Cod Liver Oil Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Cod liver oil is the fatty oil that comes from the liver of cod fish. It has been used for centuries in northern Europe as a preventative treatment against many conditions as well as a way to enhance health. Northern Europeans would primarily eat the fresh livers from the Gadus morhua fish, also known as the Atlantic cod.¹

Because of the known cod liver oil benefits that have been applied for centuries, countless studies have been conducted on cod liver oil as a dietary supplement for disease prevention. Today, many people still eat fresh cod livers. However, cod liver oil is widely available as a supplement in capsule form or as a liquid product.

Cod Liver Oil Health Uses and Health Benefits

Cod liver oil benefits come from its content of good fats. Cod liver oil contains both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Cod liver oil is also a rich source of vitamin D, which is why it has been used in northern climates where people often suffer from vitamin D deficiencies. Cod liver oil is also very high in vitamin A, which is needed for eye health among other important functions.

Additionally, northern Europeans used cod liver oil for skin as a way to moisturize dry, cracked skin in the winter.

Cod liver oil benefits include:

• Reducing inflammation
• Improving heart health
• Lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Strengthening bones and teeth
• Elevating mood
• Boosting immune system
• Preventing cancer
• Increasing brain function

Cod liver oil uses include:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis - Applying cod liver oil to the skin can help improve deep vein thrombosis by reducing inflammation.
• Dementia - The high fatty acid content of cod liver oil helps to improve brain function and can prevent dementia.
• Joint Pain - Cod liver oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help alleviate joint pain and swelling.
• Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) - Cod liver oil benefits include being a natural way to treat infections including sinusitis.
• Crohn’s Disease - Cod liver oil can help reduce digestive inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease.

Cod Liver Oil Side Effects and Precautions

Cod liver oil side effects can cause thin blood and should not be taken by pregnant women or people on blood thinning medication. Cod liver oil side effects may also include belching, nausea and heartburn.¹

References

1. https://draxe.com/cod-liver-oil/