• Wild Alaskan salmon oil provides a variety of health benefits.softgel capsule image by ivp from Fotolia.com
  
  Wild Alaskan salmon oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have a variety of health benefits. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are the active components of omega-3 fatty acids. A standard daily dose of wild Alaskan salmon oil includes 180 milligrams of EPA and 120 milligrams of DHA, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
  
  

Cancer Prevention

• Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in wild Alaskan salmon, may prevent certain forms of cancer. People who ingest high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids have fewer incidences of colorectal, breast and prostate cancer. Animal studies have shown a reduction in the progression of colon cancer with omega-3 fatty acids.
  
  

Mental Health

• Taking omega-3 fatty acids from wild Alaskan salmon oil, along with conventional antidepressants, may benefit people suffering from depression. Studies have shown conflicting results for treating depression solely with fish oil. Salmon oil may also benefit patients with bipolar disorder, by reducing mood swings. Although initial studies suggest that the omega-3 fatty acids may improve symptoms in schizophrenia patients, recent evidence shown no improvement, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Though the verdict is still out, it is a good idea to supplement anyway, in case you do feel a decrease in the severity of your depression.
  
  

Heart Health

• The omega-3 fatty acids in wild Alaskan salmon oil improve heart health by decreasing triglycerides and raising HDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure in individuals suffering from hypertension, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Clinical studies have found that the EPA and DHA found in omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk factors of heart disease and reduce the formation of blood clots and arterial plaque.
  
  

Diabetes

• Wild Alaskan fish oil may help diabetes patients by decreasing triglycerides and raising HDL cholesterol levels. Diabetics often suffer from high cholesterol and triglycerides, putting them at greater risk for developing heart disease. However, fish oil should be used with caution as type 2 diabetics sometimes experience slight elevations in fasting blood-sugar levels from omega-3 supplementation.
  
  

Additional Health Benefits

• Omega-3 fatty acids aid in preventing the development of macular degeneration. Additionally, fish oil decreases the severity of menstrual pain and inflammation related pain in inflammatory bowel disease. Joint pain, caused by inflammation, may also be decreased from omega-3 supplementation. Increasing levels of EPA and DHA in children with attention deficit disorder may reduce behavioral and learning issues.