There are many benefits of cod liver oil for teeth that people often avoid. Read on this informative article to know why.
Northern Europeans have used fish liver oil for thousands of years to treat health complaints related to the cold regions they inhabit. They obtained oil from the liver of the Atlantic codfish and used it to treat arthritis, rheumatism, and stiff muscles. In the 1800s, the oil was used to treat Rickets and Tuberculosis. Cod livers are steamed to release their oils. Because of its high nutrient profile, it is nowadays used more as a dietary supplement.
Let us check the composition of cod liver oil:
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one teaspoon of cod liver oil (4.5g) contains:
- Energy – 41 calories
- Vitamin D – 450 IU
- Vitamin A – 4500 IU
- Fat – 4.5 gms
- Omega-3 fatty acids – 890 mg
- Saturated fatty acids – 1.017 g
- Monounsaturated fatty acids – 2.102 g
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids – 1.014 g
- Cholesterol – 26 mg
Health Benefits of Cod Liver Oil
1. Benefits of Vitamins in Cod Liver Oil
- Cod liver oil has high levels of vitamin A. This maintains your eye and skin health and improves brain function.
- Vitamin A also has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent eye diseases like Glaucoma and AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration) linked to chronic inflammation.
- Cod liver oil is an excellent dietary source of vitamin D for the inhabitants of the world’s colder regions since they do not get enough sunlight to synthesize vitamin D from it. Vitamin D is essential for our healthy bones and teeth as it also increases calcium absorption from our gut. Its anti-inflammatory property helps reduce chronic inflammation in our bodies that can lead to heart ailments and other diseases. It also helps maintain the level of phosphorous in the blood. Vitamin D deficiency can cause osteomalacia and osteoporosis and affect the risk of diseases like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis, and infections of the ear and respiratory system.
- Vitamin A and D are also potent antioxidants that reduce the damage caused by free radicals in our bodies.
- Chronic inflammation in your body can also be the cause of anxiety or depression. The vitamin D in cod liver oil may help stimulate the secretion of mood-improving hormones like serotonin in the brain.
2. Benefits of Fatty Acids in Cod Liver Oil
- Cod liver oil has Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that reduce chronic inflammation by suppressing the proteins that promote it. They help lower your blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and increase levels of HDL. They help reduce inflammation that causes plaque to buildup in your arteries, eventually leading to a heart attack or stroke.
3. Others
- Cod liver oil helps repair your damaged teeth, hair, nails, and skin.
- It helps alleviate joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and improving stiffness. This also helps reduce your dependence on pain relievers.
- Cod liver oil accelerates the healing of your wounds, stomach and gut ulcers, and minor rashes and burns.
Precautions and Side Effects:
- Cod liver oil oxidizes and gets rancid very quickly; therefore, check its condition before buying.
- If you take Cod liver oil in excess of the dosage prescribed by your doctor, it can cause nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, kidney stones, anorexia, polyuria, weight loss, and irregular heart rhythms.
- Avoid cod liver oil if you are pregnant, lactating, on blood thinners or anti-hypertension drugs.
Cod Liver Oil For Teeth
– For Gums
- Cod liver oil helps maintain healthy gums and teeth. Anti-inflammatory properties of the fatty acids present in cod liver oil help reduce inflammation in the gums. Gum disease left untreated can also lead to the loss of your teeth.
– For Cavities
- Rather than plain cod liver oil, fermented cod liver oil along with butter oil, has proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay and cavities.
- Studies show that they can reduce the rate of cavities by as much as 90%. This finding is the result of research conducted by dentist Weston Price. Cavities in your teeth occur due to the eroding action of acids produced by bacteria that feed on the sugars on your teeth after a meal. Aging also causes demineralization of your teeth. Hence your damaged teeth need the calcium present in your saliva to be remineralized. Vitamin D and A, along with vitamin K2 in cod liver oil, help your body absorb calcium to rebuild bone and teeth. However, be cautious and buy only the FDA approved fermented cod liver oil from reputed health food stores.
- Fermented cod liver oil and butter oil are available separately or as a pre-blended mixture. It is also available in capsule form.
You can take ¼ to ½ teaspoon 2 or 3 times daily. For children, half of the above dosage is sufficient. Adding cod liver oil to your diet can not only protect your teeth but have a positive impact on your overall health.