How Fish Oil Works

Admittedly some of the biochemical bases for Omega-3/fish oil and its beneficial health effects are not thoroughly understood.  Still some things are clear.  Recent research shows that fish oil significantly reduces production of certain prostaglandins (see Wikipedia entry: Prostaglandins), these are naturally-occurring fatty-acid substances that are known to play a major role in heart disease.

In addition, prostaglandins can stimulate tumor cell growth. Fish oil can inhibit the enzyme responsible for prostaglandin synthesis called prostaglandin synthase. After a high intake of fish oil, prostaglandin (especially in the tumor cells) is decreased significantly, which in turn, slows tumor growth.

Notably, when we say “fish oil,” of course we should generally keep in mind the following cold-water fish:  mackerel, salmon, sardines.  Other species may likewise be of value.