February 26, 2018 - Nutrition
Good morning everybody! I’m on my cross-country ski and I wanted to weigh in on the ongoing debate between flaxseed oil and omega-3 fish oil. So let’s dive in and look at the pros and cons of each.
Omega-3 Fish Oil
You can only get omega-3 fish oils from marine animals.
There are two main components of Omega-3 fish oils – EPA and DHA. EPA is great as an anti-inflammatory agent and supports a healthy heart and kidneys. It’s also known to reduce rheumatoid arthritis and improve skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. DHA is really important for optic nerve health, particularly if you’re suffering from or at risk for glaucoma. Last but not least, it has neuroprotective properties.
Flaxseed Oil
You can get flaxseed oil from plants.
Flaxseed oil is composed of something called ALJ. When you eat flaxseed oil, the body has to use enzymes to convert the ALJ to EPA and DHA. Interestingly, womens’ bodies can typically do this better than men, but the body still has to undergo a conversion process to get the EPA and DHA you need.
Which is Better?
Ultimately, both flaxseed oil and omega-3 fish oils can have very beneficial effects on the body, but each comes with their own set of pros and cons. Here are some pros and cons to each:
- If you’re supplementing to get your needed EPA and DHA levels, it will take about 6 times more flaxseed oil capsules to equal 1 capsule of omega-3 fish oil.
- Flaxseed oil goes rancid if it is heated.
- The ALJ found in flaxseed oil is needed for the production of other fatty acids in the body.
- Omega-3 fish oils are not vegan or vegetarian-friendly
- Omega-3 fish oils carry the risk of passing on the toxicities from fish, so doing homework on how your omega-3 supplement or fish are sourced is important.
All things considered, omega-3 fish oil is my #1 go-to for getting proper levels of fatty acids in the body, but recognize that flaxseed oil is an excellent back-up for dietary restrictions and is a tasty addition to a salad.