Omega 3 Vegan
Nutritionally Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids are the most essential component for the development and maintenance of normal brain functions. It is composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are important bioactive compounds that provide significant health benefits to the human population, particularly in reducing cardiac diseases such as arrhythmia, stroke and high blood pressure. Additionally, they offer beneficial effects on depression, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. Currently, fish oils represent the most prominent dietary sources of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); however, these are unsuitable for vegetarians.
Alternative sources include flaxseed, echium, walnut, and algal oil are more beneficial as compared to fish sources which are associated with several limitations. fish can be intoxicated due to the accumulation of toxins and contaminants such as mercury, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Moreover, spoiled fish oil may undergo chemical breakdown and generate peroxides. Most importantly, fish oil is not a sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids as it will impact on ocean. Therefore, algal oil-based sources would be a preferred source of omega-3 fatty acids for all dieticians.
The algal growth undergoes photosynthesis alike the plants which harness their energy easily from CO2 and sunlight. Moreover, they have a high adaptive capability, which helps them endure extreme environments such as temperature, salinity, pH, and photoperiod.
Unlike fish-based sources, algae are a more sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids and are free from toxic contaminants. Additional benefits of algal oil are:
Boost eye health: A natural treatment for macular degeneration (age-related vision loss) is an omega-3 fatty acid capsule that contains EPA and DHA because it helps relieve intra-ocular pressure.
Supports Cardiovascular Health: Algal oil reduces triglycerides which further decreases the risk of heart attack and helps in regulating heartbeat, reducing blood pressure, decreasing blood clot formation and reducing overall inflammation.
Aids cognitive development and functions: Omega-3 foods are important for cognitive development and function. The brain functions especially well with high levels of EPA and DHA.
They help the brain’s communication processes and reduce inflammation, which can help slow aging.
Improves memory: Algal oil improves the quality of life and memory in those affected by Alzheimer’s disease as well as vascular dementia.
Reduce Inflammation: Scientific studies suggest that omega-3s may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and joint pain. Inflammatory bowel disease may also be relieved with omega-3 supplementation.
References:
- Omega-3/6 fatty acids: alternative sources of production. Process Biochem.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/ - Omega-3 fatty acid prevents heart rate variability reductions associated with particulate matter.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16210665/ - Omega-3 fatty acids: antiarrhythmic, proarrhythmic or both? Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18301082/ - Cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Cardiovasc Res.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16979604/ - Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular risk factors and intermediate markers of cardiovascular disease.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15133887/ - Arachidonic acid to eicosapentaenoic acid ratio in blood correlates positively with clinical symptoms of depression. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8729112/
- Microalgal biofactories: a promising approach towards sustainable omega-3 fatty acid production.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22830315/ - Bioavailability and potential uses of vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids: a review of the literature.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24261532/