Cod Liver Oil

On to Herb-Of-The- Week - Cod Liver Oil

THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COD LIVER OIL AND FISH OIL:

The main difference between fish oil and cod liver oil is that cod
liver oil is high in vitamin D. The cod liver oil has the advantage
of providing vitamin D, which is necessary for most of us in the
United States in the cold months of winter, when we don't get very
much sun exposure on our skin in order to make vitamin D. Many
people get confused about the difference between fish oil liquid and
cod liver oil. You can consider cod liver oil as fish oil+. The 2
are the same except that cod liver oil contains natural vitamin D
and A.

There is hardly a disease in the books that does not respond well to
treatment that includes cod liver oil, and not just infectious
diseases but also chronic modern diseases like heart disease and
cancer. Cod liver oil provides vitamin D that helps build strong
bones in children and helps prevent osteoporosis in adults. The
fatty acids in cod liver oil are also very important for the
development of the brain and nervous system. "If you want to prevent
learning disabilities in your children," said David Horrobin,
distinguished medical and biochemical researcher, "feed them cod
liver oil."

Cod liver oil contains more vitamin A and more vitamin D per unit
weight than any other common food. One hundred grams of regular cod
liver oil provides 100,000 IU of vitamin A, almost three times more
than beef liver, the next richest source; and 10,000 IU vitamin D,
almost four times more than lard, the next richest source. Of
course, cod liver oil is only consumed in small amounts, but even a
tablespoon (about 15 grams) provides well over the recommended daily
allowance for both nutrients.

Vitamin D: What is it?
Vitamin D, calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is found in
food, but also can be made in your body after exposure to
ultraviolet rays from the sun. The major biologic function of
vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and
phosphorus 4. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping
to form and maintain strong bones. It promotes bone mineralization
in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones.
Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, soft, or
misshapen.

As you can tail from the abbreviated list below, COD LIVER OIL is
probably one of the best sources of vitamin D besides sunlight.

Cod liver oil, 1 Tablespoon 1,360 IU -- 340% of RDA
Salmon, cooked, 3½ ounces 360 IU -- 90% of RDA
Mackerel, cooked, 3½ ounces 345 IU -- 90% of RDA
Tuna fish, canned in oil, 3 ounces 200 IU -- 50% of RDA
Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 1¾ ounces 250 IU -- 70% of RDA
Milk, nonfat, vitamin D fortified, 1 cup 98 IU -- 25% of RDA
Margarine, fortified, 1 Tablespoon 60 IU -- 15% of RDA

ALSO.....

Scientists have confirmed the age-old belief that cod liver oil is
good for the joints. Professor Bruce Caterson of the School of
Biomedicine at Cardiff University looked at the effect of Omega-3
fatty acids (the main component of cod liver oil) on the discarded
arthritic knees of people undergoing knee replacement surgery.

Some were treated with Omega-3 fatty acids for 24 hours in a
laboratory - others were not. When researchers looked at the
cartilage pieces, they found a particular kind of a body chemical
called enzymes, which was responsible for destroying cartilage in
arthritis, was present in the untreated group. But they were 'turned
off' in those treated with Omega-3 fatty acids, as were the enzymes
which cause inflammation and pain in joints.

Professor Caterson said his research, "So in very simple terms,
we've been able to show that we can slow down or remove the
activities of the enzymes that degrade cartilage in arthritis, and
as well, we can keep inflammation down to a lower level." Fergus
Logan, chief executive of the Arthritis Research Campaign, which
partly funded the research, said: "Thanks to Professor Caterson, we
know precisely what cod liver oil can do, where it can help and how
that happens. "Not only does cod liver oil reduce pain and
inflammation in the joints of people with osteoarthritis but we now
know it also turns off the enzymes responsible for destroying
cartilage."

Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedimentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

Until next time,
Q