What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play a significant role in your health. They belong to the polyunsaturated fat family and are crucial for the proper functioning of your body.
There are different types of omega-3 fatty acids, but the most well-known are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are mainly found in oily fish and fish oil.
These fatty acids contribute to a healthy heart, support brain function, and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Since your body can't produce omega-3s on its own, it's important to get enough through your diet or supplements.
A good balance of omega-3 fatty acids can therefore have a major impact on your overall well-being!
Buy Omega-3 fatty acids
If you're planning to order omega-3 fatty acids, it's essential to thoroughly research the different types of products. Not all omega-3 supplements are created equal; there are both high-quality and low-quality varieties.
In addition, we often distinguish between plant and animal omega-3 fatty acids.
Take the time to research your options so you can make an informed choice that suits your health and lifestyle!
Animal Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Animal omega-3 fatty acids are obtained from various types of fish, as they are naturally rich in omega-3.
One advantage of fish oil is that it often has a favorable, natural ratio of different omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA).
Plant-based Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Plant-based omega-3 fatty acids come from non-animal sources, such as algae. These algae are specially cultivated to produce these valuable fatty acids.
For those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, it can be challenging to get enough omega-3 without fish oil supplements. Therefore, it's essential for vegetarians to supplement their omega-3 intake with plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. , such as algae oil, to prevent deficiencies.
Benefits of algae oil
Our Vegan DHA algae oil isn't just for vegans; it's a smart choice for anyone who's environmentally conscious and wants to take good care of their body. It offers several advantages over regular fish oil.
Firstly, there is no risk of contaminants such as heavy metals, because the algae are grown in a closed system. Moreover, algae oil has a neutral taste , which prevents burps and fishy burps. It also helps combat overfishing , as no fish are used in the production. Furthermore, algae production is sustainable and cost-effective.
Good to know : DHA in algae oil works just as effectively as in fish oil , without sacrificing efficacy. (1)
Best Fish Oil Capsules
But beware! There are many low-quality products on the market. What you want is a high-quality product that works effectively and is sustainably produced.
How to recognize the best fish oil supplements:
1. Natural EPA:DHA ratio
Choose fish oil capsules with a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids in a natural ratio.
An ideal balance of EPA and DHA is often between 1:1 and 2:1 (meaning that for every 1 to 2 parts EPA, there is 1 part DHA). This ratio mirrors that of natural food sources and ensures that your body can optimally utilize the omega-3 fatty acids, so you can fully reap the benefits.(2)
Our product, Ultra Omega-3, contains a generous 330 mg of EPA and 220 mg of DHA per capsule. This is a high dosage, in the ideal ratio. This means you only need to take one capsule a day to experience the benefits of fish oil.
2. Vitamin E in fish oil
Does the supplement contain vitamin E in addition to a natural ratio? That's a big plus.
Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant and ensures that the fatty acids retain their quality for longer. This contributes to the product's stability, allowing you to optimally benefit from the omega-3 advantages!
Liquid fish oil
Many fish oil supplements are sold in capsule form. But not everyone can or wants to swallow capsules, such as children. As a mother of two young children, I know all too well how difficult it can be to get them to swallow a pill.
Fortunately, liquid fish oil is also available. With an added flavor, this is no longer a problem for most children, and you can provide them with sufficient omega-3.
Liquid fish oil can also be a solution for adults who have difficulty swallowing, such as the elderly.
Sources Used
1. Ryan, L., & Symington, A. M. (2014). Algal-oil supplements are a viable alternative to fish-oil supplements in terms of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA). Journal Of Functional Foods, 19, 852–858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2014.06.023
2. Yang, Z., Amar, M., Sampson, M., Courville, A.B., Sorokin, A.V., Gordon, S.M., Aponte, A.M., Stagliano, M., Playford, M.P., Fu, Y., Yang, S., Mehta, N.N., & Remaley, A.T. (2020). Comparison of Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid Versus Docosahexaenoic Acid-Rich Fish Oil Supplementation on Plasma Lipids and Lipoproteins in Normolipidemic Adults. Nutrients, 12(3), 749. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030749
