Nordic fishermen recognized some of the benefits of fish oil hundreds of years ago. It helped relieve their aching joints. They felt that it protected them from the cold and wind. Omega3 fatty acids, present in the oils, help modulate immune system responses and reduce inflammation. But, it is not only the omega3s that are important. Recent studies have shown that there is an "x-factor" in the natural triglycerides, something unknown. Concentrated esters have less anti-inflammatory activity than the natural triglycerides, even though they have a lower percentage of omega3s.

The anti-inflammatory activity is one of the reasons that fish oil benefits the skin. Inflammation plays a role in conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Fatty acids are one of the primary components of the skin's sebum, its natural moisturizer.

Consuming the oils would have helped reduce the damage done to the fisherman's skin by the wind and cold. Fish oil benefits the immune system, as well. So, they probably had fewer colds and winter sniffles.

Nordic fishermen were probably unaware of the benefits of fish oil to the heart or brain. Modern day research indicates that increasing our intake of omega3 fatty acids reduces our risk of heart disease. It helps people that suffer from depression, improves conditions like ADHD and may reduce our risk of Alzheimer's. Research in Canada is currently ongoing concerning that benefit.

In order to make the most of the fish oil benefits, you need to choose your supplements carefully. The manufacturers should guarantee purity and freshness. They should abide by the highest standards for maximum contamination and oxidation levels. They should post an analysis from on independent laboratory on their websites, proving that the supplements are free of contaminants and have very low levels of oxidation.

Of course, the brands that you see in discount department stores do not meet those requirements. Everyone wants the benefits of fish oil, but no one wants the symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning. Those symptoms include tremors, fatigue, depression, irritability and memory loss.

Mercury content is one of the things that laboratories can measure for. If mercury is found, the oils can be molecularly distilled to remove them, but that reduces the "x-factor" and the anti-inflammatory activity.

In order to provide the natural triglyceride form, the manufacturer must choose a species that is known to swim in especially clean water, far from mercury spewing power plants. It is becoming harder and harder to find water that clean, but it does still exist.

Other fish oil benefits include improved digestion, improved ability to concentrate, better looking hair, reduced risk of type II diabetes, reduced risk of complications from diabetes, improved vision and even a reduced risk of some types of cancer. There may be more benefits of fish oil that we are as yet unaware of, but we known enough to recommend that everyone take the supplement, as long as it is free of contaminants.