Flax Seed Versus Fish Oil
I have been researching flax seed and fish oil. I am trying to get all the physical and mental benefits of the fish oil. It seems there are similarities and differences with taking fish oil directly and/or through flax seed.
What are the PROS/CONS of each? Also, is there a brand someone can recommend for either?
Phil
Good question. Personally I take Barleans or Spectrum Flax Seed Oil because I'm vegetarian. However, if I ate fish I would take Fish Oil because I believe it's a more complete source of Omega-3s and good fatty acids.
Basically, with Flax Seed oil, your body needs to take an extra step to process it. It's still really good for you and I'm not convinced that fish oil is much better. Here's a write up that I think does a good job of summing up the difference.
http://www.mercola.com/2002/apr/3/evolution.htm
Keep in mind though that the author, Dr Mercola, is often biased towards his own opinions. So make sure you do other research. I would do a Google.com search of Flax Oil Versus Fish Oil. There will be a lot of results for you to research.
All the best,
Amac
Thanks for your response!!
Phil
Flax Seed Oil is a rich source of Omega-3 Fatty Acid, alpha linolenic acid, which is necessary for a wide variety of biological processes. Flax Seed Oil is highly recommended for the general well being, whole body nutrition and helps in restoring body's natural balance of good and bad prostaglandins. Flax Seed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fiber, protein, and zinc.Flax Seed Oil also comes in an edible form, sold mostly at health-food stores. Like olive, canola, and most other plant oils, it is highly unsaturated and heart-healthy.
Nutrovita.com brings you the best quality Flax seed Oil supplements Of top brands on lowest price !
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I was surprised to see that Dr Barry Sears was quite negative about flax oil in his book The Anti Inflammation Zone.
He says that the short chain omega-3 (ALA) in flax oil inhibits the production of both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory hormones and, unlike fish oil, lacks the ability to block the production of arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is a pro-inflammatory substance.
He also says that although it is possible for the short chain omega-3 to be synthesized into long chain omega-3 (EPA) that the process is very ineffienct in humans so not much of this happens.
He also points out that some studies link high intakes of ALA with prostate cancer.
So he is strongly in favor of fish oil.
It is worth noting that you should make sure you consume pure, mercury free fish oil. You can find a list of suitable sources in this fish oil guide to omega-3 suppliments.
Both are very healthy but I would recommend flax seed as it does not run the risk of containing high amounts of mercury that can be found in seafood. Fresh water fish is a good choice and can have a lot of protein so that is another route you could try. Ground flax seed is very convenient and can be mixed in with almost anything in your diet. You can mix it in with your drinks at lunch or you can use it with other materials when baking. Here is a link with many suggestions and info on flax seed: http://www.jigsawhealth.com/products/ground_flax_seed_meal.h tml. And just to be fair here is a link with a good info on fish oil: http://www.jigsawhealth.com/products/omega_3_fish_oil.html.& nbsp; Read them both, these pages should help you come to a decision!
