Fish oil is one of the most popular supplements in America, with sales totaling about $1 billion per year. The prized component of fish oil is omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3s help decrease inflammation, which is why fish oil is used to treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions—from heart disease to Alzheimer’s to arthritis.
The history of fish oil supplementation stretches back at least 2,000 years. For example, the ketchup of ancient Rome was called garum—a sauce made of fermented fish intestines that was used by everyone from emperors to slaves at every meal. The Vikings were fond of cod liver oil, which is still in use today.
