One of the most important health discoveries over the last few decades is that most of us are deficient in what is known as the Omega 3 essential fatty acids. There are a number of these Omega 3 fats, primarily ALA DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), though there are others.
Of these 3 it is generally considered that DHA is the most important of the omega 3 essential fats. DHA comprises a large proportion of our brain and is very important to good health, as is EPA.
But over the past century there have been dramatic changes in our diet. We are eating much less seafood and seafood is the primary source of DHA and EPA. As a result most of us now lack of levels of both these nutrients which are now called the omega 3 essential fatty acids, and if we increase our intake we are increasing our protection against various health problems.
But what is ALA omega 3 fatty acid, and where does it come from? ALA Omega 3 is a plant-based form of essential fatty acid. It is not found in seafood and anyone taking fish oil supplements will not be getting ALA in their diet from that source.
Many people who are vegetarian are taking vegetarian Omega 3 supplements, particularly flax seed oil capsules, because these contain plant-based nutrients. As a result they are getting ALA omega 3 fats. But are these people getting sufficient Omega3 essential fatty acids?
The answer to that question is no. Whilst it is true that ALA can be converted into DHA and EPA in the body the conversion rate is very low. And the less healthy amongst us convert it more poorly. Unfortunately DHA and EPA are the most important essential fatty acids.
So if you are taking vegetarian Omega 3 capsules you are getting some benefits, but not as much by far as you would from taking fish oil capsules.
So if this is the case why are people taking flax seed oil supplements containing ALA? It’s because, as vegetarians, they are reluctant to take any form of nutrients coming from a fish-based source, so are unable to take fish oil capsules.
But many people taking flax seed oil supplements are unaware that taking the supplements does not provide them with sufficient Omega3 essential fatty acids and does little to increase their store of DHA and EPA.
The bottom line is that virtually all of us are deficient in the fish-based Omega 3 fats DHA and EPA. These are what are important to our health and taking an ALA Omega 3 supplement such as a flax seed oil supplement does not address this problem.
To find out more about the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA and in particular about where to source high quality fish oil supplements containing these fats visit my website.
