What are the differences and health benefits of oil and fish oil?

From children to adults, everyone needs omega-3 fatty acids. Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, so when it comes to health foods that supplement omega-3 fatty acids, most people will immediately think of fish oil. However, for vegetarians who do not eat fish, if you want to supplement enough omega-3, you can consider supplementing with algal oil in capsule form.

What is algal oil?

Algal oil is a kind of oil extracted from green algae or microalgae. It contains long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial to human health and is also called fish oil for vegetarians.

Early microalgae used to produce algal oil include Crypthecodinium cohnii, Schizochytrium sp. and Ulkenia sp.

What is the difference between algal oil and fish oil? The ratio of EPA and DHA is very different!

Currently, most algae oils are mainly DHA, while fish oils are mainly EPA and DHA, which is the biggest difference between algae oil and fish oil. In addition, in terms of taste, algae oil has almost no fishy smell, while fish oil has a more obvious fishy smell.

The EPA and DHA in salmon, mackerel and saury are the algae eaten by fish, and are converted into omega-3 fatty acids and stored in fat tissue.

Algae are downstream of the marine food chain and are cultivated and produced in a specific and strict environment, which means that the risk of algae oil being polluted by heavy metals is much smaller than that of large fish. Therefore, algae oil is a substitute for fish and fish oil.

Who is suitable for algae oil supplementation?

Anyone who does not take in enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet, or who is pregnant or breastfeeding and needs to increase the concentration of DHA in their body, can consider supplementing.

Suitable groups

 Insufficient dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake

 Vegetarians

 Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers

 People who do not like the smell of fish

 People who are allergic to fish

 People who avoid eating fish because of concerns about heavy metal pollution

What are the benefits of algae oil?

Algae oil is rich in DHA, which is the main omega-3 fatty acid in the brain and retina. The following are the three major health benefits of algae oil:

Effect 1: Protect the retina

The retina contains high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA. Many studies have shown that DHA's anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and anti-apoptotic functions have a protective effect on the retina, helping to maintain the integrity of the retina and visual function.

Effect 2: Promotes nervous system health

DHA is an important component of cell membranes, which is particularly important for pregnant women and newborns. It helps the development of the fetal nervous system and improves the baby's cognitive function. If these fatty acids are lacking in the body, it may affect growth and development.

Effect 3: Balanced fatty acids

With the gradual westernization of eating habits, many people eat less than once a week. In the long run, the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is easily unbalanced, which will aggravate the chronic inflammatory response in the body, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease, hypertension and cancer.

Consume more fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. If your diet does not contain enough omega-3 fatty acids, you can consider supplementing omega-3 fatty acids by consuming algae oil in moderation.