It seems your Nana was right after all! Cod liver oil, that trusty cure-all we all heard about from our grandparents seems to have science on its side – it is good for you.
Cod liver oil is making a renaissance and recent studies have shown its rich omega-3 fatty acid profile, along with its naturally occurring levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin D have a multitude of health benefits.
New Zealand Naturopath, Michele Wilton says, “Scientists are now verifying the evidence behind the popular whole-food panacea that has endured for centuries. Our grandmothers swore by a spoonful of cod liver oil a day, and evidence shows cod liver oil may be one of the safest, easiest ways to promote heart health, boost brain efficiency and support a healthy immune system.
“While fish oil and cod liver oil are both good sources of the two most active omega-3s, EPA (eicosapentaeonic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), each provide slightly different ratios — cod liver oil generally contains about 50% more DHA than EPA, whereas fish oil (generally derived from sardines and anchovies) contains about 50% more EPA than DHA.”
Aside from its valuable Vitamin A and D content, cod liver oil is particularly useful for supporting healthy brain and nervous system function, as well as the overall health of all body cells including those of the skin and glands that require more DHA to be at their best.
Fish oils, with a higher EPA content, might lend themselves more specifically towards supporting inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and asthma. The natural Vitamin A and D content of cod liver oil provides further benefit to eyesight, bone strength and overall immune balance, such as improved wound healing and increased resistance to allergies and infections.