With the overwhelming popularity of omega 3 fish oil supplements, the health industry has sought other sources for omega 3 fatty acids. Flax seed oil has been found to be a good omega 3 source as well, but it has two drawbacks in comparison. This is how the great "Omega-3 oil debate" began.
Today, there has been a growing interest in the health benefits of flax seed oil, but are the omega 3 fatty acids found in flax seed the same as that in fish? Actually it is believed that fish oil has much more DHA in it than flaxseed oil. Also, it does not have potential estrogen-like effects that flax may have.
Before we delve deeper into the difference between omega 3's in flax seed and fish, let us find out exactly why omega 3 is important. Omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, play significant roles in helping to support health body processes. They can help promote cardiovascular health and a sounder mind, help fight inflammation and help with various other conditions.
Ask your doctor and he or she may recommend Omega 3 fatty acids to you because they play roles that are too important and they should not be missed out in your daily dietary intake.
Flax Oil's Omega 3
Flaxseed oil indeed has high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, specifically the essential fatty acid called ALA (alpha-linoleic acid). ALA is a fatty acid that gets further converted by enzymes in the body into EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid). In other words, it increases the levels of EPA and DHA which are two of the fatty acids with high health value.
Fish Oil's Omega 3
Fish oil, on the other hand, contains high levels of DHA and EPA. They are contained in fish oil already in their bio-available form, which means that once it is ingested, the fatty acids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, and the health benefits can be maximized right there and then. The body does not have to convert it and can simply absorb it.
ALA vs. DHA-EPA
Although these three EFA's are important, they do not function similarly in the body. As mentioned, ALA becomes converted into EPA and DHA. The conversion to EPA is quick, while the conversion of ALA to DHA occurs much slower. For every 11 grams of ALA, only one gram of DHA and EPA is produced. Intake of certain foods such as trans-fats and saturated fats can make the conversion even slower. You are losing out on around 90% of the potential DHA.
The Verdict
It is easy to see why oil from healthy fish still stands superior to flax oil in terms of health benefits. This is not to say that there are no benefits to expect with flax oil. Foods that are high in alpha-linoleic acid are also important if you want to maintain a healthy, leaner body. However, if you want to maximize the health benefits of omega 3, you will get more health value from oil from fish than oil from flax.
Flax oil also has the potential to have estrogen-like effects on the body and that could have an effect upon hormone balance. Pregnant women often avoid flax oil and so do some women who are suffering from PMS.
Some people worry about pollution in the ocean and in fish, and they go about looking for alternative source. Possible mercury and toxin contamination in fish indeed is a cause for alarm. But choosing a pharmaceutical grade fishoil product will assure you of a 100% safe omega 3. Remember that in the Omega-3 oil debate, fish oil wins.
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