A well-balanced diet requires a consistent replenishment of Omega-3 fatty acids, as your body cannot create them by itself. They have a range of benefits for various internal functions, and come in a variety of forms of polyunsaturated fats.
Flaxseed Oil – The Ideal Vegan Substitute for Omega 3 Found in Fish Oil Supplements
The most common sources of Omega-3s are through animal foods (predominantly fatty fish) or natural fish oil supplements. But what about for those of us who do not consume meat or animal products? Fortunately, organic flaxseed oil provides a vegan alternative to fish oil supplements, delivering a healthy balance of Omega-3 into our diets.
Why Does the Body Need Omega-3?
We often believe we need to cut out fats from our diets in order to live a healthier life, but this isn’t exactly correct. The body regularly needs fats, such as Omega-3s, for optimal nutrition and to perform critical processes, such as promoting better brain function, managing our heart health, and regulating inflammation. Someone experiencing a deficiency of these fats is likely to also suffer from reduced cognitive ability, as well as be placed at a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, and other serious conditions.
There are three most common forms of Omega-3s:
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): Found predominantly in seafood, and aid the body in producing signalling molecules that conduct the internal processes mentioned above.
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Also found in fish oil, DHA is a structural component strengthening hair, skin, eyes and other areas of the body.
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): Mostly found in plant-based foods, once consumed, ALA is either directly converted by the body into EPA and DHA, or stored to be used as energy.
What Exactly is Flaxseed Oil and How Can it Be Consumed?
Flax plants have been a part of crop harvests for centuries, with ancient civilisations introducing it to their diets and practices. Initially adopted for the contemporary manufacturing of clothing and textiles, the seeds within the plant have also been utilised for their nutritional benefits, made into flaxseed oil by cold-pressing and drying the seeds. Flaxseed oil is rich in the ALA Omega-3.
Flaxseed Oil vs Fish Oil as a Vegan Alternative for Omega-3
Fish oil is made from extracts of fatty fish like mackerel and tuna, and is often recommended by dietitians and nutrition-based experts given its relatively high quantity of EPA & DHA. In search of a vegan alternative, many of us will try to compare the health benefits of flaxseed oil vs fish oil. Fish oil supplements contain a direct source of EPA and DHA, meaning there is no need for the body to perform the conversions necessary with ALA. With that being said, a single tablespoon of flaxseed oils contains all of your daily requirements for ALA and more. Should you choose a diet that does not include nutrients from meat and animal products, organic flaxseed oil remains a viable vegan alternative to fish oil supplements.
Nutritional Health Benefits of Melrose Organic Australian Flaxseed Oil
Melrose Health has a range of flaxseed oil supplements available, including Australian Flaxseed Oil and Organic Flaxseed Oil. All of Melrose flaxseed oil is cold-pressed from Australian, organically grown flaxseeds, and offer a variety of health benefits, including:
- Greater nourishment of skin and elevating hair health
- Lower blood pressure, decreased triglycerides, and improved cholesterol for better heart health
- Aid in controlling inflammation from building up throughout the body, providing relief to a range of illnesses and symptoms
- Improve the digestive process, alleviating stress caused by constipation or diarrhea
Melrose is proud to have been the ‘first in flax’, as we were the first to bottle flaxseed oil over 30 years ago, and the only option on the Australia market to offer these specific elements of nutrition as a vegan alternative to fish oil supplements.