Fish oil use for weight loss and gain

Use in weight loss and gain

Fish oil is an animal fat obtained from oily marine fish (cod, mackerel, herring, etc.). Contains a large number of useful substances for the body.

Many people cannot stand this product, which is not surprising: in childhood, they were stuffed with almost everyone in kindergartens, schools and at home in order to saturate the body with useful vitamins. And given that the taste of this product in its pure form is very specific, the dislike for fish oil was quite understandable.

Useful properties for the body

Fish oil is indeed a real storehouse of vitamins and nutrients.

In addition to such important for the body calciferol and tocopherol, responsible for immune support and oxygenation of all tissues of the body, fish oil contains the so-called fatty acids - Omega-3, 6 and 9.

What is their significance? Fatty acids are sources of youthfulness of the body, help tissue regeneration, hair growth and skin renewal, as well as its saturation with collagen, which prolongs its tone and freshness.

Fatty acids have a positive effect on brain function. They contribute to the normal development of the body, and also accelerate the speed of information transfer at the intercellular level, which helps to increase energy and efficiency.

In addition to the above, scientists have proven their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects - in general, they are simply necessary for a full-fledged healthy body.

Since fish oil is a derivative of marine fish, it is saturated with iodine and phosphorus, which are characteristic of the inhabitants of the deep sea. Thus, in addition to their functions for the organic development and maintenance of the youth of the human body, fish oil helps to fill the daily need for these substances. And this means: healthy strong bones, a normally functioning thyroid gland and a stable nervous system. All these qualities are essential for a modern person living in an ecologically and psychologically unhealthy climate of large cities.

Use for diet and weight loss

Recently, many nutritionists have also started talking about the benefits of fish oil for weight loss.

The method of effective weight loss with the help of this drug is based on another useful property of fatty acids - the ability to accelerate and stabilize metabolic processes in the human body.

It is thanks to the accelerated metabolism that excess weight is easily burned. But unfortunately, not everyone is gifted with this mechanism by nature. In addition, its slowdown is influenced by malnutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, improper distribution of physical activity and alternating them with food intake.

It is these negative effects that fish oil as a component of the diet is intended to neutralize.

How to take: the optimal number of capsules

Naturally, uncontrolled intake of fish oil will not lead to anything good. Its use should not exceed the norm established by nutritionists.

If earlier taking fish oil was an unpleasant matter due to its taste and olfactory qualities, now this problem has been solved - most of the preparations containing it are available in the form of 500 mg gelatin capsules, which are convenient to take orally.

Do not take fish oil on an empty stomach. This can lead to problems in the gastrointestinal tract, since fats have the property of activating the secretion of bile and provoking softening of the stool.

There is still controversy over the effective dosage of fish oil. Some experts say that for effective weight loss, 500 mg of fish oil per day is enough to speed up the metabolism. This rate is usually contained in 1 capsule of the drug.

On the other hand, there is an opinion that for the fastest fat burning, the dosage of fish oil should be 500 mg per 1% excess subcutaneous fat in the human body. But it is quite difficult to calculate the correct dose with this approach. After all, you first need to find out this percentage.

It is better to use some average value:

  • Provided that the excess weight is no more than 15 kilograms, the dosage of fish oil can be defined as 1-2 grams twice a day. That is, 4-8 capsules of 500 mg daily.
  • If the excess weight is more than 15 kilograms, then the dosage increases accordingly. But at the same time, it should not exceed 5-6 grams of the drug, or 10-12 capsules daily.

Fish oil should not be taken continuously. In order for it to be properly absorbed, and also to avoid an overdose of vitamins A and D, which can be dangerous to health, this drug should be taken in courses of 20-25 days, after which it is necessary to take a break for 4 months.

Fish oil is contraindicated:

  • those who have an excess of calcium in the body;
  • people suffering from hypervitaminosis;
  • people with thyroid disease;
  • suffering from kidney diseases, especially from calcifications;
  • patients with various forms of tuberculosis;
  • people who are allergic to seafood.

In order to lose weight, fish oil should be taken only in combination with other activities, such as: dietary restrictions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and, of course, constant exposure to physical activity.

Only such an integrated approach can help speed up metabolism, form a beautiful body and not return those extra pounds a couple of months after the end of the course of taking the drug.

The main benefit for bodybuilders, in essence, remains the same as for other people - strengthening the body, rejuvenating tissues, skin, hair and nails. In addition, for lovers of a beautiful body, fish oil is one of the most famous and useful sports supplements.

Its ability to lower blood pressure will help develop more endurance in training, especially for those athletes who initially suffer from hypertension.

Another property of fish oil is extremely important when doing strength sports - this drug helps to accelerate protein synthesis in muscles, which means it helps their growth.

According to research by the International Society for Sports Nutrition, an increase in muscle mass was registered in the test group as early as 6 weeks after the start of the systematic intake of fish oil. So, if you follow the training regimen, fish oil will help to achieve more significant results in gaining muscle mass.

All these arguments in favor of fish oil show that our parents were right when they tried to give it to their children every day.

At the same time, it is worth remembering the features of this drug and the pitfalls that accompany its use. Better consult a doctor those who suffer from allergic reactions to food products, and in particular to seafood and fish. It should not be used by those who have problems with the thyroid gland, kidneys, calcium absorption in the body. Well, for hypotensive patients, pregnant women and people with heart disease, it is better to coordinate its dosage with a specialist.

Even if losing weight or gaining muscle mass is your primary goal, you should not exceed the dosage of fish oil, as this can be hazardous to health. For greater effectiveness, combine fish oil intake with an active lifestyle, proper nutrition and the rejection of bad habits.