When you think about muscle building supplements, fats usually don’t mix in the picture.But this is where you could be wrong.Certain fats can assist the process of recovery, providing the right muscle building environment.
Among the other fatty acids, fish oil contains high percent of omega-3 fatty acids DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). These two fatty acids are probably responsible for most of the positive benefits of fish oil.
Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties.Greater amounts of EPA inside the cell wall makes the exchange of nutrients easier and flushing of toxins faster.Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA on the other hand is known for its positive effect on the nervous system.
A small study on fish oil benefits was conducted by the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.
“In the study, investigators randomized 40 newly diagnose NSCLC patients to receive either fish oil (EPA 2.2 g/day) or standard care (no intervention; n=24) while undergoing first-line chemotherapy for 10 weeks.The investigator found that about 69% of the patients who took fish oil gained or maintained muscle mass. In comparison, only 29% of patients in the control group maintained muscle mass.As a group, patients who received fish oil were able to maintain their weight whereas patients who received standard care lost an average of 2.3 kg.”
When it comes to weightlifting and bodybuilding,this means that fish oil can be beneficial for burning fat and preventing muscle loss.Studies have shown that fish oils interfere with inflammation caused by intense training, thereby reducing its effect.
Fish oil also improves digestion. Poorly digested foods can cause gut inflammation, leaky gut, and allergies. Essential fatty acids in fish oil (omega-3 and omega-6) improve gut integrity, and decrease inflammation.
Another fish oil benefit to bodybuilders and athletes is the ability to keep hormone-producing glands active.This means higher levels of testosterone in the blood, which eventually leads to increased muscle mass.
