Omega-3: Flaxseed versus Fish Oil

Nova Simpson, Pharm.D. — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 19:15:38 +0000

Many patients are now adding omega 3 to their diet -either through food or supplements. Benefits of omega-3 include decreased risk of strokes and heart disease. Omega-3s are also known to reduce symptoms of depression, ADHD and joint pain.

The best way to add omega-3 to your life? Eat fatty fish at least twice weekly. Fatty fish include salmon, tuna, halibut and herring.

If the idea of eating fatty fish twice a week doesn’t float your boat -there are other options…fish oil supplements, flax seed and nuts. But then the question arises -are they all equal in delivery omega 3s? The answer is….wait for it….no!

Flaxseed oil is plant based whereas fish oil is fish based -different omega-3 fatty acids.

Flaxseed and other nuts contain ALA (alpha-linolenic acid); fish contains EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA are way more beneficial then ALA.

Flaxseed oil doesn’t lower triglycerides nor has it been proven to reduce cardiovascular risk. So to get the best bang for your buck -take fish oil supplements!

A few of notes here ….

1)Ground flaxseed can decrease LDL (bad cholesterol)

2) Walnuts, soybean oil and canola oil also provide ALA but almonds don’t!

3) Your body can change some of the ALA to the highly desirable DHA and EPA.

If your doc says to add some omega-3s to your diet for your cholesterol and cardiohealth -then fish oil is the way to go.

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Omega-3: Flaxseed versus Fish Oil