Algae Oil Omega 3 Fats and Their Benefits

Photo credit: wikipedia

Algae oil is produced from algae that are a diverse and large group of unicellular and multicellular organisms as Wikipedia states. Algae oil omega-3 fatty acids are very beneficial for our health that’s why the oil is recommended by all nutritionists. Today algae oil is pressed mainly from microalgae rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The oil becomes a source of microelements and, what is the most important, omega-3 essential fatty acids.

What are algae oil omega-3 fats?

The main source of omega-3 fats for people is fish and fish oil. Fish contains EPA and DHA, essential for our bodies functioning. Vegetarians consume flaxseed and walnuts, which are sources of alpha-linolenic acid, another omega-3 fat. ALA is converted into EPA and DHA in the body, but the conversion is ineffective. See more information of flaxseed oil vs fish oil.

Algae are the primary source of EPA and DHA. Fish eat algae and accumulate omega-3 fatty acids. When the oil is pressed from algae (algae oil extraction is a complicated process) it contains omega-3 fats. Algae oil omega-3 fats are mainly docosahexaenoic acid, or shortly DHA. There is DHA-rich algae oil on the market today. This DHA is as beneficial as fish oil’s one. Such algae as Spirulina and Nannochloropsis sp. are rich in EPA but the algae oil rich in EPA is not widespread yet.

SEE ALSO: How to Define the Necessary Fish Oil Dosage

Benefits of algae oil omega-3 fatty acids

Healthy heart

According to the researches DHA contained in algae oil is heart-beneficial. 1 gram of algae oil a day may help lower the level of triglycerides by 23%. Algae oil omega-3 fats prevent a heart disease and heart stroke, lower blood pressure and even regulate cholesterol level. They help get rid of plaques in the blood vessels and possess a blood-thinning effect. That’ why algae oil is not recommended for use prior to all types of surgery.

Anti-inflammatory effect

It is known that we need to consume the balanced amount of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids have the pro-inflammatory effect while omega-3 fats are anti-inflammatory. As the diet of the Americans today is rich in omega-6 fats (which are found in corn oil, vegetable oil and other popular oils) including algae oil into nutrition helps reduce the rate of inflammatory processes and prevent arthritis and inflammatory heart and bowel diseases. Omega-3 fats of algae oil counteract omega-6s and the body functions properly.

RELATED: All Truth about Algae Oil Supplements

Other algae oil benefits

DHA-rich algae oil is of vital importance for the development of visual and nervous system. Newborn children need it tremendously that’s why algae oil is recommended for future moms and breast-feeding women. Moreover, DHA is needed for brain. The fatty acids of brain cells are  40% DHA. The lack of DHA influences people’s health and behavior. The immune system becomes weaker and people become more violent. The body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids so we need to eat omega-3s and adding algae oil to nutrition is the best way to get omega-3 fats. Wikipedia also enumerates the health benefits of DHA for the following disorders:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s disease and decline of mental health