Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

The health benefits of fish oils are not limited to providing the protection against the cardiovascular diseases and joint problems. A research that was conducted by a group of scientists at the University of South Australia showed that fish oils also aid in weight loss process.

In fact, fish oil tends to improve the efficacy of cardio as well as strength training exercises in reducing weight. Exercisers who were given a fish oil diet or supplement showed greater fat loss as compared to those individuals who did not consume fish oils.

The various types of fish make a good source of fish oil. They include sardines, salmon, mackerel, sea bass, herring, swordfish, oyster, tuna, trout, halibut, pilchard, turbot, anchovies and cat fish.

You can also use a dietary supplement that makes use of fish oil in its formulation. Pharma Nord Bio Marine Plus Omega-3 Fish Oil is a popular brand on the market that helps achieve your weight loss objectives when used with a combination of low-calorie diet plan and regular physical activity. Each capsule of Bio-Marine Plus contains 500 mg of fish oil in the form of free fatty acids, corresponding to a DHA content of 118mg/capsule and an EPA content of 166mg/capsule, 1 microgram of vitamin B-12 and 100 microgram of folic acid.

The addition of folic acid and vitamin B-12 to fish oil reduces menstrual pain and eliminates the risk of congenital birth defects. Make sure that you consume 1-2 capsules 1-2 times daily. This supplement makes use of fish oils obtained from fish found in the South East Pacific and Northern Atlantic oceans.

Vitiligo is a skin disease that occurs due to the depigmentation of the skin cells. In this disorder, the loss of colour is due to the absence of melanocytes. Melanocytes are the pigment cells that give brown colour to one’s skin.

Although vitiligo can affect all races, it is more common in people with darker skins. It can strike at any age but research shows that 60 percent of patients are under 25 when it first appears. Vitiligo affects approximately 1 person in every 300 of the population. Many researchers believe that it is a hereditary disease as around 45 percent of patients have a family history of vitiligo.

The symptoms are both physical and psychological. Physical symptoms include pigment loss in areas that are exposed, particularly back of the hands, face and neck. The hair in areas of vitiligo can often go white, a condition known as leukotrichia. Often the areas of depigmentation are symmetrical with both halves of the body equally affected.

As far as the psychological impacts of vitiligo are concerned, it can deprive an individual of his or her confidence. It can result in social anxiety and embarrassment. As it is more obvious in darkly pigmented individuals, it can result in a severe loss of self-confidence especially for those who have patches on exposed skin.

There are several treatments that tend to hide white skin areas, prevent further pigment loss or even reverse depigmentation. One can cover depigmented areas by applying camouflage creams over skin. Topical and systemic corticosteroids can be used to clear the white patches. Photochemotherapy treatment combines the ultraviolet irradiation with a light-activated drug. In dark-skinned patients, skin grafting can be used to stimulate repigmentation. In case of mild vitiligo, patients are often advised to consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B as both nutrients help restore pigmentation and natural look of the skin.

Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Plus Multivitamins is a combination of cod liver oil with omega-3 fish oil and vitamins A, D and E. This supplement makes an ideal gift for vitiligo patients because it helps maintain healthy skin. Moreover, it keeps joints supple and flexible and helps release energy. Another advantage of this supplement is that it helps maintain strong teeth, bones and promotes healthy nails and hair. You should consume one capsule a day with a cold drink.