We have all heard of the many health benefits that omega 3 provides our body. The effect of decreasing risk for Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) is the most widely known, however, omega 3 can also improve cognitive performance, eye and visual health, and even the body’s anti-inflammatory response (even for Rheumatoid Arthritis!). But the question to consider is: are all sources of omega 3 created equal?

The answer quite simply is no, but why? Flax oil is indeed a source of omega 3, but unlike its counterpart it does not contain a key and very advantageous ingredient: DHA. EPA and LNA are extremely beneficial fatty acids particularly found in high levels of flax oil. However, DHA is a crucial component of omega 3 that flax oil lacks (and any other plant based omega 3 for that matter).

The aforementioned benefits are found from studies that tracked the consumption of fish or fish oil supplements. The reason for examining fish and fish oil consumption is because the combination of EPA and DHA is imperative for observing the potential health benefits of omega 3. Plus, DHA is the fatty acid that helps improve “nonverbal reasoning and mental flexibility, working memory, and vocabulary.” Why would anyone want to limit this magical ingredient from their diet? So, next time you find yourself wondering, “chicken or fish?”, or “fish oil or flax oil?” then at the very least ask yourself this: “do I have an eidetic memory?” If the answer is no, then go for the fish… ;-)

Be Great!
Chris
MMSN Boulder Store Manager