Algae Oil Health Benefits: the Oil Everybody Needs

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Algae are tiny organisms living in the water. According to Wikipedia they are photosynthetic which means that they produce energy from sunlight. People use algae to produce oil for consumption and for biofuel. Algae oil health benefits are enormous because algae are rich in chlorophyll, minerals (iodine, for example) and omega-3 fats EPA and DHA.  It is omega-3 fatty acids that make algae oil strongly recommended by all nutritionists for consumption. What are algae oil health benefits?

Algae oil health benefits

Cardiovascular benefits

Algae oil is rich in DHA. It is proven that DHA from algae oil possesses cardiovascular benefits, the same as fish oil has (read how fish oil lowers blood pressure). According to the study published in the British Journal of Nutrition vegetarians who consumed 1 gram of algae oil daily lessened their triglyceride level after 8 weeks by 23%.

Algae oil reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart arrhythmias. The oil also lessens bad cholesterol level (LDL) and enlarges good cholesterol level (HDL). Atherosclerosis may be avoided with the help of algae oil too. Thus, the oil reduces the risk of a heart stroke.

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Anti-inflammatory effect

One of the algae oil benefits is its ability to reduce tissues inflammation. Spruce, short bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease can be treated with it. Omega-3 essential fatty acids in algae oil have a strong anti-inflammatory action and are needed to prevent all inflammatory diseases.

Mood stabilizing effect

Algae oil is efficient for relieving depression, anxiety and stress. It can help treat bipolar disorders and lower suicidal tendencies, mental fatigue and sadness. People consuming omega-3 fats are less violent. According to Wikipedia DHA in algae oil can be used for treating mental diseases.

Other benefits of algae oil are:

• Hair care. Algae oil strengthens hair follicles and helps prevent hair loss.
• Skin care. The anti-inflammatory effect of the oil helps treat acne, eczema and all types of dermatitis.
• Weight loss. Algae oil may lower muscles stiffness. The consumption of the oil lets people follow their exercise plan. According to Dr.Oz algae oil is effective against belly fat.

RELATED: The Main Benefits and Side Effects of Algae Oil Supplements

Algae oil vs fish oil vs flaxseed oil

Algae oil, fish oil and flaxseed oil have omega-3 fatty acids. Algae oil and fish oil are sources of omega-3 fats called EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acid ALA. Vegetarians usually consume flaxseed oil as an omega-3 supplement. However, our body needs EPA and DHA. ALA can be converted into EPA and DHA but it is converted ineffectively. Two enzymatic conversions are needed and some people even cannot convert ALA into EPA and DHA. (Read more about flaxseed oil vs fish oil). So algae oil and fish oil are better sources of EPA and DHA. If we compare algae and fish oils we see that the fish takes EPA and DHA from algae it eats. So marine algae, for example, phytoplankton and zoo plankton, are the primary source of these omega-3 fats. As a result fish oil and algae oil have almost the same health benefits. The fish can be contaminated and has a high level of mercury. Algae oil is considered free from contaminants and may be called a better omega-3s supplement.