Beneficial oils

What is the difference between Fish oil, Krill oil, Cod liver oil and Emu oil?

Essential fatty acids

The Western diet tends to be deficient in beneficial oils (essential fatty acids), this is why there are many different oil capsules available on the market (flaxseed oil, rice bran oil, emu oil, fish oil, krill oil). It possible to take a combination of oils concurrently and it really depends on the dosage you intend to take and the condition you are trying to address. For example if you are experiencing chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia you may consider taking a medium maintenance dosage of both fish oil and Emu oil supplements. They are quite complimentary to be taken concurrently.

Benefits of Fish oil

Fish oil is a well known supplement used by thousands of people with great success. Fish oil is yielded from the flesh of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. Many people in the Western World are afflicted with inflammatory diseases due to the typical western diet which sees people eating high amounts of refined foods, red meats and sugar. These foods cause an imbalance to the ratio of oils in the body and may cause inflammation in many individuals as well as cardiovascular diseases, immune depression, integumentary system inflammation, dry skin and brain and learning problems.

Fish oils specifically contain two essential fatty acids called Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). EPA is a potent anti-inflammatory helpful for the cardiovascular system to reduce inflammation, viscous blood and sticky cholesterol as well as reducing inflammation present anywhere in the body. DHA is helpful for brain health and is found to be deficient in people with autism, dyslexia or any learning difficulties as well as protective to the nervous system.

Benefits of Emu oil

Emu Oil is the Oil derived from the Australian native bird, the Emu. Emu oil has many health benefits when used topically and taken internally due to its high lipid content. Emu oil contains essential fatty acids also, however it contains the whole specturm (Omega 3, 6 and 9) rather than just Omega 3 (fish oil).

The following are some indications Emu oil can be used for:

dry skin, wound healing, scarring, psoriasis and eczem
hair loss
arthritis, inflammation, muscle aches and pain
insect bites

Benefits of Krill oil

Supplemental krill oil is a relatively recent addition to the natural therapies industry, in regards to availabilty to purchase it for consumption. The health benefits of krill oil closely resemble the effects of fish oil due to the essential fatty acid component of Omega 3, however unlike fish oil it contains also Omega 6 essential fatty acids. It also yields other health giving nutrients and is high in pospholipids for the health of the nervous system, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules.

Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is a type of dietary oil yielded from the liver organ of the species of cod fish. Cod liver oil contains Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Phospolipids and high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin D3. Cod liver oil is typically used for the health of the respiratory system, immune system, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system. Cod liver oils direct actions are due to its anti-inflammatory actions and the oil has a specifically demulcent (soothing) effect on the mucus membranes to reduce inflammation due to allergies. The Omega 3 essential fatty acids also benefit these systems.

Please see the following askanaturopath.com webpage concerning essential fatty acids:
http://www.askanaturopath.com/faqs/essential-fatty-acids/p/327