Fish oil is commonly taken in order to promote heart, brain, eye as well as joint health. However, bodybuilders – as well as other athletes – also utilise this widespread supplement for its anti-inflammatory properties. Some bodybuilding afficionados believe that it may boost muscle strength, improve range of motion in addition to providing numerous other benefits.
What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil is a nutritional supplement that is harvested from fatty fish. These fish include sardines, salmon, mackerel, tuna as well as herring.
Manufacturers are able to use many different methods in order to harvest fish oil, however most techniques usually involve a four-stage process which involves cooking, pressing, filtering as well as centrifuging the finished product.
Fish oils have omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These are crucial fatty acids which the body is unable to make for itself. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are:
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),
- Its metabolites docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
While vegetables – in addition to other plant foods – may contain ALA, the body is not able to use it as easily as DHA or EPA. As fish is a rich dietary supply of both DHA and EPA, individuals may consume fish in order to boost levels of these omega-3 fatty acids. Those who do not often consume fish consider taking fish oil supplements.
The Advantage Of Fish Oil For Bodybuilders
Reducing The Effects Of DOMS
It’s extremely common to feel sore after you’ve worked out. In fact, some individuals start to feel sore and stiff between 12 and 72 hours after unfamiliar or exhausting exercise. This situation is commonly known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and this may be caused by inflammation in your muscle cells.
DOMS usually affects bodybuilders. In addition, it can also hinder workout motivation as well as performance. While massage may reduce the symptoms of DOMS, fish oil may also help by restricting muscle damage and inflammation after resistance exercise.
Improving Workout Quality
Some research makes the suggestion that the EPA and DHA in fish oil could improve workout performance. This is because their anti-inflammatory properties could prevent – or even reduce a decline in strength and range of motion that results from intensive exercise.
May Assist With Muscle Health As You Age
Ageing is associated with the gradual loss of muscle mass. After the age of 30, muscle mass declines by 0.1–0.5% per year. You’ll notice a dramatic increase in loss after age 65.
As you get older, it becomes more challenging to maintain – as well as build – muscle. This is partially due to a decreased response to both resistance training and protein intake
Interestingly enough, the anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil may also enhance your muscles’ sensitivity to protein and resistance training. This will allow you to achieve greater gains in muscle size and strength as you age.
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