Fish oil won't help you lose weight, experts say

While there is evidence from animal studies that fish oil can boost weight loss, new research on humans states otherwise.

Published on December 15 in the medical journal American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, US researchers tested the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids among a group of 128 overweight and obese adults enrolled in a diet and exercise program.

Participants in the study took five fish oil capsules (about three grams of omega-3 fatty acids) or five placebo capsules every day for 24 weeks. They were also asked to do 150 minutes per week of aerobic activity and 20 to 30 minutes of strength training at least twice a week.

People in both groups lost more than five percent of their body weight, but researchers found no difference between the groups, except in one area: the fish oil group had increased levels of omega-3s in their blood, which produced "a positive cardiovascular effect," the researchers stated in a release.

While they may not aid in losing weight, there are plenty of great reasons to add omega-3 fish oil to your diet, experts say. Fish oil is reported to ward off heart disease, depression, and even psychological disorders. A January 2010 UCLA study concluded that a dietary increase of marine omega-3 fatty acids prolonged the lifespan of patients with coronary heart disease.

Deciding to add marine omega-3 fatty acids to your daily diet may be simple but finding sustainable and mercury-free fish high in omega-3 can be a challenge, so you may turn to supplements. If that is the case make sure you purchase marine omega-3 supplements that are pure, fresh and natural, and contain balanced EPA and DHA.

If you prefer to eat your oils, look to salmon, bluefin tuna, mackerel, herring, rainbow trout, crustaceans, anchovies, and sardines.

There are a variety of resources to understand how to buy healthy, sustainable fish. One great resource is Blue Ocean Institute, a conservation organization that has clever solutions for your menu planning and an informative, downloadable reference guide that colorfully articulates the abundance of fish species, classifies farmed vs. wild fish, and highlights any health concerns. All of this can be accessed at http://www.blueocean.org.

Access the study here.