Does Flaxseed Oil Work As Well As Fish Oil Does?

Flaxseed oil and fish oil are both excellent sources of omega 3 essential fatty acids, however, the types of essential fatty acids they contain are different. Flaxseed oil contains ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is usually converted by a healthy body into EPA and DHA, which are the more active substances in the body. Fish oil contains EPA and DHA already and so the body does not need to break this down.

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In normal circumstances we are able to break down ALA into EPA and DHA and get the benefits of these substances, meaning that in most people there is little difference in the omega 3 fatty acid benefit gained from fish oil or flaxseed oil and both work just as well as the other. In diabetics and people suffering from schizophrenia however this break down does not occur effectively and so in order to gain the benefits of EPA and DHA diabetics and people with schizophrenia will find that fish oil works better than flax seed oil.

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Patients with high cholesterol however will find the opposite true. Fish oil often contains high levels of mercury which are dangerous for high blood pressure. Flaxseed oil does not contain this same high concentration of mercury and so would work better for patients suffering from high blood pressure.

There are also certain diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, for which ALA appears to be more beneficial than EPA and DHA separately. ALA however may present problems for people suffering from macular degeneration although omega 3 in the form of EPA and DHA may help the condition, it is therefore better to take fish oil if you are suffering from macular degeneration. This may also be the case with prostrate cancer.

Beyond this whether you choose flax seed oil or fish oil may be more dependent on personal taste and lifestyle than which is more beneficial. Vegetarians and vegans for example would prefer flaxseed oil whereas others may prefer the fish oil supplements.

The important thing is to ensure that you take one of these substances that are high in omega 3 essential fatty acids that provide many benefits for body and mind. If you are a diabetic or schizophrenic choose fish oil, if you have high blood pressure rather go for flaxseed oil. If you suffer from macular degeneration or prostrate cancer you will also want to choose fish oil. Beyond that choose which oil fits your tastes and lifestyle better.

Does Flaxseed Oil Work As Well As Fish Oil Does?

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Flaxseed Oil and Acne - Learn How This Unknown Supplement Can Cure Acne Problems Forever

Even though there haven't been many studies and the relation of flaxseed oil for preventing acne, flaxseed supplements remains to be a hot seller for people's acne solutions, from both the acne sufferer and natural therapists. Flaxseed is commonly used as a natural laxative, but it has many other benefits as well, which derives from its richness in the essential omega-3 fatty acid.

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Essential fatty acids are named this because of the fact that our bodies need them to function correctly. There are also important for normal growth, brain functionality, and to help prevent against chronic illnesses like heart disease and arthritis. While essential fatty acids come in many forms, the ones that you are most familiar with are probably the omega-3 and Omega-6. You can find omega-6 in foods such as sunflower, sesame seeds, corn, and safflower. It is possible to be deficient in either or make a fatty acid so it is a good idea to make sure that you have a well rounded diet, the most common ways to get omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseed oil.

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Symptoms of a deficiency of them make a three fatty acid include tissue inflammation sticky platelets, and dry skin. Given that inflammation is a big concern for many acne sufferers it is becoming easy to see why flax oil is becoming in high demand as a natural acne treatment. Take note that is very important to have omega-3 as a part of your regular diet, for the fact that it speeds up healing which is and necessary for people that have acne problems.

There are three types of omega three fatty acids that are very significant: Alpha Linolenic acid (LNA or ALA), Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) it should be known that ALA will be converted into DHA and EPA by the body naturally.

Supplementation with ALA has been known to reduce inflammation and improve dry skin. Flaxseed oil happens to be a very good source of ALA, because it contains an average of 55% of this acid. But to carry out the conversions into EPA and DHA, you must have a good level of zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B6, by the mid-B3, and magnesium in your body. You should take note, that the recommended intake of ALA is about 2220 mg a day. But, higher doses may be recommended to treat people that are deficient or have special conditions.

Flaxseed Oil and Acne - Learn How This Unknown Supplement Can Cure Acne Problems Forever

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Flaxseed Oil and Acne

Whilst there have not been many flaxseed oil and acne studies carried out, flaxseed supplements remains a popular acne treatment, with both natural therapists and acne sufferers.

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Flaxseed is traditionally used as a natural laxative, providing bulk to the stool as well as lubrication. But flax oil has many other benefits, which derive from its richness in the omega 3 essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids are so named because we must get them from our diet - our bodies do not make them. They are important for normal growth and development, brain function, and help prevent chronic illnesses like arthritis and heart disease.

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Essential fatty acids come in several forms, the most commonly known being the omega 3 fatty acids and the omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 6 fatty acids are more common in our Western diets, being found in oils like safflower, sunflower, corn, sesame, and other oils. It is possible to have a deficiency of omega 6 fatty acids if relying only on omega 3 fats, like flax and fish oils, as the main type of fat in the diet. Or if taking the omega 3 fatty acids in greater quantities for a period of one and a half, to two years, to restore an omega 3 deficiency. But the more likely scenario is that an excess of omega 6 fatty acids is being consumed in relation to the omega 3's.

Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include dry skin, sticky platelets, and tissue inflammation. Given that inflammation is of particular concern for acne sufferers, it becomes easier to see why increasing the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet remains a popular natural acne treatment.

Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in certain types of fish like salmon and mackerel, and flaxseed oil. And as well as reducing inflammation, omega 3's speed up healing - again, important for acne sufferers - and reduce platelet stickiness. Platelet stickiness becomes important beyond heart health when you consider that the blood cells carry the supply of oxygen to cells, including cells in our skin, and the cells that are involved in healing.

There are 3 types of omega 3 fatty acids that are significant. These are alpha linolenic acid (ALA or LNA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). ALA (or LNA, as it is often abbreviated to) is converted into EPA and DHA by the body. EPA and DHA are the forms in which the omega 3's are most easily used by the body. Supplementation with ALA has been found to reduce inflammation and improve dry skin.

Flaxseed oil is a very good source of ALA, containing an average of 55% and higher. But to carry out the conversions into EPA and DHA, the body needs to have good levels of zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6.

The recommended intake of ALA is about 2,220 mg per day. Higher doses are recommended to treat deficiencies, or some conditions. There is no real standard recommendation for acne sufferers simply because not enough studies have been done in relation to acne. But doses of 3000 to 6000 mg per day are used to prevent and treat some chronic conditions.

Flaxseed Oil and Acne

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Fish Oil vs Flaxseed Oil - Which is Better?

A common question that I receive is what is the difference between fish oil and flaxseed oil? First here are some basics. The "money" fatty acids in fish oil are EPA/DHA; these are long chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids. Flaxseed oil contains the short chain n-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). While these three fatty acids may seem similar because they are all n-3 fatty acids but in fact they function very differently physiologically.

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One cannot apply findings such as weight loss, triglyceride lowering, protection from sudden death, improvements in joint function seen with fish oil supplementation to flaxseed or ALA supplementation (or just increased intake). People will argue (especially those that sell flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil supplements) that ALA can be converted to EPA and then DHA via elongation and desaturation (basically makes the fatty acid longer and adding more double bonds). However this conversion is EXTREMELY poor, especially in men (estimated by some to be as low as 1-2%). The bad news is that the conversion gets even worse the older you get.

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ALA does have unique and beneficial effects as well so consuming both EPA/DHA and ALA is recommended. Three good sources of ALA are walnuts, flaxseed/flaxseed oil, and canola oil. Flaxseed oil does not have a pleasant taste so a great option is garlic-chili infused flaxseed oil. It is awesome on salads. You also do not want to heat or cook with flaxseed oil because it is very prone to oxidation. I commonly get emails from people that state that they don't supplement with fish oil but instead supplement with flaxseed oil capsules. As you know from my previous entry exchanging fish oil for flax is not an equal trade. It is also very important to realize that these people are wasting a tremendous amount of money. When supplementing your diet with fats capsules are by far the most expensive way to go (because you have to pay for the capsules and the fatty acids). ALA is also readily oxidized (e.g. burned, turned into, etc) to energy. Studies have shown that up to 35% of ALA is immediately oxidized for energy - that's expensive energy! Adding flaxseed oil and ALA to your diet is a wise choice just don't use the capsules as it is NOT a very cost effective approach.

Fish Oil vs Flaxseed Oil - Which is Better?

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