic supplement, positively impacting various aspects of your well-being. But what about eating fish twice a week? Well, eating cod has some advantages that cod liver oil can’t give you. Firstly it’s packed with protein, whereas cod liver oil isn’t.
Cod also contains other essential nutrients, such as B vitamins, selenium, and iodine, that support your health. These nutrients are not typically found in significant amounts in cod liver oil.
However, where Arctic cod liver oil has the upper hand is its concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, along with Vitamin A and D are much higher than in cod itself. Therefore, eating cod twice a week can provide many health benefits but may not fully replace Arctic cod liver oil. A combination of consuming fish and taking a high-quality fish oil supplement, if needed, can ensure that you receive the full spectrum of benefits.
Where Do I Buy Arctic Cod Liver Oil, And Is It Expensive?
Well, I’ve never seen it in my local supermarket. Most supermarkets seem to sell cod liver oil but not Arctic Cod Liver Oil. I bought mine online, and if you search the Internet, you can easily find it.
It is more expensive than standard cod liver oil, but then what price health? Adding this supplement to your daily routine is a no-brainer if you can afford it.
