There are three main types of Omega-3 fatty acids that are consumed with food and used by the body – Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Most ALA is consumed in food from plant sources like flaxseed and other nuts and seeds. The body uses some vitamins, minerals, and genetically-controlled enzymes to convert ALA into EPA and subsequently into DHA. EPA and DHA can be consumed directly. The highest concentrations of EPA and DHA are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, cod, tuna, and herring. EPA and DHA are the two types of Omega-3 fatty acids that play an important role in cellular signaling, inflammatory processes, and other essential bodily processes for health.
Which is better? Flaxseed oil or fish oil? If you are a strict vegan or vegetarian, there is no doubt about the correct answer: flaxseed oil. But if you are primarily concerned with obtaining Omega-3 essential fatty acids, the answer is fish oil. Here are some things you should know about flaxseed oil and fish oil.
Taking flaxseed oil through supplements has some real benefits.
While fish oil contains Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), flaxseed oil contains an Omega-3 fatty acid called Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body uses to make DHA and EPA. If you consume flaxseed oil as an Omega-3 source, there is no way to overdose on Omega-3.
On the other hand, an overdose of Omega-3 fatty acids is a very rare phenomenon. While we all need to consume a balanced amount of Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids, most of us consume 20-60 times more Omega-6 than Omega-3. Too much Omega-3 is usually not a problem!
Even if you take fish oil, your body also needs ALA to make other types of fatty acids used to produce anti-inflammatory hormones. You can get ALA from flaxseed oil, hemp seed oil, almonds, walnuts, and you just need to keep your fatty acids in balance. Two or three times a week is enough. At the same time, you should take DHA and EPA every day.
Flaxseed oil competes with other essential nutrients.
The human body needs Omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil (Alpha-linolenic acid) to produce anti-inflammatory hormones. It also needs the Omega-6 fatty acid alpha-linoleic acid to produce pro-inflammatory hormones that activate the immune system, kill cancer cells, and stop bleeding. Alpha-linolenic acid and Alpha-linoleic acid compete for the enzymes needed to convert them into the necessary hormones and regulatory substances.
Flaxseed oil or Fish oil - you decide!!!
Advantages of Fish oil
DHA and EPA are already available. There is no need to convert them from ALA, as with flaxseed oil. Thus, a smaller amount is needed.
Advantages of Flaxseed oil
Vegetarian and vegan product.
Your body needs ALA, which is used to make other necessary fatty acids not obtained from fish oil.
Never too much, no side effects. Your body processes EPA and DHA in moderate doses.
Good for girls. Women convert EPA and DHA more easily. And after menopause, women respond even better to flaxseed oil.
You decide!
If you are looking for optimal health benefits, however, it is good to use both - flaxseed oil and fish oil.
