Flax Seed Oil V/S Omega 3 Oil

We all know by now that we should be getting more important omega 3 fatty acids. Positive remarks about them have even been issued by the American Heart Association and the Food and Drug Adminstration.

This has led some people to understandably question which sources of omega 3 fatty acids are best.

One particular debate of sorts now raging is the question concerning flax seed oil v/s omega 3 oil from fish.

Both fish and flax seed are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids, but fish is the better source -- with a couple of caveats.

First, let's discuss why fish is generally better.

Flax Seed Oil V/S Omega 3 Oil

There are three types of omega 3 fatty acids. They are ALA, DHA, and EPA.

The kind found in flax seed is ALA. The kind found in fish is DHA and EPA.

ALA must be converted by the body into DHA and EPA. This conversion doesn't always take place efficiently. What this means is that for people who rely on sources like flax seed for their omega 3's, they may never be getting the right levels of DHA and EPA if their bodies don't convert it well.

Now, if you happen to a strict vegetarian -- vegan -- then you obviously will not eat or use fish oil products for personal ethical/philosophical reasons. If this describes you, then flax seed oil and other plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids should be included in your diet, such as leafy greens like spinach, nuts like almonds, and so on.

However, if you are not a vegetarian, then your primary source should be omega 3 fish foods for the simply reason that it supplies DHA and EPA directly.

Now, for the caveats about omega 3 fish foods.

First, you should really try to limit the amount of fish you eat and get your omega 3 fatty acids from purified, molecularly distilled fish oil supplements.

Most of the fish caught from the Ocean is polluted. They often harbor toxins like mercury and PCB's.

Farm raised fish are little better because they generally contain little to no omega 3's because they are fed pellets, and do not eat their natural diet that is responsible for making them good sources of omega 3's.

Molecularly distilled fish oil supplements remove all contaminants, leaving only the good stuff -- pure omega 3's.

The second caveat is that not only all fish oils are equally the same. Some fish sources have much higher DHA and EPA content than others. Generally speaking, cold deep water fish are the best sources of these important omega 3 fatty acids.

Now that you are armed with this information, what are you waiting for? Make sure you get your omega 3's for better health!

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