It is used as a dietary supplement for the enhancement of immune system and counteracts infection. The study has shown its cardiac, anti-cancerous, anti-deperssive, anti-psychotic, anti parkinsonic and anti-alzheimeric activity. This oil is soluble in chloroform, solvent ether and light petroleum ether and is insoluble in water. Other common names for Shark liver oil are: Shark oil, Aceite de Hígado de Tiburón, Cetorhinus maximus, Basking Shark Liver Oil, Centroporus squamosus, Dog Fish Liver Oil, Deep Sea Shark Liver Oil, Huile de Foie d’Aiguillat, Foie de Requin, Huile de Foie de Requin, Grands Fonds,  Huile de Requin, Huile de Foie de Requin Pèlerin, Shark Liver, Shark Oil, Sqaulus acanthias and Squalene.

History

Shark liver oil is used as an aid for the people living in Sweden and on the coasts of Norway for about hundreds of years. It was used to treat healing of wounds and as an aid for treatiing respiratory tract problems and maintains digestive health. A young Swedish doctor found in 1950 that the extracts of bone marrow speed up the recovery of White blood cells. Alkylglycerols is an active ingredient found in the extract of bone marrow.

The secret of deep sea Shark got revealed in late 1800 in Japan. The study shows that the fishermen in Suruga Bay drank cups of oil that have been derived from shark’s liver. The daily intake of Shark’s liver oil got new experience of newfound vigor and health. It was considered to be a cure-all. They believed that it was an effective treatment of constipation and cancer.

An expert chemist named Dr. Mitsumaro Tsujimoto in 1906 found that the villagers extracted oil from the shark livers which is named as squalene as it is derived from Squalide. His discovery shows various health benefits which was helpful for Japanese people. He was provided an Imperial Award in honor of his achievement from Japan.

Health Benefits of Shark liver oil

Shark liver oil has high content of Vitamin A. It also possesses Squalene, Alkyglycerol, Squalamine, fatty acids such as DHA, Omega 3 and EPA. It stimulates the immune system. Some health benefits are discussed below:

1. Prevent cold

Shark liver oil is helpful for the people having weak immune systems and is usual to infections such as flu and cold. It has squalene that promotes immune health and forms antibodies that helps to counteract the diseases. It provides protection against fungal and bacterial infections. It also provides relief from respiratory problems, lymph node swelling and alimentary canal irritation.

2. Prevent cancer

Shark liver oil helps to counteract cancers such as lung, breast, skin and brain by obstructing the supply of blood to the tumor cells. This oil has high content of squalamine and alkyglycerol which helps to enhance immune system. It also persuades apoptosis of tumor cells.

3. Lowers pain

This oil is an excellent source of squalene and triterpene that promotes immune system, relieve arthritic pain and prevent infection. It has high content of squalene in comparison to palm oil, olive oil, wheat germ oil and rice bran oil. It helps to lower pain to a greater extent. It lowers the level of blood sugar and blood pressure and is an aid for diabetes and hypertension.

4. Antioxidant activity

Shark liver oil has antioxidant properties that makes the person look young and is a beauty supplement.  It possesses rejuvenating properties. It lowers free radical damage and promotes the skin complexion. It is used in cosmetics due to the high content of Omega-3 fatty acids.

5. Used in lip balm

This oil could be added to lip balms that prevents the lips being chapped and also moisturizes it. It also provides relief from canker sores.

6. Treat ailments

Alkyglycerol provides relief from cold and is also used in cancer therapy. It is used to treat arthritis, asthma and psoriasis.

7. Sound sleep

This oil is an effective tool for providing sound sleep.

Traditional uses

• It is used to promote immune system, counteract infections and also assist in healing wounds.
• It is used to treat the problems related to digestive system such as nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach and respiratory tract.
• It is also used as a treatment for HIV, cancer, swine flu, radiation illness and common cold.
• It is used to treat leukemia.
• It is helpful for treating arthritis, asthma and skin inflammations such as psoriasis.
• It could be added to lip balms in order to moisturize and prevent the lips from chapping.
• It also assists in healing canker sores.
• It is a cure for serious health conditions such as chronic fatigue and AIDS.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Overdose should be avoided because it could lead to nausea, diarrhea or upset stomach.
• The seafood allergic patients should avoid its use.
• It could increase the risk of bleeding.
• It worsens the level of low density lipoprotein.
• It might increase the side effect of heart medications and therapies.
• Due to lack of information, pregnant and lactating women should avoid its use.

Shark liver oil facts

Shark liver oil has been used for centuries for enhancing immune system.  It has compounds such as squalene and alkylglycerols in adequate amounts along with Vitamin E. It is used to boost immune system that assist in healthy aging. It is used to support immunity at the time of pregnancy, improve vascular health and lower muscle wasting.

References:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280925758_SHARK_LIVER_OIL_A_REVIEW

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_liver_oil

http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/x3690e/x3690e0r.htm

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-956-SHARK%20LIVER%20OIL.aspx

http://www.nationalnutrition.ca/EFA_Articles_SharkOil.aspx

http://www.scienceforlife.eu/tekst%20what%20is%20squalenel.htm

http://www.theresearchpedia.com/health/health-benefits-of-foods/shark-liver-oil

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