High in Vitamins A and D
The liver of Atlantic cod is where the majority of cod liver oil is found. Cod liver oil has been used for generations to cure rickets, a condition that produces brittle bones in youngsters, and to improve joint discomfort. Despite being a fish oil supplement, cod liver oil is very different from ordinary fish oil. Cod liver oil is produced from the livers of cod, whereas regular fish oil is taken from the tissue of oily fish such as tuna, herring, anchovies, and mackerel. The liver has a remarkable nutritional profile due to its abundance of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamins A and D. One teaspoon (5 ml) of cod liver oil provides the following:
- Calories: 40
- Fat: 4.5 grams
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 890 mg
- Monounsaturated fat: 2.1 grams
- Saturated fat: 1 gram
- Polyunsaturated fat: 1 gram
- Vitamin A: 90% of the RDI
- Vitamin D: 113% of the RDI
One teaspoon of cod liver oil provides 90% of your daily needs for vitamin A and 113% of your daily needs for vitamin D, making it exceptionally nutrient-dense. The maintenance of healthy skin, eyes, and brain function are just a few of vitamin A's many functions in the body. One of the finest nutritional sources of vitamin D, which is essential for keeping strong bones by controlling calcium absorption, is cod liver oil.
