Flaxseed oil vs fish oil

Introduction

Flax seed oil is also sometimes referred to as linseed oil.It gets derived from the seeds of the flax plant. Flax plant goes by thebotanical name of linum usitatissimum and it has been used for numerouscenturies as an excellent herbal remedy. Fish oil is one of the most popularhealth supplements as it contains large amounts omega 3 fatty acids which arevery beneficial for the overall health of the heart. Fish oil supplements aresometimes referred to as super health food. Flax seed oil has been used orallyfor the treatment of constipation and it was commonly applied topically inorder to relieve skin irritations. It is also an excellent source of omega 3essential fatty acids, just like its rival, the fish oil. Essential fatty acidsreduce the risk of heart diseases and various other medical conditions by enhancingthe performance of the membranes of the cells in the human body. Flax seed oilis also an excellent source of linoleic acid and lignans which may come in veryhandy for all those who suffer from numerous health problems related to thehormones. This means that flax seed oil is especially good for women inmenopause, but it should be avoided by male persons and young and pregnantwomen. Hemp oil has similar properties but it does not have those estrogenicactivities, so it may be a safer alternative for pregnant women and malepersons.

Flax Seed Oil vs Fish Oil

Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids which can be heldresponsible of all the different sorts of health benefits commonly attributedto this type of supplement. It is recommended by the American HeartAssociation. Cold water fish have the highest concentration of docosahexanoicacid and eicosapentaenoic acid which are perhaps the most efficient of alldifferent types of omega 3 essential fatty acids. They reduce the risk of bloodclotting and the clumping of platelets. These acids reduce the levels oftriglycerides, decrease the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood in increasethe levels of good cholesterol in the blood. They may also be of great help forall those who suffer from endometriosis, bipolar disorder, menstrual cramps andeven schizophrenia. Flax seed oil is obviously the better choice for allvegetarians and vegans.

Drawbacks

Some fish oil products may be contaminated by certain toxicsubstances such as mercury. Flax seed oil requires larger amounts to providethe same effects as the fish oil supplements.