Benefits of cod liver oil for health and joints have long been known. Researchers suggest that taking cod liver oil capsules can prevent the development of arthritis, and can reduce symptoms in those already afflicted with this painful disease.
Scientists at Cardiff University in Wales have studied the effects of cod liver oil on the joints and cartilage for several years now. Previously, they found that the omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil can reduce collagen degradation and inflammation.
Recently, their tests revealed that cod liver oil can actually ’switch off’ or reverse the action of the enzymes that degrade collagen and break down cartilage.
Cod liver oil benefits for joints
Cod liver oil contains anti-inflammatory substances called prostaglandins that have been proven to help those suffering from painful or swollen joints.
It is equally beneficial for your bones due because high content of vitamin D in cod liver oil effects the bone density.
Cod liver oil is also a good source of the essential fat omega-3 which has a positive effect on everything from mental illness to the health of your heart.
Cod liver oil for rheumatoid arthritis
A new study has found that cod liver oil capsules can provide many benefits to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The research could offer new hope to about 500,000 Britons who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and take heavy painkillers and drugs to ease their pain. Taking cod liver oil capsules could allow arthritis patients to reduce their intake of potentially dangerous drugs and their side-effects.
A study published in the journal Rheumatology showed people taking the supplement could cut their reliance on anti-inflammatory drugs by more than 30%.
Cod liver oil can save you from NSAIDs and effects of NSAIDs
Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include ibuprofen. In high doses these have been linked to side-effects including increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Scientists at the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee and the University of Dundee analysed 97 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, all of whom had been taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Researchers found that patients who took 10g of cod liver oil containing 2.2g of omega-3 fatty acids often reduced their reliance on NSAIDs.
Nine months into the study, 39 per cent of those taking cod liver oil had reduced their NSAID use by more than 30 per cent, compared with just ten per cent of those taking a placebo.
Dr Andrew Bamji of the British Society for Rheumatology told the BBC that the findings, which are published in the journal Rheumatology, were “positive”.
“Anything that can help to reduce NSAID use is going to be safer for patients,” he noted.
Cod liver oil can be a cheap, effective way to relive the pain of arthritis, without the damaging effects of NSAIDs.
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