Should You Take Flax Seed Oil Or Fish Oil Or Some of Both
Lately, there has been a debate between supporters of fish oil and flax seed oil. Both camps have dedicated fans but I believe that some of these consumers are in the wrong discussion. These are not competing products. They can be taken together but for different reasons.
First, omega 3 fish oil has two essential fatty acids called DHA and EPA. Flax seed oil also has an omega 3 essential fatty acid but it is called ALA. By essential, that means the body can not make it. It must be outsourced.
The health benefits of DHA and EPA are beyond dispute. They are recommended by the FDA, American Heart Association, the Alzheimer's Association, the American Eye Institute and the Arthritis Foundation among others.
The ALA from flax seed oil does not directly provide most health benefits. The body must first convert it to DHA and EPA in order to work. Some people think by using flax seed oil in cooking, it will enhance the benefits.
Not true. Heat breaks this down faster than a guilty witness in an old Perry Mason court room trial. Those of you old enough to remember that reference need to pay particular attention to this next point - the older you are, the less ability your body has in converting ALA to DHA/EPA. To give you an idea, it is estimated that most adults would have to consume 10 - 40 grams of flax seed oil to produce just 0.2 grams of DHA.
In other words, if you are looking to get the DHA/EPA omega 3 benefits from flax seed oil, you are doing it the hard way, assuming it happens at all.
Why should I take flax seed oil?
Not for the fish oil benefits. However, the ground up seeds provide beneficial ingredients such as soluble and insoluble fiber and lignan. Studies show that lignan possesses anti-cancer properties. Research results have been most promising in breast cancer prevention. It is thought that lignan can inhibit the onset of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer.
The fiber aids the digestive system and helps lower cholesterol levels.
Should I take both?
Each of these essential fats have benefits that the other does not. It is important that you do your research on both supplements.
To get the amount of omega 3s you need, you should consider a supplement. However, there are many bad fish supplements. They can be rancid, contaminated and contain very little DHA or EPA. Stick to a quality product. Check out the companies website. The few good ones will tell you everything you need to know. The bad and mediocre ones think the word disclosure is no longer part of the English language - they make all sorts of claims and will hide everything they can to prove those claims. Remember, this is an unregulated market.
I do not use flax seed oil. I use ground up seeds in cereal, salads etc. If you get an ALA supplement or an omega 3 6 9 product, you are not getting the fiber or the lignan. Also, I do not have to worry about potential negative side effects from an overdose.
In conclusion, do both. Get your EPA and DHA through a fish oil supplement. My website can help in that area. Any decent health food store offers ground flax seeds.
About the Author
Get my free five-part mini course on the benefits of omega 3, including critical information on why you should take omega3 fish oil. To sign up for the course and get more tips on the importance of omega 3, visit my website: http://www.omega-3-guide.com/
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1 Gallon Massage Lotion $40 XLE1050: Features: -Massage lotion. -Lavender extract-has a calming and soothing effect helping to balance emotions and mood swings. -Healing properties act as an anti-inflammatory and help aid wound healing. -Chamomile extract-contains Chamulazene, an anti-inflammatory agent that calms and softens skin. -Lemon balm extract-contains antiseptic properties to clarify, refresh and soothe skin. -Safflower oil-helps moisturize and restore the natural oil balance of skin. -Sweet almond oil-is one of the most popular oils among massage therapists. -Easily absorbed but not so quickly that you need to keep reapplying it. -Almond oil helps to leave the skin soft and satiny smooth. -Sesame seed oil-is prized in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, is a natural anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. -Penetrates the skin quickly. -Vitamin E-is a powerful, anti-aging, free radical fighter (antioxidant). -Helps to soothe, protect and regenerate dry, irritated and sun damaged skin. -Natural preservative that helps increase the amount of oxygen present in the skin, aiding in new and healthier skin tissue. -Water dispersible-washes completely out of sheets-leave no undesired odors. -Overall dimensions: 11.5 H x 6 W x 6 D. Ingredients: -Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) Leaf Extract in Purified Water, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Octyl Palmitate (Coconut Derived), Glyceryl Stearate (Thickener), PEG-100 Stearate (Emulsifier), Glycerin (Emolient), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Cetearyl Alcohol (Plant Derived Emollient), Ceteareth-20 (Emulsifier), Disodium EDTA (Stabilizer), Carbomer (Thickener), Triethanolamine (PH Modifier), Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservatives). |
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1 Gallon Massage Oil $40 XLE1052: Features: -Massage oil. -Sweet almond oil-is one of the most popular oils among massage therapists. -Easily absorbed but not so quickly that you need to keep reapplying it. -Almond oil helps to leave the skin soft and satiny smooth. -Sesame seed oil-is prized in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, is a natural anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. -Safflower oil-helps moisturize and restore the natural oil balance of skin. -Grape seed oil-has a smooth silky texture without being greasy. -Avocado oil-is a heavier oil that softens skin, helps skin retain moisture and fights the aging process. -Vitamin E-is a powerful, anti-aging, free radical fighter (antioxidant). -Helps to soothe, protect and regenerate dry, irritated and sun damaged skin. -Water dispersible-washes completely out of sheets-leave no undesired odors. -Overall dimensions: 10 H x 6.5 W x 6.5 D. Ingredients: -Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Octyl Palmitate (Coconut Derived), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate (Emulsifier), Tocopherol (Vitamin E). |
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100% Vegetarian Flaxseed Oil 100% Vegetarian 90 Softgels by Health From the Sun /Arkopharma $12.52 Health From The Sun 100% Vegetarian Flax Seed Oil 90 sgels |
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8 oz. Massage Lotion $6.95 XLE1051: Features: -Massage lotion. -Lavender extract-has a calming and soothing effect helping to balance emotions and mood swings. -Healing properties act as an anti-inflammatory and help aid wound healing. -Chamomile extract-contains Chamulazene, an anti-inflammatory agent that calms and softens skin. -Lemon balm extract-contains antiseptic properties to clarify, refresh and soothe skin. -Safflower oil-helps moisturize and restore the natural oil balance of skin. -Sweet almond oil-is one of the most popular oils among massage therapists. -Easily absorbed but not so quickly that you need to keep reapplying it. -Almond oil helps to leave the skin soft and satiny smooth. -Sesame seed oil-is prized in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, is a natural anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. -Penetrates the skin quickly. -Vitamin E-is a powerful, anti-aging, free radical fighter (antioxidant). -Helps to soothe, protect and regenerate dry, irritated and sun damaged skin. -Water dispersible-washes completely out of sheets-leave no undesired odors. -Overall dimensions: 7 H x 2 W x 2 D. Ingredients: -Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) Leaf Extract in Purified Water, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Octyl Palmitate (Coconut Derived), Glyceryl Stearate (Thickener), PEG-100 Stearate (Emulsifier), Glycerin (Emolient), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Cetearyl Alcohol (Plant Derived Emollient), Ceteareth-20 (Emulsifier), Disodium EDTA (Stabilizer), Carbomer (Thickener), Triethanolamine (PH Modifier), Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin (Preservatives). |
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8 oz. Massage Oil $6.99 XLE1053: Features: -Massage oil. -Sweet almond oil-is one of the most popular oils among massage therapists. -Easily absorbed but not so quickly that you need to keep reapplying it. -Almond oil helps to leave the skin soft and satiny smooth. -Sesame seed oil-is prized in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, is a natural anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. -Safflower oil-helps moisturize and restore the natural oil balance of skin. -Grape seed oil-has a smooth silky texture without being greasy. -Avocado oil-is a heavier oil that softens skin, helps skin retain moisture and fights the aging process. -Vitamin E-is a powerful, anti-aging, free radical fighter (antioxidant). -Helps to soothe, protect and regenerate dry, irritated and sun damaged skin. -Water dispersible-washes completely out of sheets-leave no undesired odors. -Overall dimensions: 8 H x 3 W x 3 D. Ingredients: -Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Octyl Palmitate (Coconut Derived), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate (Emulsifier), Tocopherol (Vitamin E). |
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ACCA KAPPA White Moss Shave Foam, Sensitive Skin 6.7 fl oz (200 ml) $18 Acca Kappa Shave foam ideal for sensitive skin, rich and moisturizing White Moss shave foam is naturally formulated with macadamia seed oil , shea and cocoa butter, contains our exclusive white moss fragrance. Dermatologically tested |
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ACCA KAPPA White Moss Travel Shave Foam, Sensitive Skin 1.7 fl oz (50 ml) $14 Acca Kappa Shave foam ideal for sensitive skin, rich and moisturizing White Moss shave foam is naturally formulated with macadamia seed oil , shea and cocoa butter, contains our exclusive white moss fragrance. Dermatologically tested |
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AHAVA - Deadsea Plants Dry Oil Body Mist $38 Loaded with the effective anti-oxidant Dunaliella algae, this hydrating mist spray enlivens the senses with the intoxicating scents of mandarin and cedar oils. The skin feels supple and soft and gives off a clean glow. Sesame Seed Oil and Vitamin E provide anti-aging properties that strengthen skin natural barriers Vitamin E protects skin against free radicals. Whereas consuming an excess of salt in food is considered bad for your health, it?s a welcome component in skincare formulas Directions: After bathing, spray on dampened skin for instant hydration. Avoid face. Net Weight: 100 ml/3.4 oz. Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isohexadecane, Cyclomethicone, Simondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Perfume), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Dunaliella Salina (Dead Sea Alga) Extract, Tocopherol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citral, Linalool, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronnellol, Coumarin. |
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AHAVA - Deadsea Water Mineral Foot Cream 50% More Limited Edition $19 We always want our feet to look smooth, soft and supple. This pleasant foot cream is rich in Dead Sea minerals, natural plant derivatives and tea tree oil. It renews rough skin, repairs splits and cracks and prevents dryness. Avocado, Wheat Germ, Sweet Almond and Jojoba oils smooth, soften, nourishes and comforts feet's skin Aloe Vera blend provides soothing properties Tea Tree Leaf Oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties Salicylic Acid helps renew skin. Salt is especially effective in products that treat dry and psoriatic skin. Directions: Apply generously to clean feet morning and night, paying special attention to soles amd heels. Net Weight: 150 ml/5.1 oz. Ingredients: Aqua (Mineral Spring Water), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ceteareth-30 & Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Oleyl Erucate, Dehydroacetic Acid & Benzoic Acid & Phenoxyethanol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Flower Water, Maris Sal (Dead Sea Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Dimethicone, Parfum (Fragrance), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Allantoin, Salicylic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Menthol, Arginine, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Linalool, Citronnellol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Amyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Isoeugenol. |
Tagged with: seed oil • seed oil bumps • seed oil extraction • seed oil extractor • seed oil press
Filed under: Body Oils 101
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