Fish Oil or Flaxseed?
Vitamin manufacturers, nutritionists and customers are always talking about which is the better option – flaxseed, fish oil or both? If you look at the scientific results, the answer is pretty simple to determine.
Flaxseed oil, fish oil, certain nuts, olive oil and soybean oil all contain some amount of the essential Omega-3 fatty acids that we need. The fish oil versus flaxseed oil debate comes from trying to determine which source is the best. Fish oil contains DHA and EPA, while flaxseed, walnuts and soybean oil contain ALA. So, which is better – ALA or DHA and EPA? The scientific proof is very clear. DHA and EPA win by a mile.
While ALA is an Omega-3 fatty acid, and has positive health benefits, ALA needs to be converted to DHA in order to be used by the body. The conversion process isn’t very efficient, which means a lot of the ALA ends up not being converted and is wasted. Older people and those in poor health are even less able to convert the ALA into DHA. So, taking ALA in the form of flaxseed oil is not the most efficient way of getting healthy fatty acids in your diet.
DHA and EPA can be used directly by the body. The brain is composed of a lot of DHA that needs to be replenished for proper brain function. Lack of DHA in the brain has been associated with many problems, such as ADHD, Alzheimer’s, dementia, learning disabilities, poor concentration and memory and a lowered IQ. Mood and symptoms of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder can also be improved with regular fish oil use.
The brain is not the only part of the body that needs DHA and EPA. Your cardiovascular system need these fatty acids as well. They can bring down cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce the levels of plaque in the arteries, and contribute to the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. Inflammatory diseases such as Arthritis can be helped by the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of the Omega-3 found in fish oil.
In the great fish oil/flaxseed oil debate, fish oil clearly comes out on top. Even vegetarians who think flaxseed is the better option would actually do better to take fish oil supplements to get the beneficial EPA and DHA.
