Fish oil is known for its health benefits as it is packed with Omega 3 fatty acids that help promote heart and joint health. But is fish oil the best source of Omega 3s? Omegas 3s are commonly found in marine animals, such as fish, and also in plants. One plant based source of these essential fatty acids is flaxseed. So which is better?
Fish oil is harvested from the liver of fish, that's why the oil from cod fish is called cod liver oil. Since the liver filters the body's toxins, it is possible that taking fish oil can have a toxic effect. Although fish oil is supposed to be purified during the refining process, in rare cases metals such as mercury and PCBs can contaminate the product and make you sick. In addition, fish oil contains cholesterol and can negatively impact your bad cholesterol known as LDL. For individuals looking to improve their LDL, fish oil may not be the best option. So how can you get those essential fatty acids that your body needs? Try flax seed oil.
Flax seed oil is extracted from flax seeds and is 100% plant based. It has many of the benefits of fish oil as it also contains important Omega 3 fatty acids, but without some of the side effects. Because it is harvested from seeds, there is no danger of toxic contamination from metals. Also, only animal based foods contain cholesterol. Taking flax seed oil is preferable to fish oil in this capacity as it contains zero cholesterol, so can not raise your LDL. Flax seed oil is also cruelty free as no animals are needed to harvest the oil. This also makes flax seed oil conducive to vegetarian and vegan diets.
The verdict is still out on the overall benefits of flax seed oil compared to fish oil. Some argue that the short chain fatty acids in flax seeds do not contain the same health benefits as the long chain fatty acids present in fish oil. Flax seed oil also has the potential to effect the digestive system and may impact hormone levels. For these reasons, it is always best to talk with your doctor about the supplements you plan to take, as they can give you advice that is best for your specific health condition. Either way, for those who want enjoy the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids, flax seed oil may be a healthier option.
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Photo permissions: PD-USGOV-USDA
Fish oil is harvested from the liver of fish, that's why the oil from cod fish is called cod liver oil. Since the liver filters the body's toxins, it is possible that taking fish oil can have a toxic effect. Although fish oil is supposed to be purified during the refining process, in rare cases metals such as mercury and PCBs can contaminate the product and make you sick. In addition, fish oil contains cholesterol and can negatively impact your bad cholesterol known as LDL. For individuals looking to improve their LDL, fish oil may not be the best option. So how can you get those essential fatty acids that your body needs? Try flax seed oil.
The verdict is still out on the overall benefits of flax seed oil compared to fish oil. Some argue that the short chain fatty acids in flax seeds do not contain the same health benefits as the long chain fatty acids present in fish oil. Flax seed oil also has the potential to effect the digestive system and may impact hormone levels. For these reasons, it is always best to talk with your doctor about the supplements you plan to take, as they can give you advice that is best for your specific health condition. Either way, for those who want enjoy the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids, flax seed oil may be a healthier option.
Related Articles:
The Benefits of Eating Garlic
The Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate
Health Benefits of Red Wine and Resveratrol
Exercise and Joint Health
The Benefits of Juicing
Photo permissions: PD-USGOV-USDA
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