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For free friendly advice or to order over the phone with a card call: 01772 883950
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Omega 3 Benefit Fish vs Flax
Omega 3 essential fatty acids come primarily from either fish or flaxseed oils. Other animal sources are being developed, but do not have the high omega 3 content of fatty fish. Similarly, other botanical sources are available, but do not have the high omega 3 content of flaxseed. Which one is best—the omega 3 benefit of fish vs flax—is not completely known.
Omega 3 Benefit of Fish
Fish oil contains high concentrations of two essential fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Several large, well-designed studies have confirmed the benefits of adding fish oil to one’s diet. These studies have confirmed that taking fish oil reduces mortality in people who have known coronary artery disease. The best known study is the GISSI study, which included over 11,000 participants. The people who took fish oil had 45% fewer incidents of sudden death and 20% lower mortality from all causes.
Fish oil has been shown to improve lipid levels and to help treat hypertension. It is useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis and may have a role in treating several other disorders.
Omega 3 Benefit of Flax
Nearly all research has been conducted on fish oil as a source of omega 3 supplementation. It is not known if flaxseed oil has the same benefits as fish oil.
Flaxseed oil does not contain EPA or DHA. It contains a 3rd omega 3 nutrient , alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Our bodies do convert some ALA into EPA and DHA, but the conversion rate is low. Therefore, although flaxseed oil is high in omega 3 oils, it is not equivalent to fish oil.
There is some evidence to suggest that ALA has anti-inflammatory and anti-arrhythmic effects, and that it may have benefits similar to EPA and DHA. Research is needed, however, to determine that.
The primary situation in which flaxseed oil is preferred is in vegetarian diets. Even this is changing, however, as botanical “fish oil” is becoming available. Botanical fish oil has the same EPA/DHA formula as fish oil, but is made by marine algae.
Until more research is done on the benefits of ALA and flaxseed as a source of omega 3 fatty acids, it is impossible to judge the benefit of fish vs flax as a source of omega 3 essential fatty acid. | | |
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For free friendly advice or to order over the phone with a card call: 01772 883950
Omega 3 fish oils Pure EPA is available exclusively from mind 1st.
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