Flaxseed oil is a very effective health supplement and its popularity has been increasing in the past couple of years. Flaxseed oil contains a host of substances that is good for an individual’s health. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is a needed fatty acid that can be found in flaxseed oil. This acid is very essential and beneficial when it comes to the treatment of heart disease, arthritis and other conditions. Aside from containing ALA, flaxseed oil also has a set of chemicals called lignanas that are very effective for the treatment of cancer.
Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Like fish oil, flaxseed oil contains the tool may in omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as well as a third, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is derived from plants. Flaxseed oil is a rich resource for this alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
The benefits associated with ALA have not been the focus of studies like fish oil. In the small trials that have been conducted, researchers have been satisfied with the results. However it should be noted that there still isn’t enough evidence and more research needs to be done.
The downside with ALA is that in order for it to be effective, they omega-3 must be converted by a limited amount of enzymes into DHA and EPA. Because this happens, only a small amount is used, around 10-15%. The other 85-95% is metabolized or burned as energy. It still is overall more effective than fish oil, despite this problem.
Why Flaxseed Oil is Better than Fish Oil?
Flaxseed oil has a major benefit over the main source of omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil. Having fish in your diet can be extremely difficult, especially for people who do not like the taste of fish or are concerned with mercury contamination. People who do not like the taste can often take fish oil capsules, however they are quite large and people will not like some of the side effects. These side effects would include a nasty fishy aftertaste as well as an upset stomach. Mercury contamination is high in some fish and some people try and stay away from them.
As a result of this downside to fish oil, many people have opted to take flaxseed oil.
If you are looking at ways to increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your body, flaxseed oil is a good option. It has some advantages over fish oil and it is healthy substitute for this product.