Fish oil contains the omega 3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are known to have great benefits in terms of the health. Large-scale studies have shown that DHA & EPA, when taken in recommended quantities through fish meals or fish oil capsules, reduce the risk of heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, strokes, hardening of the arteries and blood pressure.

These acids are highly recommended by the US National Institutes of Health for there conditions, namely, Hypertriglyceridemia, Secondary cardiovascular disease prevention and High blood pressure. It also lists 27 other condition where fish oil could be of benefit, though the evidence in these cases is not of the highest level.

Consumption of fish oil has a positive effect on personal behavior as well. A study conducted among a select group of prisoners in England and Finland has reported that the levels of the fatty acids present in fish oil was much below normal in the convicts. But consumption of fish oil should be moderated as an intake in excess of 3 grams a day could lead to bleeding.

Unlike popular perception, fishes don't by themselves produce the omega 3 fatty acids. Instead, these fatty acids get accumulated in their bodies. Micro algae produce these fatty acids. Fishes eat micro algae and that's how the accumulation of omega 3 fatty acids in the fishes starts. Some bigger fishes eat other fishes and if these happen to have consumed micro algae, the big fishes will accumulate omega 3 fatty acids.

Since most of the fish from which we get the above-mentioned acids are at the top of the food chain, they end up accumulating a lot of toxic substances too, like mercury. The FDA recommends limiting the consumption of fish due to the possibility of getting too many toxins. So how can we then benefit from the numerous benefits that accrue from fish oil? A lot of people have found their answer in fish oil supplements.

These supplements are available in the form of fish oil capsules. While choosing fish oil capsules for your family, its best to go in for a product that is specifically drawn from a single species. Select a brand which processes fish species which are graded well for human consumption and are guaranteed to be toxin free. To minimize the likelihood of contaminants and hidden vitamin A and D, you'll want a company that presses their fish oil only from the flesh of healthy fish.