Algae Omega 3 vs Fish Oil: Which is Better for You?

It can be hard to pick a side in the algae omega 3 vs fish oil debate. But in this article, we’ll go over the reasons why there’s a clear winner!

I’m sure you’ll agree that choosing an omega 3 supplement is far from easy. Do you go with the tried-and-true fish oil, or experiment with something new, like algae omega-3? Both have their pros and cons, but one reigns supreme over the other for a few key reasons.

I’ll cut to the chase and tell you that plant-based omega 3 is the way to go. Here’s why:

• It’s more sustainable, eco-friendly, and users don’t have to worry about contaminant issues like heavy metals
• Algae omega 3 is less likely to cause side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort
• Algae is the primary source of omega 3, so you cut out the middleman! (middlefish)

Above I’ve listed some of the reasons to choose plant-based when it comes to getting your omega 3. But if you want to learn more, keep reading.

In the following blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the plant-based vs fish oil debate, and why we ultimately recommend plant-based omega 3 over fish oil.

Let’s dive in.

Why You Need Omega 3s in Your Diet

Most people know that omega 3s are good for them, but they might not know exactly why. A quick explanation is that they’re a type of polyunsaturated fat essential for human health.

Omega 3s play an important role in the structure and function of cell membranes, but the body cannot produce omega 3s on its own, so we must get them through our diet.

They also help to regulate inflammation and blood clotting, while being necessary for the development and function of the brain and nervous system.

Unfortunately, the Western diet is typically low in omega 3s and high in omega 6s. This imbalance can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer [1].

To maintain a healthy balance, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough omega 3 in your diet. So how can you do that? Let’s take a look at plant-based and fish oil sources of omega 3s.

Common Sources of Omega 3s

There are a few common sources of omega 3 fatty acids. One is fish oil, which can be found in both supplement form and in some food sources like salmon, mackerel, and tuna.

Another is flaxseed oil, which is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a fatty acid that can be converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the body.

Other plant-based sources of omega 3 include chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts. As you can see, there are plenty of plant-based sources of omega 3 to choose from!

Finally, some types of marine algae are also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. These can be found in supplements or in some food products that contain seaweed or marine algae extract.

While there are many possible sources of omega 3 fatty acids, these are some of the most common. Now that we’ve looked at the different sources of omega 3, let’s compare plant-based and fish oil sources to see which is better for you.

The Plant-Based Advantage

Many people are familiar with the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, but they may not be aware that these essential nutrients can be found in plant-based sources as well as fish.

Omega-3s are beneficial for heart health, cognitive function, and inflammation, and they can be found in a variety of plant-based foods such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts.

In addition, omega-3s are available in supplement form. While fish oil is the most commonly used source of omega-3s, plant-based omega-3 supplements are a great option for people who don’t eat fish or who are looking for a more sustainable source of these essential nutrients.

The Drawbacks of Fish Oil Supplements

Fish oil supplements are one of the most popular dietary supplements on the market, but there are some drawbacks to consider before taking them.

One issue is contamination; fish oil is often contaminated with mercury and other toxins because of polluted waters and the fact that fish accumulate these toxins in their bodies.

This might have harmful effects on the body, especially for young children and pregnant women who are more susceptible to the effects of mercury [2], [3].

Mercury poisoning can cause a number of health problems, including neurological damage, heart disease, and kidney failure in the most serious cases, so it’s well worth bearing this in mind before taking fish oil supplements.

Additionally, fish oil supplements can have an unpleasant taste and aftertaste which makes them less than palatable for some people. Some people also report experiencing burping, heartburn, and indigestion after taking fish oil supplements.

Another concern is sustainability; overfishing is a major problem in the world today, and it’s having a devastating impact on marine ecosystems. This makes fish oil supplements a less than ideal choice for people who are looking for a sustainable source of omega-3.

So, while fish oil supplements do have some benefits, you’ll now know that there are many reasons to remain clear. By choosing plant-based omega 3 supplements over fish oil, you can help to protect our oceans and the creatures that live in them, as well as put your health first!

Algae Omega 3 vs Fish Oil—Which Should You Choose?

There are many omega-3 supplements on the market today, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. For those looking for a sustainable and environmentally friendly option, algae omega-3 is a great choice.

Algae are the original source of omega-3 fatty acids, so you don’t need to worry about getting your fatty acids from a secondary source. In addition, algae omega-3 is far less likely to contain any mercury or other toxins that can be found in fish oil.

And because it is vegan, it is a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Overall, algae omega-3 is a safe and healthy option for those looking for an alternative to fish oil.

How To Choose The Right Omega 3 Supplement

Now that you know more about plant-based and fish oil sources of omega-three fatty acids, you might be wondering how to choose the right supplement for you.

Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:

If you’re looking for a sustainable source of omega-threes, plant-based supplements are the way to go. They’re also a great choice if you want to avoid the potential contaminants found in fish oil supplements.

When it comes to heart health, cognitive function, and inflammation, both plant-based and fish oil supplements can offer benefits. However, as you’ll now know, algae omega 3 supplements are superior in many ways, including:

• More sustainable: As plant-based supplements are derived from algae, they have a much lower impact on the environment than fish oil supplements.
• Lower risk of contamination: Mercury and other toxins are far less of an issue when taking plant-based omega-3 supplements.
• Better taste: Many people find plant-based omega-3 supplements to be more palatable than fish oil supplements.

If you’re looking for an omega-3 supplement that’s sustainable, eco-friendly, and doesn’t come with the risk of contamination, plant-based supplements like Performance Lab Omega-3 are the way to go.

The bottom line is that omega-3 supplements offer all the benefits of fish oil supplements with none of the drawbacks, making them the perfect choice for people who want to improve their health without harming the planet.

FAQs

What are plant-based omega-3 supplements?

Plant-based omega-three supplements are a type of supplement that contains omega-three fatty acids. These fatty acids are found in algae, and they’re identical to the omega-threes found in fish oil.

What are the benefits of plant-based omega 3 supplements?

There are many benefits to taking plant-based omega 3 supplements including being more sustainable, eco-friendly, and having a much lower risk of contamination. Additionally, plant-based omega threes have better taste and don’t cause burping or heartburn as some fish oil supplements can.

How do I choose the right plant-based omega 3 supplement?

When choosing an omega 3 supplement, it is important to consider things like sustainability, eco-friendliness, and contamination. Plant-based omega-3 supplements tick all the boxes in that regard as they’re far better for the environment as well as your health!

What are some things to keep in mind when taking plant-based omega 3 supplements?

Some things to keep in mind when taking plant-based omega 3 supplements include being aware of the dosage and how it interacts with other medications you are taking.

Additionally, it is important to note that plant-based omega 3 supplements can go bad if they are not stored properly. Therefore, it is important to follow the storage instructions on the bottle.

Finally, plant-based omega threes can sometimes cause side effects like upset stomach and diarrhea, so it is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.

Are there any risks associated with taking plant-based omega 3 supplements?

Some risks associated with taking plant-based omega 3 supplements include potential side effects like upset stomach and diarrhea.

However, overall plant-based omega 3 supplements are considered safe for most people when taken as directed. Consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.