I was told that when the ALA's in flax oil convert, you lose about 80% of the benefits; thus, missing out on the possible absorbtion of DHA & EPA. I was also told that it is beneficial to take flax because of something in it that you can't get from fish oil. Any help in this area is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
2007-11-08 11:48:31 · 7 answers · asked by this2shallpass 3 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Flax seed I use on a daily basis.
another name for it is Linaza.
Natural Health Benefits :
1. Flax contributes to lower blood cholesterol.
2. Flax assists with constipation.
3. Flax assists in the control of high blood pressure.
4. Flax reduces the threat of blood clots.
5. Flax helps control blood sugar.
6. Flax aids in clearing up skin conditions.
7. Flax offers benefits for human nutrition.
8. Flax is the richest in Omega3 Oils - the body requires
2007-11-08 12:01:50 · answer #1 · answered by He says She says 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the first answer is right.... but it doesn't address your question directly. Those are several good things that Flax Oil does, but Fish Oil also has good benefits.
Also, regarding the answer about Mercury... just get a fish oil from a company that at least has mediocre quality and you'll avoid that. The common industry standard is to use Molecular Distillation to process Fish Oils, which removes any heavy metals and other contaminants.
Yes, some ALA converts into other EFAs, but your body still absorbs what it needs of each of the EFAs. If you are looking for the benefits from both, then take both... it's perfectly safe to take the recommended doses of both each day. Fish Oil has some benefits for brain health and skin health that Flax Oil doesn't have as much of (yes, it has some, but not as much as fish).
You don't lose out on benefits because your body converts one thing into another.... if it did, your body would be massively inefficient and most people would die from lack of nutrition because of all the things your body converts as it should.
Simply put, if you want the benefits from both, take both.
2007-11-08 16:48:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is actually the other way round and there is a brain benefit in fish oil that you don't get from flax oil, soy products and walnuts.
If you want brain benefits then you must consume fish oil as the omega 3s DHA and EPA in fish oil both have heart benefits and DHA has brain benefits as well.
The omega 3 ALA in flax oil, soy products and walnuts has some heart benefits but no brain benefits and only about 5 to 10% of ALA is metabolised to DHA.
2007-11-09 11:47:34 · answer #3 · answered by Susan Yarrawonga 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, my understanding is that either oil has the essential fat or good fat that your body needs, It is like a lubricant in your intestines so that the bad fats don't stick.. I don't know how your capsules are working but I found the flax seed oil worked better noticably for me.. I put 2 tablespoons on my oatmeal each day.. Good Luck
2016-04-03 02:48:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very little of ALA is converted to DHA and EPA in humans. Because DHA and EPA are essential for optimum health, other sources, such as Krill oil and Fish Oil (these are refined so they have NO mercury) are necessary to get adequate amounts of these essential fatty acids.
2007-11-08 14:55:20 · answer #5 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There's also something fish has that flax doesn't, and that's mercury. That would be a benefit to flax oil.
Hemp is another good source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Just remember to keep your flax oil in your refrigerator and never, ever cook with it.
2007-11-08 14:46:23 · answer #6 · answered by VeggieTart -- Let's Go Caps! 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
What he said. I mean, what she said..Oh never mind. The first answer is perfect.
2007-11-08 13:31:51 · answer #7 · answered by Jo 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋