Online rumors claim that cod liver oil is extracted from the heads of fish, but this is incorrect. What is extracted from the heads is fish oil. Nowadays, many foods containing fish oil have appeared on the market, and consumers are often confused. So, what is the difference between fish oil and cod liver oil?
Actually, in terms of their raw materials and health benefits for the human body, fish oil and cod liver oil are quite different. Cod liver oil is mainly sourced from the liver of fish, and its main components are vitamins A and D. A lack of vitamin A can lead to night blindness and xerophthalmia. Although fish livers are rich in vitamin A, consumers can also obtain it from common foods such as egg yolks, milk, carrots, and livestock liver.
As for the lack of vitamin D, it can lead to rickets. Generally, the human body can synthesize its own vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. However, the elderly have a weaker ability to synthesize it. To maintain strong bones, it is necessary to pay attention to the intake of vitamin D. At this point, cod liver oil can be considered as a supplement.
Fish oil is often confused with cod liver oil. In fact, fish oil is an extract from the fat of deep-sea fish and belongs to the category of oils. Its main components are polyunsaturated fatty acids, EPA and DHA. These fatty acids can lower low-density cholesterol in the blood, slow down blood clotting and thrombus formation, and reduce the viscosity of blood lipids. Fish oil can act as a scavenger in the blood vessels, reducing the chance of blockage. In other words, fish oil can prevent arteriosclerosis, obesity, hypertension, and heart disease, enhance the learning ability and memory of brain cells, and prevent stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
Cod liver oil and fish oil must never be confused. Taking fish oil as if it were cod liver oil has a lesser impact due to the smaller dosage. However, taking cod liver oil as if it were fish oil can have significant consequences. Because vitamins A and D are fat-soluble, long-term and high-dose consumption of cod liver oil can lead to excessive accumulation in the body, which cannot be metabolized, resulting in poisoning. This can cause increased intracranial pressure. The general public should pay special attention when consuming it.
Many parents buy cod liver oil for their children, believing it can prevent myopia. In fact, this concept is incorrect. To maintain good eyesight, relying on a single nutrient is not enough. Many vitamins and fats are related to vision. A balanced diet and proper eye habits are the true keys to eye health.