Why Fish Oil? (Omega-3)

Omega-3 is called an 'essential fatty acid' for a reason—it's essential for your body to function. It plays a key role in maintaining health, offering benefits like reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and support for brain function.*

But here's the thing. When it comes to Omega-3 sources, the choices are plentiful. Flaxseed, Chia, and Algal Oil can be excellent vegan options for those leaning towards plant-based diets.

On the other hand, fish oils sourced from herring, tuna, trout, salmon, anchovies, or mackerel may offer rich alternatives with potentially higher Omega-3 concentrations.*

- So, which one may be the best for you?
- Should you go for a vegan source?
- Or is the fish oil superior in terms of Omega-3 contents?

Here's what you need to know:

First things first: what do Omega-3s do for you?

Now, if you're reading this, you're probably no stranger to the importance of Omega-3 fatty acid intake.

But, just in case you're not too sure about why Omega-3 fatty acids can be awesome for your health, let us give you a quick rundown:

1. Brain health support.*

Omega-3 DHA, a major fatty acid found abundantly in your brain, plays a crucial role in the composition of brain cell membranes.¹ It's instrumental in promoting overall brain health and is necessary for the proper development of the fetal brain during pregnancy.*

2. Eye & vision support.*

The retina of our eyes houses a high concentration of Omega-3 DHA, which is essential for maintaining optimal vision and eye health.*²

3. Memory support.*

Ever struggle to recall where you left your keys? Studies have shown that consuming fish oil supplements for six months can lead to a noticeable improvement in memory functions.*¹

The Omega-3 fatty acid DHA enhances the communication between nerve cells, making it easier for the brain to process and retrieve information.*

4. Heart health support.*

The relationship between Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular health is well-documented and extensively researched.*³

Populations that consume a diet rich in oily fish, such as those in Greenland, Japan, and parts of the Mediterranean, demonstrate lower rates of heart issues compared to regions with lower intake of these foods, like the US.*

Is fish oil the gold standard?

The answer may surprise you: it depends. As with many other nutrition considerations, this ultimately comes down to individual preferences, dietary choices, and health requirements.

Fish oil is typically used in nootropics for its high EPA and DHA content and bioavailability (meaning your body can better absorb and use the EPA and DHA it contains).*

Plus, research suggests that EPA and DHA from fish oil may have more potent health benefits than ALA sources, primarily due to their direct involvement in cellular processes.*

- But what if you are a vegan?
- Or you can't consume fish oil due to specific dietary restrictions?

You are still in luck. While ALA is the most common Omega-3 fatty acid found in plant sources, your body can still convert a portion of it into EPA and DHA, albeit at a low conversion rate.*

And, there is another option: the direct vegan sources of DHA and EPA, algae. Fish get their DHA by eating phytoplankton, which gets it from eating microalgae. Hence, microalgae are the original source of DHA.

So why not 'skip' this long chain and go directly to the source? We did that. By going directly to the source, microalgae can also offer a plant-based form of these essential fatty acids, bypassing the need for fish or fish oil entirely for plant-based vegans.