Omega 3 is a family of long-chain fatty acids found abundantly in certain types of algae, chia seeds, flaxseed, fatty fish & krill. Omega 3 is important to consume in sufficient amounts because the body cannot produce it on its own. It's also important to maintain a good balance between omega 3 and omega 6 in your diet. Unlike saturated fat, omega fatty acids are fluid and can easily become rancid if not protected from excessive air, light, and temperature changes.
What are EPA & DHA?
EPA and DHA are two long-chain fatty acids that belong to the omega-3 family. They are considered essential for good health and are usually what people refer to when talking about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
In nature, there are primarily three different forms of omega 3 fatty acids
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid):
Long-chain omega-3 primarily associated with heart and cardiovascular health. Found abundantly in fatty fish, krill, and certain algae.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid):
Long-chain omega-3 associated with brain, eye, and nervous system health, as well as heart and cardiovascular health. Found abundantly in wild-caught fatty fish, krill, and certain algae.
ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid):
Found in land-based vegetable sources of omega-3, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, or walnuts. ALA is used as an energy source in the body and can be converted to EPA fatty acid and/or DHA when needed, though only to a limited extent and depending on several other health factors.
Why are EPA & DHA important?
When a substance in nutrition is called "essential," it means that the body cannot produce it on its own and must obtain it through food or supplements. Omega-3 belongs to the group of essential fatty acids. DHA and EPA are the most studied forms of omega-3 and are associated with the most health benefits. Having too little omega-3 can lead to problems such as increased inflammation in the body, low mood, high blood pressure, reduced blood flow, and in some cases, stiffness and pain in muscles and joints.
What do EPA & DHA contribute to?
A good balance of EPA and DHA contributes to normal heart function, normal brain function, and normal vision. That's why it's important to get enough.
A daily intake of 250 mg DHA helps maintain normal brain function and normal vision.
A daily intake of 250 mg EPA and DHA contributes to normal heart function.
How do you get EPA & DHA?
From foods that are especially rich in EPA and DHA such as:
Seaweed and algae.
Fatty fish and krill.
Or through dietary supplements.
Other vegetable sources of omega-3, such as flaxseed oil, chia seeds, or walnuts. These primarily contain ALA, which as mentioned is converted in limited amounts to EPA and DHA in the body. This conversion varies considerably from person to person. It depends on several factors, such as the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 in the diet, health status, and physical activity level. For most people, it can therefore be a good idea to consume "ready-made" EPA and DHA fatty acids to ensure a good supply in the body.
Animal or Plant-based Omega-3?
There's a myth that omega-3 from fish oil is somehow better than other forms. An important thing to know is that fatty fish like salmon or herring don't produce EPA and DHA themselves, but get them from the seaweed and algae they eat. Considering the risk of overfishing, as well as exposure to heavy metals and plastic residues that now exist for those who eat large amounts of fish, we at Glimja prefer to go directly to the source and consume oil from algae instead of taking the detour via fish.It is kinder and safer for everyone involved.
Algae oil is suitable for anyone who doesn't eat fish or shellfish, is pregnant, vegetarian or vegan, or simply cares about the environment. Algae oil is an excellent alternative for meeting the daily need for omega-3. In fact, it stands out as one of the few plant-based sources of omega-3 that contains both EPA and DHA. Purchase pure, vegetarian, and high-quality EPA & DHA here
