Is a Fish Oil Supplement Beneficial For the Elderly?

For many years now there has been growing clinicalheart attack.
evidence to support the positive effects of fish oil inFor years fish has been known as 'brain food' and
many health areas. It is commonly used for a varietythere is more to this than being an old wives tale. The
of illnesses from arthritis to ADHD (Attentionfish oils extracted from oily fish contains EPA
Deficiency/Hyperactivity Disorder) but could it be useful(Eicospentaenoic Acid) which is essential to keep the
in supporting the health of the elderly?brain cells in good order and promote better cognitive
As our bodies age they can present us with variousfunction.
health problems. Joints get stiff, muscles ache, the brainIt has also been shown to reduce the potential for
seems to slow down and our arteries harden. Withdeveloping Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes and, for
people living longer after retirement it could be one longthose who already have it, to lower its effect by
slow decline. But it doesn't have to be like that.decreasing insulin resistance in the body. This type of
There is now evidence showing that the Omega 3diabetes is increasingly common in western society
fatty acids in fish oil have the potential to keep ourwith rates doubling over the last 15 years in America.
bodies healthier as we age. Fatty acids have beenHaving two portions of oily fish per week is
proven to reduce problems with stiffness of the jointsrecommended as part of a healthy diet. However, not
because they have an anti-inflammatory effect and iteveryone likes fish and with the oceans becoming
is the inflammation that causes the problems.increasingly toxic, fish isn't as healthy an option as it
They can also help lower blood pressure becauseused to be. A fish oil capsule every day gives all the
they keep the walls of the arteries smoother andbenefits we have just looked at and is easy to take
more elastic. This means that the blood can flow moreand not too expensive to add to your shopping list. It is
easily and the arteries are free of arterial plaque, onean ideal supplement to boost your health as you enter
of the major causes of strokes. This in turn helps keepyour senior years.
the heart disease free and reduces the likelihood of