Flaxseed Oil
vs Fish Oil
Facts on flaxseed oil vs fish oil. While
most people are in agreement today
that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for good health, there is
debate over the best source of these important nutrients. Omega-3 fatty
acids are found in foods like fish, walnuts and flax seeds.
Supplements can be added to your diet
that are derived from fish oil or
flaxseed oil.
Which should you choose? If you
are a
vegetarian, your choice is simple since flaxseed oil comes from a plant
and fish oil comes from fish. Non-vegetarians have to consider several
points on flaxseed oil vs fish oil.
Flaxseed Oil
Advantages
Flaxseed oil is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acid
(alpha-linolenic acid, also called ALA). Your body
is able to convert ALA into DHA (
Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (
Eicosapentaenoic
acid), so as long as you have enough
ALA to work with, your levels of the other two important nutrients
should be at the proper levels too. When you choose flaxseed oil, you
don't have to worry about taking too much DHA or EPA like you might
possibly do when taking fish oil. Plus you don't have to be concerned
about getting contamination from the sea into your body.
Limitations
In some situations, like with advanced age, you might not be able to
efficiently convert ALA into the other needed fatty acids. In those
cases, fish oil might be a better choice. It also takes more flaxseed
oil than fish oil to get the same results. In fact, with some brands of
supplements, you may have to take up to six times as many flaxseed oil
pills to equal the benefits derived from a single fish oil pill.
Another disadvantage to flaxseed oil is that it becomes rancid quickly,
so you should look for oil that is cold pressed, store it in the
refrigerator and use it quickly.
Fish Oil
Benefits
Fish oil has been involved in many clinical studies and proven to
benefit many health conditions. It is a rich source of two important
omega-3 fatty acids: DHA and EPA. In optimal conditions, your body can
convert nutrients into DHA and EPA on its own, but taking fish oil
supplements is one way to ensure your body has enough of these fatty
acids to stay healthy and ward off disease.
Weak Points
While fish and fish oil have many health giving properties, the
unfortunate reality is that our waters and many of the fish living
there have become contaminated with dangerous substances. There is
concern over eating large quantities of fish or taking fish oil
supplements over the long term due to the exposure you receive from
toxins like mercury. Always choose fish oil that have been filtered to
the highest degree and is the purest
form available.
Flaxseed Oil vs Fish Oil
Both flaxseed oil and fish oil benefit your body in the same way since
they both provide omega-3 fatty acids. To determine which one is best
for you, it helps to understand how each oil works in your body. When
selecting one, get the oil that has been carefully
processed and that is high in quality.
As always consult your doctor when considering the use of supplements
for your health.
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