The Power of Cod Liver Oil: An Age-Old Omega-3 Rebuilds Your Brain and Boosts Immunity
For centuries, doctors and healers have harnessed the healing properties of natural remedies, and one of the most revered among them is cod liver oil. Unlike the more common fish oil supplements widely marketed today, cod liver oil possesses a unique composition of nutrients that make it a powerhouse for brain health, immune support, and overall wellness.
Historically, cod liver oil has been used for over 200 years to treat various ailments, including tuberculosis, childhood rickets, deadly infections, and wounds. An old medical textbook from 1926 reveals that roughly 75% of remedies used back then were natural, with cod liver oil being a staple. It was valued not just for its omega-3 fatty acids but also for its richness in Vitamin A and Vitamin D, nutrients essential in fighting infections and supporting skeletal health.
Why Cod Liver Oil Outperforms Traditional Fish Oil
Most commercial fish oils today are heavily processed and primarily contain EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), with minimal DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). This ratio is significantly different from what’s naturally present in cod liver oil, which closely mimics the brain's own fat composition.
Key Point:DHA is vital for brain structure and function. A significant portion of your brain is made from DHA, which integrates into cell membranes, enabling nerve signaling, energy production in mitochondria, and cell communication.
In contrast, typical fish oil is high in EPA and low in DHA, making it less optimal for brain, eye, and mitochondrial health. Cod liver oil provides a heavy DHA ratio, providing superior support for neural and visual functions.
A remarkable component exclusive to cod liver oil is alkal glycerol, which played a crucial role historically in fighting infections like TB and in wound healing. Naturally found in bone marrow and breast milk, alkal glycerol acts as an immune system regulator, boosting antibody production and immune cell development. This helps the body fend off infections more effectively.
In modern diets, seed oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids have become ubiquitous, often comprising 20-25% of daily caloric intake. These omega-6 fats are pro-inflammatory and compete with omega-3 fatty acids for incorporation into cell membranes, particularly those of the brain, immune system, and mitochondria.
When consumed excessively without balancing omega-3 intake, seed oils can disrupt cellular function, leading to long-term health issues. The body attempts to adapt by converting excess omega-6 into osbond acid, a fatty acid that somewhat resembles DHA but does not replicate all of its beneficial effects.
Testing blood levels—specifically red blood cell (RBC) DHA and linoleic acid percentages—can reveal how much of these fats are stored in tissues. Ideally, maintaining high RBC DHA levels and low omega-6 levels can optimize health.
Supporting Mitochondrial Energy Production
3. Cardiolipin – The Cellular Battery
DHA is essential for cardiolipin, a phospholipid within the mitochondrial membrane that acts like a battery for energy production. Without sufficient DHA, cardiolipin leaks, impairing mitochondrial function and leading to fatigue and cellular energy deficits.
Both are critical for mitochondrial health. CoQ10 is well-known for heart health, while phospholipids in cod liver oil further support energy generation. Together, they help revitalize mitochondrial function, especially important if seed oils have been overused in one’s diet.
Gut Health and Structural Support
5. Gut Barrier Integrity
Cod liver oil contains components that promote gut lining healing, especially vitamin A. An intact gut barrier prevents "leaky gut" syndrome, reducing systemic inflammation and promoting overall immune resilience.
Historically used for rickets, vitamin D in cod liver oil plays a vital role in calcium regulation and immune modulation. It works synergistically with vitamin K2, which directs calcium to bones and prevents calcium deposition in arteries and joints—a common issue with vitamin D supplementation alone. Consuming cod liver oil provides both vitamins in a natural, balanced form.
Reclaiming Nature’s Ancient Remedy
Eating wild-caught cod liver once or twice a week, akin to the practices of old, allows you to harness these combined benefits. The oil from the liver offers a potent mix: omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K2, and other unknown bioactive compounds that support immunity, brain function, energy, and skeletal health.
Because of its comprehensive nutrient profile, cod liver oil remains a natural, multi-dimensional supplement superior to isolated omega-3 pills. Many health enthusiasts and practitioners believe that this holistic approach to supplementation was a key reason behind its efficacy in previous generations.
Practical Tips and Final Takeaway
The author recommends regularly consuming cod liver in its natural form—such as canned wild-caught options—and supplementing with high-quality cod liver oil capsules. While it may take a couple of years to fully repair and optimize your body's fatty acid profile, the long-term benefits on energy, mental clarity, and immune resilience are worth the effort.
A free daily routine checklist that encapsulates decades of health optimization strategies.
An engaging video explaining DHA and EPA in-depth, to deepen understanding of these vital nutrients.
Conclusion
Cod liver oil is much more than an ancient remedy; it is a comprehensive health-supportive nutrient package that rebuilds your brain, strengthens your immune system, and energizes your cells at the mitochondrial level. Embracing this natural powerhouse might be one of the simplest yet most powerful steps toward optimal health in the modern age.
Part 1/10:
The Power of Cod Liver Oil: An Age-Old Omega-3 Rebuilds Your Brain and Boosts Immunity
For centuries, doctors and healers have harnessed the healing properties of natural remedies, and one of the most revered among them is cod liver oil. Unlike the more common fish oil supplements widely marketed today, cod liver oil possesses a unique composition of nutrients that make it a powerhouse for brain health, immune support, and overall wellness.
A Historical Perspective on Cod Liver Oil
Part 2/10:
Historically, cod liver oil has been used for over 200 years to treat various ailments, including tuberculosis, childhood rickets, deadly infections, and wounds. An old medical textbook from 1926 reveals that roughly 75% of remedies used back then were natural, with cod liver oil being a staple. It was valued not just for its omega-3 fatty acids but also for its richness in Vitamin A and Vitamin D, nutrients essential in fighting infections and supporting skeletal health.
Why Cod Liver Oil Outperforms Traditional Fish Oil
Part 3/10:
Most commercial fish oils today are heavily processed and primarily contain EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), with minimal DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). This ratio is significantly different from what’s naturally present in cod liver oil, which closely mimics the brain's own fat composition.
Key Point: DHA is vital for brain structure and function. A significant portion of your brain is made from DHA, which integrates into cell membranes, enabling nerve signaling, energy production in mitochondria, and cell communication.
In contrast, typical fish oil is high in EPA and low in DHA, making it less optimal for brain, eye, and mitochondrial health. Cod liver oil provides a heavy DHA ratio, providing superior support for neural and visual functions.
Part 4/10:
The Unique Components of Cod Liver Oil
1. Alkal Glycerol – The Immune-Enhancing X Factor
A remarkable component exclusive to cod liver oil is alkal glycerol, which played a crucial role historically in fighting infections like TB and in wound healing. Naturally found in bone marrow and breast milk, alkal glycerol acts as an immune system regulator, boosting antibody production and immune cell development. This helps the body fend off infections more effectively.
2. The Impact of Omega-6 Seed Oils
Part 5/10:
In modern diets, seed oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids have become ubiquitous, often comprising 20-25% of daily caloric intake. These omega-6 fats are pro-inflammatory and compete with omega-3 fatty acids for incorporation into cell membranes, particularly those of the brain, immune system, and mitochondria.
When consumed excessively without balancing omega-3 intake, seed oils can disrupt cellular function, leading to long-term health issues. The body attempts to adapt by converting excess omega-6 into osbond acid, a fatty acid that somewhat resembles DHA but does not replicate all of its beneficial effects.
Part 6/10:
Testing blood levels—specifically red blood cell (RBC) DHA and linoleic acid percentages—can reveal how much of these fats are stored in tissues. Ideally, maintaining high RBC DHA levels and low omega-6 levels can optimize health.
Supporting Mitochondrial Energy Production
3. Cardiolipin – The Cellular Battery
DHA is essential for cardiolipin, a phospholipid within the mitochondrial membrane that acts like a battery for energy production. Without sufficient DHA, cardiolipin leaks, impairing mitochondrial function and leading to fatigue and cellular energy deficits.
4. Coenzyme Q10 and Phospholipids
Part 7/10:
Both are critical for mitochondrial health. CoQ10 is well-known for heart health, while phospholipids in cod liver oil further support energy generation. Together, they help revitalize mitochondrial function, especially important if seed oils have been overused in one’s diet.
Gut Health and Structural Support
5. Gut Barrier Integrity
Cod liver oil contains components that promote gut lining healing, especially vitamin A. An intact gut barrier prevents "leaky gut" syndrome, reducing systemic inflammation and promoting overall immune resilience.
6. Vitamin D and K2 Synergy
Part 8/10:
Historically used for rickets, vitamin D in cod liver oil plays a vital role in calcium regulation and immune modulation. It works synergistically with vitamin K2, which directs calcium to bones and prevents calcium deposition in arteries and joints—a common issue with vitamin D supplementation alone. Consuming cod liver oil provides both vitamins in a natural, balanced form.
Reclaiming Nature’s Ancient Remedy
Eating wild-caught cod liver once or twice a week, akin to the practices of old, allows you to harness these combined benefits. The oil from the liver offers a potent mix: omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K2, and other unknown bioactive compounds that support immunity, brain function, energy, and skeletal health.
Part 9/10:
Because of its comprehensive nutrient profile, cod liver oil remains a natural, multi-dimensional supplement superior to isolated omega-3 pills. Many health enthusiasts and practitioners believe that this holistic approach to supplementation was a key reason behind its efficacy in previous generations.
Practical Tips and Final Takeaway
The author recommends regularly consuming cod liver in its natural form—such as canned wild-caught options—and supplementing with high-quality cod liver oil capsules. While it may take a couple of years to fully repair and optimize your body's fatty acid profile, the long-term benefits on energy, mental clarity, and immune resilience are worth the effort.
Bonus Resources:
Part 10/10:
A free daily routine checklist that encapsulates decades of health optimization strategies.
An engaging video explaining DHA and EPA in-depth, to deepen understanding of these vital nutrients.
Conclusion
Cod liver oil is much more than an ancient remedy; it is a comprehensive health-supportive nutrient package that rebuilds your brain, strengthens your immune system, and energizes your cells at the mitochondrial level. Embracing this natural powerhouse might be one of the simplest yet most powerful steps toward optimal health in the modern age.