Omega fatty acids are essential to the body's overall health and wellness. These essential fatty acids have been shown to effectively help lower cholesterol, to regulate the heartbeat, and to thin the blood, all of which are critical for reducing the risk of heart disease. Borage, flaxseed, and fish oil happen to be among the best natural sources for Omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids.
What Is Borage?
Borage is an herb that has long been used for medicinal purposes throughout the Mediterranean and Europe. More commonly known as the starflower, due to its five-pointed blooms, borage has edible leaves, and its seeds are used to make borage seed oil.
Borage seed oil is an excellent natural source of the Omega-6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid. The anti-inflammatory ability of this oil is used in various cultures to treat inflammatory conditions like skin disorders, and sore joints. It is also used to help alleviate the symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause.
What Is Flaxseed?
Flaxseeds come from the flax plant, which is a member of the linaceae family of plants. The seeds of the flax plant are used in various food products, from crackers and cereals, to oatmeal and frozen waffles. Flaxseeds are also used to make flaxseed oil.
Flaxseed is very high in Omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and both soluble and insoluble fiber. A single tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains 1.8g of plant-based Omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that eating more flaxseed can be beneficial to reducing the risks associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
What Is Fish Oil?
Fish oil comes from the tissues of cold-water oily fish, such as cod, salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Fish oil is very high in eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and it has been shown to be beneficial to eye health, the nervous system, and brain function. It also helps the body regulate inflammation; it supports heart health; and it can help reduce the risks of cancer, post-partum depression, and pregnancy complications.
Alternative Sources of Omega Fatty Acids
As beneficial as borage, flaxseed, and fish oils are, not everybody can take them in supplemental form, as some people do have certain sensitivities to these products. Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica®, on the other hand, offers a complete alternative to maximize the intake of Omega fatty acids in one's daily diet.
This nutrient-rich superfood contains essential fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid, linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, stearidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and arachidonic acid, and with a complete vitamin, mineral, protein, and enzyme profile, it is the most nutritious plant found in nature.
If you are interested in learning more about nature's most nutrient-rich superfood or about our Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica® products, you can find out all about them at Nutrex Hawaii's website.