Let’s face it. When it comes to flaxseed oil VS fish oil, the seeds cannot compete. They are sources of an omega-3 called alpha linolenic acid (ALA). They are not sources of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
ALA is not accompanied by the same health benefits as those found with DHA and EPA. ALA has not been the subject of thousands of studies, but DHA and EPA have.
There is no doubt that ALA is better for your health than LA, linoleic acid. Well actually, it isn’t that LA is bad. We need some of it in our diet. It’s just that most of us get too much, which creates an unhealthy imbalance.
Ideally, we would get an equal amount of omega-3s and 6s in our diets. But, that kind of balance is nearly impossible to achieve. In order to do it, the only oils that could be used for cooking would be canola. Even healthy olive oils contain at least three times more omega-6s than 3s.
When it comes to balancing the diet, the comparison of flaxseed oil VS fish oil is a little different. They are approximately equivalent. Either supplement could help correct the imbalance. It’s just that balancing the diet is not the only benefit of supplementation.
Many of the benefits are to the brain and our emotional well-being, as well as our ability to learn. Normal brain development in infancy and childhood depends upon the presence of DHA in the diet. That’s why you will see infant formulas and baby foods that are fortified with DHA.
But DHA continues to be important as time goes by. In order for the body to produce new brain cells and neurons or repair damage that occurs over time, it needs the right tools. DHA is one of the necessary tools.
Low levels of DHA in the bloodstream are known to accompany depressive disorders. When it comes to improving depressive disorders in a comparison of flaxseed oil VS fish oil, the fishes win. Researchers have proven that ALA supplementation does not increase circulating levels of DHA.
The body will, if it must, convert ALA to DHA, but only some will be converted. It is estimated that 2-5% of the ALA in foods is converted to DHA, but research using supplements did not confirm that. There was no increase in circulating DHA.
In a comparison of flaxseed oil VS fish oil and anti-inflammatory activity, the fishes win, again. Fish oils have been used historically to relieve aching joints. Vegetable oils have never been used for that purpose.
There are some medicinal benefits associated with the antioxidants present in olives and olive oils, but the same cannot be said of the oils from flax seeds. The seeds themselves are a good source of fiber and other beneficial nutrients. But, pressing removes the fiber.
If you wanted to know about flaxseed oil VS fish oil, because you are a vegetarian, your best bet is actually marine algae supplements. Some of them provide DHA and EPA. Just check the label, before you buy.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily.
Visit her site
http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
