From fish to oil: An overview of fish oil preparation | Fish Oil Blog

Fish oil supplements are naturally made from fish like tuna, mackerel, cod and salmon. Some manufacturers use lake trout and flounder fish to prepare fish oil. Oil extracted from these fish are then processed in industries, where they are packed off to the market as fish oil.

Fish oil supplements are to be considered healthy because they contain omega 3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These nutrients are required for normal growth and for almost the proper functioning of every organ of the body for adults. Fish oil supplements are also recommended for infants and children for their benefits. But before giving these fish oil supplements to children, it is better to seek advice from a doctor.

Methods of fish oil preparation: Fish oil preparation first involves selection of fish for oil extraction. Not every other fish is rich in oil. Similarly, not oil taken from every other part of the body is fish oil. Fish liver oil is different from fish oil, while oil taken from the flesh of true fish oil. Below is a step-by-step overview of how fish oil is prepared in factories:

1. Fish which comes to the processing plant are cut into pieces and then cooked by steaming method.

2.  The fish that has been cooked is then pressed to separate the fat free dry solids from the oil and water formed.

3. These fat-free processed foods are added into fish meal and is usually a good feed for pets.

4. The oil and water which were processed before are further processed to separate oil and water.

5. The water separated from the oil also has solids which is added back into the fish oil supplements.

6. The next stages involve the most vital processes of oil processing called polishing.  Here the impurities are removed through hot water and supplements are made toxic free.

7. The last stage of oil processing is adding anti-oxidants before the oil is sealed in storage containers.

Fish oil supplements, as you know, are rich in fatty acids which helps to improve the function of the brain, the eye and the nervous system.  The main content of fish oil supplements,  the omega-3 fatty acids, reduce the amount of fat deposited in arteries and thus minimize the  risk of heart disease. These fish oil supplements are helpful to treat arthritic pain which later forms cancer tumors on the normal functioning of cells. Regular intake of fish oil supplements can reduce the risk of breast cancer, prostate and colon cancer and thus reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.