Flaxseed Oil versus Fish Oil:
Which One is Better For You?

When I first started using healthy oils, I came across a puzzling dilemma: Which is the better for you? Flax seed oil versus fish oil?

We know both are healthy oils and are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids.

One of the best plant sources for alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is flaxseed oil.

On the other hand, fish oils are a natural source of eicosa-pentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

When you eat flax seed oil, your body converts the ALA into EPA and DHA. Unfortunately, researchers have discovered that our bodies aren't very efficient at this conversion process.

So when comparing fish oil vs flaxseed oil, you need to consider this.

Also, what happens if you have an allergy to fish oil? Can you get enough omega 3's fatty acids from other food sources? Is flaxseed oil an effective alternative?

Fortunately, scientists were aware of this flax seed oil versus fish oil debate and presented some interesting facts.

United Kingdom - Scientists in the UK discovered that increasing your intake of ALA over a period of weeks to months will increase your EPA levels,but there was no increase in DHA.

Using radioisotopes, scientists found the conversion of ALA to EPA in men was 8%. And to make matters worse, it turns out the conversion of ALA to DHA was even lower...a paltry amount of less than 0.1%!

Members of the fairer sex did a little better. Conversion of ALA to DHA in women was 9%. Scientists believe that estrogen in women may cause this improved conversion.

Apparently, women convert ALA to DHA more effectively to meet the demands of DHA for the fetus during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Research shows there are many health benefits from fish oils during pregnancy including enhanced eye, hand and motor development, stronger immune system and better brain development for your baby.

The availability of EPA and DHA during this period is critical to enhancing your baby's health.

Further studies performed in Switzerland also support the fact our bodies aren't very efficient at converting ALA to DHA. Research by Swiss scientists found the conversion of ALA to EPA to be 6% and to DHA only 3.8%.

They also found that eating a diet high in omega 6 fatty acids (lots of vegetable oils, baked goods and processed foods) caused the conversion rate to lower another 40 to 50%!

What's Better for You? Fish Oil or Flaxseed Oil?

When it comes to flax seed oil versus fish oil, the research shows:

• Fish oil is a natural source of both EPA and DHA.
• Flaxseed oil only supplies ALA and your body must convert it into EPA.
• Men can't convert ALA into DHA very well (less than 0.1%)
• Men only convert a small amount of ALA to EPA (about 6 - 8%)
• Women's bodies are better at converting ALA to DHA - up to 9%, which is almost 9000% more effective than men.

Comparing fish oil or flax seed oil you should choose fish oil if you want to optimize your omega 3 intake.

Fish oils provide you an excellent source of both EPA and DHA. The health benefits of fish oils are numerous and proven in dozens of documented studies. Neptune Krill Oil is another great source of EPA and DHA.

Of course, there are still many health benefits from flaxseed oil. Foods high in ALA (alpha linolenic acid) play an important part in a healthy diet. Nutritionists advise they should be consumed in a diet including cold-water fish or fish oil supplements.

If you have an allergy to fish oils or fish, you can still use flax seed oil as a source of omega 3's. Research on flax seed oil versus fish oil shows your body can convert some of the ALA into EPA, however little it may be. And you're still getting some sort of healthy fats in your diet. Other alternative food sources of omega 3 inlcude walnuts, tofu, soybeans and certain vegetables, like Winter Squash.

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