IT seems your grandma is right. Cod liver oil is indeed good for you.
Cod liver oil is so rich in vitamins and minerals that it is touted as a super food. It contains large amounts of elongated omega-3 fatty acids, preformed vitamin A and vitamin D.
Cancer
All the nutrients in cod liver oil help prevent cancer. Vitamin A has been part of every successful alternative cancer therapy so far.
In a study in China, use of cod liver oil was found to be protective against childhood leukemia.
In a study of Norwegian men and women, consumption of cod liver oil was found to protect against lung cancer
Heart
Cod liver oil contributes to good heart function, prevents heart disease, treats it in advanced stages and helps the heart recover after an attack.
The healing properties are attributed to the oil's omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A, D, and K which all help in facilitating mineral absorption, improving muscle function and supporting blood vessel elasticity. It was also noted that heart attacks usually occur in periods when the level of Vitamin A in the body is low. Cod liver oil provides a continuous supply of Vitamin A.
Bone health/arthritis
Cod liver oil provides vitamin D that helps build strong bones in children and helps prevent osteoporosis in adults. Vitamin D in cod liver oil promotes absorption of calcium and magnesium, thereby lowering blood pressure. In women, higher levels of vitamin D from cod liver oil improve bone mineral density.
Cod liver oil is effective in treating arthritis as well. Research funded by Great Britain's Arthritis Research Campaign found that the elongated omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil reduce both pain and damage in inflamed joints.
Diabetes
Studies for both insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetes showed that cod liver oil improved glucose response. The Vitamin A in the oil also promotes healing of and protects the retina, which are concerns for diabetics.
Pregnancy/Babies
Pregnant women using cod liver oil have infants with a lower risk for juvenile type 1 diabetes. Cod liver oil taken by nursing mothers improves the fatty acid profile in breast milk to promote optimal brain development and also increases levels of vitamin A to prevent infections.
Scientific trials through the years have shown that vitamin A reduces morbidity and mortality of children. Cod liver oil was the supplement of choice in many of these trials. Books on feeding infants published as early as the 1930s and 1940s routinely recommended cod liver oil, starting with 1 teaspoon at the age of three weeks.
Skin
Wounds heal faster and skin quality improves when cod liver oil is applied topically. When taken orally, the oil helps maintain soft skin and minimizes wrinkles. Diaper rash and other skin conditions also respond well to cod liver oil mixed with zinc oxide.
Other Conditions
Cod liver oil has been found to lower blood pressure induced by stress-elevated levels of cortisol.
Initial studies with laboratory animals show that cod liver oil reduced intraocular pressure suggesting a use in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma.
Colitis responds more effectively to the type of omega-3 fatty acids in cod liver oil than to medication. Cod liver oil should be the first resort for this condition as well as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.
It is no wonder, however, why children and adults shy away from cod liver despite its nutritional benefits. It takes a brave heart to swallow even just a teaspoon of this wonder oil.
Diamir Higado de Bacalao Ahumado en su Aceite (Liver of Cod Fish Smoked in its Own Oil) is your healthy and delicious way to get the benefits of cod liver oil.
This canned and ready to eat cod fish is packed in its own oil containing all the goodness and benefits that your body needs.
Diamir Higado de Bacalo is fished and canned in Iceland where the best cod fish species are found.
Another variant, Diamir Bacalao ala Viscaina, comes in a rich tomato based sauce. Both variants are now available in leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide. (PR)