One of the reasons the old cod liver oil tasted so bad is that it often was rancid. Cod liver oil today is processed and packaged to help reduce the rancidity and improve the flavor. Some even come in fruit flavors. However, sometimes you still burp a fishy taste. That, however, is the only drawback to cod liver oil. It has no side effects unless taken in extremely large doses.

is high in vitamin A and D. Even though the sun provides excellent doses of vitamin D, most people still do not get enough. Today's life takes place indoors far more than it did in our great grandparent's day. People in Northern areas simply don't have the exposure much of the year. One tablespoon of cod liver oil provides 1360 IU of vitamin D. You'd have to drink over three liters of milk to get the same amount.

Vitamin D is important to maintain bone health. Deficiencies of vitamin D can lead to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, depression, hypertension, allergies, Alzheimer's disease, both type 1 and 2 diabetes, heart disease, adrenal insufficiency, gluten intolerance, sexual dysfunction and infertility, lectin intolerance, osteoporosis, dental carries and poor tooth health, psoriasis, Parkinson's disease and PMS. A study Nebraska's Creighton University School of Medicine showed that over a four-year period, people that took supplements of vitamin D and calcium had a 60 percent decrease in skin, breast, colon and several other forms of cancer.

Vitamin A helps the body ward off environmental stresses. It's a powerful antioxidant. It helps prevent kidney stones, prevent childhood asthma, regulates blood sugar, benefits eyesight as well as healthy skin and promotes a healthy immune system. One half teaspoon of cod liver oil provides five times as much vitamin A as one serving of carrots.

Cod liver oil also contains the heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. These not only help the heart, they also improve the functioning of the brain, reduce stress, relieve asthma, relieve arthritis symptoms and lower blood cholesterol.

Another element of cod liver oil is EPA, EicosaPentaenoic Acid. This element helps to improve the cardiovascular system, reduce inflammation and acts as an anti-depressant on the body. Cod liver oil also contains DHA, DocosaHexaenoic Acid. This vital fatty acid aids eyesight, healthy skin and maintains the nervous system.

Whether you use cod liver oil capsules, new flavored cod liver oil or simply take a teaspoon a day from the more inexpensive traditional cod liver oil, you're improving your body's health and resistance. There are far more health benefits to a teaspoon of cod liver oil daily. However, unless you brave it and push past preconceived ideas on the flavor, you'll never experience cod liver oil health benefits.