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Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil v Freshly Ground Flaxseed ...for Heart Care

  • 05-08-2006 07:23PM
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 123 ✭✭


    I've been reading various articles on the net comparing fish oil to flaxseed. With the intention of taking either for their heart benefits.

    I've read that the best type of fish oil is pharmaceutical grade fish oil, which is highly refined and is much more effective than other fish oils such as cod liver oil.

    I've also read that freshly ground flaxseed is better than flaxseed oil, as freshly ground flaxseed has the additional benefit of fibre, lignans and protein.

    I've read that there are three primary omega-3's: ALA, EPA, and DHA. Flax contains ALA, an omega-3 essential fatty acid that cannot be manufactured by the body. As a result, we must get it through our diet. Fish contains the pre-formed omega-3 long chain fatty acids EPA and DHA. However, because our bodies naturally convert ALA into EPA and DHA, these omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are not considered essential (although they are still very important). ALA conversion rates can vary from person to person, and more research is needed in this area.

    So I'm left wondering if it is better to take freshly ground flaxseed, or pharmaceutical grade fish oil?

    Any opinions...? :confused:


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