Cod Liver Oil

Scandinavian Vikings produced cod liver oil by laying birch tree branches over a kettle of water, and fresh livers were laid over the branches. The water was brought to a boil and as the steam rose, the oil from the liver dripped into the water and was skimmed off. There was also a method for producing fresh raw cod liver oil.

During the Industrial Revolution in England, cod liver oil became popular for industrial purposes. Livers placed in barrels to rot, with the oil skimmed off over the season, was the main method for producing this oil. The resulting oil was brown and foul tasting. In the 1800s cod liver oil became popular as a medicine, both pale and brown oils were used. Brown oils were common because they were cheaper to produce. Some doctors believed in only using the fresh pale oil, while others believed the brown oil was better.

I grew up during a time when cod liver oil was routinely given to children. It was sometimes put into orange juice but it still tasted horrible. Since Rickets was not uncommon back then, the idea was to add vitamin D to your diet when vitamin D was not added to milk, as it is now. It was also considered a good preventative and cure-all to help fight and prevent heart disease, cancer, depression, Alzheimer's, arthritis, diabetes, ulcers, hyperactivity and many other diseases. Cod liver oil Increase your energy level and ability to concentrate. It provides greater resistance to common illnesses such as flu and cold, helps pregnant women avoid premature births, low birth weight and other complications as well.

It is still used today and still tastes bad and smells just as horrible as it ever did.  

So, what is this got to do with rising interest rates and the threat of a possible recession you might ask? A lot, actually. Think of both of these as the cod liver oil being used to prevent and/or cure the nasty effects of inflation. So hold your nose and swallow it. It may smell and taste bad but you are at least comforted with the thought that it is probably good for you.

David J. Angas, CEA
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor
Family Wealth Counsel Advisor Group/Raymond James Ltd. 

The views are those of the author, David Angas, and not necessarily those of Raymond James Ltd.  Investors considering any investment should consult with their Investment Advisor to ensure that it is suitable for the investor’s circumstances and risk tolerance before making any investment decision.  Raymond James Ltd. is a Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund.