Learning More About The Flax Seed Oil Vs Fish Oil Debate

The debate about the benefits of flax seed oil vs fish oil advantages have been raging on for a long time now

. While both are sources of Omega-3 fatty acids that the body needs, people disagree on which is more beneficial to the body.

Both of them can help improve the function of the brain as well as of the heart. Its been also a favorite subject among medical researchers, after studies revealed that they can actually help curb a number of illnesses, including cancer, joint pain, and even mental disorders.

Below are some things that can make the flax seed oil vs fish oil debate a bit more clearer to most buyers of food supplements.

Flax Seed Has a Different Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of fatty acids that are usually found in flax seed as well as fishes found in cold deep seas like the salmon, the anchovy and the herring. As a family, it has several members. The most dominant ones are ALA, EPA and DHA.

That is where the difference starts. Fish oil is rich in EPA and DHA. On the other hand, flax seed is different because it is carrying the Omega-3 fatty acid ALA instead of the two.

ALA Takes Long to Convert into EPA and DHA

It is important to understand that the body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA. However, the body is not so efficient in converting ALA into these two essential fatty acids. This is especially true when the person is already at an advanced age where the bodys capabilities are deteriorating a lot.

EPA, however, can be converted quickly to DHA. That is why fish oil health supplement is certainly much more advantageous than flax seed oil as it supplies the necessary omega-3 fatty acids directly.

Adding to the inefficiency of the body in converting ALA, eating junk foods can introduc trans-fatty acids that can worsen the bodys capability of processing ALA into the necessary fatty acids that our body needs. Thus, in order to introduce sufficient amounts of EPA and DHA into the body, you are better off consuming fish oil products than flax seed oil.

To conclude, while it is true that flax seed oil has omega-3 fatty acids in the form of ALA, it is not effective enough in nourishing the bodies needs because it is difficult to convert. Hopefully this sets the Flax Seed Oil vs Fish Oil debate to rest.

by: Chihirokim

POST COMMENT

How To Learn Spanish For Free In Just A Few Weeks Creative Learning toys: A Kid's Key to Creativity Would You Want To Learn How To Hypnotize Free? Social Work: Studying a Special Discipline & a Career Learn Mandarin And Perform Mandarin Translation Learn Photoshop Now Torrent Learn Importance Of Having Links University Reviews - Helping you to choose the Best University The Tidbits of College Dorm Life College Guide: A Must for Getting In to the Right College College Financial Aid: For money should not matter to merit Finally Moms Can Enjoy College With The Help Of Scholarship Money From The Obama Program Unigo: The Perfect Guide for College Admission