Vegetarians may be able to avoid the harmful growth hormones, chemicals, and bad cholesterol sometimes found in meats, but they are also at high risk for omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFAs) deficiencies. These essential fatty acids are critical to cellular health, brain structure, and brain function. Aside from making up 60% of our brain's structure, omega-3 EFAs also contribute to cardiovascular health, joint flexibility, immune system health, balanced moods, and sharp concentration. It is often difficult for vegetarians to obtain omega-3 EFAs because they are usually found in deep-sea fatty fish like salmon and tuna. Although flaxseed oil is one widely-used vegetarian source for EFAs, they only contain one kind of omega-3 fatty acid - alpha linolenic acid (ALA). ALA can be converted into an important long-chain fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but the conversion process can be lengthy and inefficient.
Recently, however, scientists discovered that the seed of the purple wildflower Echium Plantagineum is a rich source in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 EFAs. Research shows that echium oil has a rare omega-3 fcalled stearidonic acid (SDA). SDA has a molecular structure similar to EPA, which means it can easily be converted to EPA than ALA. In fact, SDA is known to produce 5 times more EPA than ALA.
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Echium oil also stimulates the production of another long-chain omega-3 fat called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is essential for brain function in adults as well as the visual abilities and nervous system development of infants six months old and younger. DHA is also a structural EFA that makes up part of the brain and retina's physical component.
Aside from these omega-3 fats, echium oil also has an important omega-6 fat called gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Most omega-6 fats actually get in the way of omega-3's health benefits, but GLA actually boosts omega-3's functions. Supplements with GLA are known to improve breast cancer treatment, skin conditions like psoriasis, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Although evening primrose oil is the only other plant source of GLA, nutritionists observe that echium oil contains more GLA per milligram than evening primrose oil.
Finally, echium oil serves as a source of the omega-9 fat oleic acid, a healthy mono-unsaturated fat that promotes antioxidant production, reduces heart disease, and lowers bad cholesterol levels.
The health benefits of echium oil have been studied for several years, and now many health stores carry echium oil supplements. Don't let your dietary choices prevent you from consuming the essential fatty acids you need for good health. Consider making echium oil supplements a part of your diet and lifestyle today.
Vegetarian Omega-3 Supplements: Echium Oil Ala
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