Although cod liver oil may not be as trendy as it once was, and omega 3 fish oil supplements have gained more popularity, you can still find both options in any health store or pharmacy nearby. Which brings us to a common question: how are cod liver oil and standard fish oil different—and which one you should be taking?
Cod Liver Oil & Fish Oil: An Overview
Cod is a fish—hence the reason why there’s confusion regarding separating cod liver oil and standard fish oil. As a matter of fact: Both these oils originate from different fish sources. Moreover, cod liver oil offers slightly different benefits from standard fish oil, which is derived from fatty fish.
Although they come from different sources, both fish oil and cod liver oil contain omega 3 fatty acids. As a result, you can experience remarkable health advantages of both healthy oils stemming from rich omega 3 content.
Since the human body is unable to produce its own omega 3 fatty acids, it is vital to incorporate them into your diet. And you have two options. Learn which one is for you by checking out the key differences.
Essential Differences Between Cod Liver & Fish Oil
The standard fish oil softgels you’ll find in health food stores differs from cod liver oil in the following aspects:
Origin Of Extraction
Fish oil typically comes from the tissue of various fatty fish, such as herring, salmon, tuna, mackerel, and anchovies. On the other hand, cod liver oil is exclusively taken from the livers of codfish, which are plentifully found in the freshwaters of Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.
The fish that are abundant in omega 3s consume phytoplankton, which gets it from microalgae. It is this microalga that serves as the primary source of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. And ultimately, it reaches you in the form of convenient liquid oils, softgels, and capsules.
Nutrient Breakdown
Since fish oil is derived from fatty fish, it contains a greater amount of omega-3 fatty acids compared to cod liver oil. Additionally, standard fish oil has a higher fat content than cod fish oil—but the good kind that benefits your heart, skin health, and more.
Cod liver oil stands out in terms of its concentration of vitamins A and D. Since the liver is known to be rich in these nutrients, it’s not surprising that cod liver oil provides a higher dosage of your daily vitamins. However, it’s important to consider whether consuming excessive amounts of these nutrients through cod liver oil is the best idea. We’ll delve deeper into this aspect further.
Benefits Of Cod Liver Oil & Fish Oil
Amongst the differences between cod liver oil and fish oil are also the benefits of each kind of supplement. Though you’ll find several similarities, it’s necessary to dive into the specifics. This knowledge can prove useful if you’re taking either kind of supplement for a certain health condition.
Benefits Of Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil features healthy levels of EPA and DHA. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are two of the three main omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils. It also contains vitamins A and D.
The presence of vitamins A and D sets cod liver oil apart from regular fish oil, giving it an exceptional advantage. By adding cod liver oil to your routine, you can experience a reduction in inflammation throughout your body. Thus, unsurprisingly cod liver oil help with alleviating the pain associated with arthritis.
Additionally, this supplement oil may have a positive impact on mental health, reducing anxiety and depression. For expecting mothers, cod liver oil promotes healthy fetal brain function. Plus, it may lower the risk of type 1 diabetes in both pregnancy and newborns.
Furthermore, cod liver oil aids in maintaining good eyesight. If you suffer from low bone density, cod liver oil may be that magic lacking in your diet. Taking cod liver oil can also lower triglyceride levels, regulate blood pressure, and prevent the build-up of plaque in arteries.
With all these awesome benefits, cod liver oil truly stands out as a powerful supplement for overall well-being.
Benefits Of Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oil is a true powerhouse when it comes to health benefits. Given that a whopping thirty percent of fish oil is made up of pure omega-3 fatty acids, it is no wonder those little softgels play such a huge role in your well-being.
Not only does fish oil play a crucial role in promoting heart health, but it also has a positive impact on mental health. The most popular health benefit of fish oil is its anti-inflammatory properties. Like cod liver oil, it is incredibly beneficial in pregnancy, as well as breastfeeding.
Another remarkable benefit of fish oil is its ability to support healthy brain development and function. Moreover, fish oil is known to support liver health and can even help prevent chronic disorders for those who are at risk.
If you’re on a weight loss journey, incorporating fish oil into your routine might just give you that extra boost you need. Last but not least, fish oil is a fantastic supporter of skin health. So, not only will you be reaping the benefits internally, but your skin will thank you too!
Cod Liver Vs. Fish Oil: Which Should You Take?
Choose either fish oil or cod liver oil—but avoid taking them together! Both oils provide the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, but cod liver oil contains additional vitamins A and D. If you need these extra vitamins, opting for cod liver oil alone would be suitable.
However, if you do not require those additional vitamins, it is best to take only fish oil. Alternatively, if you want to obtain the benefits of vitamins A and D without consuming cod liver oil, you can take fish oil alongside vitamin supplements.
Know that while cod liver fish oil is beneficial, it may be harder to watch for limits of all nutrients (omega 3 and Vitamins) when you consume cod liver oil on a daily basis. Be careful not to over-consume vitamins. And remember to always consult your doctor before adding a supplement to your diet when you are on any medication!
