Fish Oils contain many properties that are good for your skin, hair, eyes, heart, and more. Fish oil supplements can help treat a variety of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and can even help lower cholesterol levels and help prevent cardiac arrest. But what a lot of people don't know is that these oils can have amazing effects on your hair and skin.

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is derived from the tissues of oily fish (surprise! lol). It contains the very helpful omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors of certain eicosanoids) that are known to help reduce inflammation in the body. They are beneficial in treating many medical conditions such as heart disease, depression, anxiety, cancer, macular degeneration, and more.

Hair Growth

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help with hair growth by nourishing the hair follicles. This helps strengthens and fastens the growth of your hair and also aides in the prevention of hair loss. Do not apply fish oil directly to your hair. It should be consumed as a supplement through your diet.

Fish Oil also helps with maintaining the quality of sheen and can prevent breakage of your hair. You hair is about 88% protein and made up of a hard fibrous protein called keratin. These proteins bind to the hair cuticle and help temporarily rebuild any weakened areas. These bonds are often broken when the hair is chemically straightened and can cause the hair to lose strength and elasticity. If these proteins are not replaced it can lead to breakage. The protein found in fish oil can help replace the proteins in your hair and helps keep your hair strong, lustrous, and durable.

Skin Aging Prevention

A poor diet or a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can be reflected through your skin and hair. Fish oils also keeps your skin hydrated, youthful, and supple. Eicosapentaenoic acid is the the main omega-3 fatty acid that helps prevent aging and wards off wrinkles. As mentioned before, you should take fish oil orally as a supplement or through your diet.

Supplements or Diet?

You can consume more fish oils in different ways. I would suggest taking them in a supplement form to get better results and benefits. Doctors recommend 3-6 grams of fish oil per day. You can also consume more oily fish that has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Here are some types of fish that have high levels of omega-3's:

• Herring
• Albacore tuna
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Halibut
• Clams
• Trout
• Shrimp

Be careful and try to avoid fish with high levels of mercury. Avoid the larger species of fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, etc, as these fish contain high levels of mercury and toxins. Try to eat a variety of fish with low levels of mercury to ensure that you are getting the proper nutrition.

Precautions and Safety Risks

Consult your physician before implementing fish oils, vitamins, or supplements into your diet. Although fish oils are pretty safe in low doses, they can potentially increase your cholesterol levels and weaken your immune system if consumed in high doses. You should start to see results in as little as a few weeks if implemented correctly. Your hair should feel more resilient and strong and your skin should feel more supple and smooth. Be sure to practice safe consumption and implementation methods when incorporating a new diet change.