The Fish Oil Debate

There is no doubt in the agreement regarding the various benefits omega 3 fatty acid supplements have on our health. Studies have shown that omega 3 fat are helpful in boosting our immunity and fighting heart diseases, improving fertility, overcoming age related degenerative sickness, promoting healthy skin and diet and improvising the mental health.

However, when it reaches to the debate whether fish oil is good for health, then it turns to a new concept with regard to flax seed oil. Most experts feel the debate is all about the comparison of fish oil with flax seed oil. Basically, there is a lot of controversy and confusion which makes observers quite worried with regard to making a choice which can go wrong. So let’s check out what are the basic differences between animal and plant source Omega 3 fatty acid with regard to flaxseed and fish oil.

Where is omega 3 fats found?

Omega 3 is found in abundance in wild games and wild plants. Various plant sources like linseed oil and flax seed, wild games (fish) like mackerel, herring, sardines, and salmons are the common items in which omega 3 is found. You can even find them in smaller quantities in hemp seed, walnuts, soya oil, green leafy vegetables, etc.

Advantages of Fish Oil

Do you know fish is a great source of omega 3? They are quite advantageous when compared to plant matters such as flax seed oil. Compared to other food items, fish is the better source of a long and good chain of omega 3 fatty acids like EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Both of these nutrients are important for the healthy development and functioning of the body. There are no sources of vegetables and plants which can provide a great amount of long fatty acids.

DHA is one of premium nutrient necessary for the heart and it is necessary for the development of the brain of newborn babies and fetuses. They make about 30-35% of the cortex of the brain and sometimes about 20-25% of the retina of the eye. Researches have found out fish oil omega 3 fatty acid plays a great role in preventing prostate cancer and it is a benefit which is available from various sources of plant and omega 3.

As per a recent survey, it was found out that the people residing near the coastal regions had got the lowest rate of prostate cancer as they consume in abundance wild fish fresh from waters.

Benefits of Flax Seed Oil

Now an alternative for omega 3 nutrient is the flax seed oil or ground linseeds. They are a huge source of fatty acids like EPA and DHA. In addition, you can get supplement DHA from algae which are available in various commercial items like Omega Zen -3. However, natural fish is indeed the best source of omega 3 fatty acids, it contains a lot of pollutants and excessive heavy metals such as mercury.

Frankly, instead of checking out the safety of fish oil and flak seed, you can go for alternative source of omega 3 fatty acid which is easily available from the pharmaceutical grade fish oil.

Author

Saravavan Nadarajan (Vanan)

Vanan, fitness expert and leader at EzFit Singapore, specializes in holistic training—home-based, boot camps, and corporate fitness—with over a decade of industry experience.

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