Not All Omega-3s are Created Equal

Media coverage and medical discoveries have touted the incredible importance of including Omega-3s in our diet. From improving our cardiovascular systems to alleviating skin conditions, Omega fatty acids help our bodies from inside out. However, did you know that not all Omega-3 fatty acids are created equal?

The different Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 is a common term that is utilized in today’s health discussions, but it is important to evaluate the source of your Omega-3 fatty acids. There are essentially three types of Omega fatty acids:

• EPA, also known as eicosapentaenoic acid
• ALA, also refered to as (alpha) linolenic acid
• DHA, also known as docosahexaenoic acid

Each of these different types of Omega-3 fatty acids is absorbed by our bodies in a unique way, and the fatty acids come from varying diet sources. For example, ALA is derived from flaxseed and leafy dark green vegetables. DHA and EPA, on the other hand, are mostly found in cold-water fish, including salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel. Plant sources of Omega-3 fatty acids essentially do not contain any EPA, and therefore, it is important to ensure that your Omega-3s come from a wide range of diet sources.

Flax vs. Fish: the Omega-3 difference

Flaxseed and oily, cold-water fish are cited as the two most prevalent dietary sources of Omega-3 acids. However, there are significant health benefit differences between these two sources.

Flaxseed oil has more than six times of Omega-3 oils than fish, but it is mostly 55% ALA. ALA can then be converted by the body to EPA and DHA – however, the body is not very effective in this conversion. In fact, it can only convert approximately 10% of the ALA into EPA and DHA. This fact is important because EPA and DHA offer significant health benefits different than ALA.

EPA and DHA (from fish) are the Omega fatty acids associated with mental development, mood improvement, lowered blood pressure. On the other hand, ALA (from flaxseed and plants) works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant element – meaning it fights against free-radical cells, slows down the aging process, and protects our bodies from cancer and heart disease.

What all these benefits means is that obtaining your Omega-3 fatty acids from different sources is incredibly important. To reap the different health benefits of Omega-3s, you should include plant and flax sources, along with fish sources.

The Omega Rainbow: 3s, 6s, and 9s

Beyond the prominent Omega-3 fatty acids, there are also the existence of Omega-6s and Omega-9s. Again, not all Omegas are created equal, and the 6s and 9s have different compounds that improve your health in varied ways. For example, Omega-6 contains GLA, which is beneficial for your cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as the elasticity of your skin. GLA improves your metabolic functions, including improving your bloodstream regulation. Omega-9s, on the other hand, contain Oleic Acid, which decreases your risk of heart disease, repairs cell damage, improves neurological health, and creates supple skin.

With the rainbows of Omega-3s, 6s, and 9s in mind, it is important that your sources of Omega fatty acids are varied – ensuring that you enjoy the maximum benefits of these critical acids. As your body cannot produce Omega fatty acids independently, obtaining them from your diet is critical to improve your health.

An easy way to ensure that your intake of Omega fatty acids is maximized for your health is through a supplement, such as OmegaZin, which contains a mixture of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids from fish, flaxseed, and borage sources. By taking the steps to balance your intake of Omega fatty acids, you are on your way to better health – from the inside out!

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