Most Useful Fish And Vegan Sources To Look For In Supplements – Omega3 Oils
There are several types of omega3 oils on the market. The two most common for dietary supplements are those that come from fish and those that come from flaxseed, although it is possible to find a few brands that are derived from marine algae.
When it comes to cooking oil, canola, soybean, olive and corn oil all contain some omega-3 fatty acids. Sunflower and peanut oil contain none. Grape seed oil contains very little.
The problem with most cooking oil is that it contains far more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s. It also contains some saturated and possibly trans-fatty acids, which are very bad for our health. Most experts consider olive oil the healthiest, because it is lower in saturated fat, the omega6 to 3 ratios are better balanced and it contains no trans-fatty acids.
When it comes to dietary supplements, fish oil is a better choice than flaxseed, because of the “types” of omega-3 that is found in fish. You see, plant oil of any kind contains only alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Fish oil contains a number of different types, including Docosahexaenoic acid, Docosapentaenoic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid; DHA, DPA and EPA.
Some marine algae supplements provide DHA and EPA omega3 oils, but the extraction methods are very expensive. The least expensive method is to use chemical solvents, which means that some chemical residue would exist in the supplement.
Fish oil can be easily pressed from the flesh, without the need for chemical solvents. Laboratory evaluations can determine the DHA, DPA, EPA and total omega-3 content, as well as detect the presence of contaminants, like mercury and cancer-causing PCBs. The better manufacturers have each batch tested for contamination and for the nutritional components. That way, they can be sure of providing the highest quality.
Numerous health benefits accompany increased intake of omega3 oils, especially when a person makes an effort to reduce their intake of omega-6s and other types of fat. The most well-known benefits are to the heart and cardiovascular system.
Whereas other types of fat build up in the arteries, causing clots and clogging them, omega-3 fat prevents clotting and carries away less healthy fats to be reprocessed or disposed of. Increasing intake of omega3 oils has been shown to reduce total blood triglyceride (fat) levels and improve HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Fish oil supplements have been shown to lower blood pressure slightly and improve blood flow.
Supplementation has proven beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and Crohn’s disease. It helps to relieve depression and reduces the risk of post-partum depression. It is beneficial for attention deficit disorders, improves skin conditions like acne, improves digestion and promotes healthy immune system function. Basically, the nutrients are essential to human life.
When you shop for supplements, check to be sure that the manufacturers’ standards for purity and potency are high. Many of the benefits are due to the anti-inflammatory activity of omega3 oils. So, check that the supplement has been tested for anti-inflammatory activity. Once you begin supplementation, you will notice the difference in the way that you feel in a very short period of time. For some people, it’s nothing short of amazing.
