As more people become aware of the importance of fat in their diet, there has been a growing interest in the benefits of flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fat. However, the omega-3 fatty acids in flax are not the same as those in fish. Fish oil contains EPA and DHA. Flax on the other hand, contains alpha-linolenic acid, which is the ‘parent’ fatty acid to EPA and DHA. Although similar, their benefits are not the same.
Our bodies naturally convert alpha-linolenic acid quickly into EPA, and slowly into DHA. About 11g of alpha-linolenic acid is needed to produce 1 gram of DHA and EPA. However, some foods in our diet can stop this conversion process.
A diet high in trans-fatty acids can interrupt the conversion process of alpha-linolenic acid to EPA and DHA. Trans fats are found in foods such as cookies, chips, cakes, and most foods with hydrogenated oil listed on label.
The balance between omega-3(found in flax, walnuts, canola oil, wheat germ and dark green leafy vegetables) and omega-6(found in sunflower seeds, corn oil, pumpkin seeds, and other nuts) is optimal for all conversion factors and brain function.
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1 comment:
Thank you for short and sweet summary
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