Health benefits of Algae Oil
What are Algae Oil health benefits?
You may be wondering why you would eat the green stuff in ponds. But what many westerners dismiss as pond scum contains hidden essential nutrients that boost human health.
Algae oil has major types of omega-3 fatty acids that your body considers essential but does not create itself. People often take fish oil instead of algae oil for their omega-3 fatty acids, but fish only get their omega-3 fatty acids from algae. Among its many benefits, algae oil can reduce cancer risks, cognitive decline, and inflammation.
Keep reading to learn about omega-3 fatty acids and how they can easily help you live a healthier lifestyle.
What is Algae Oil?
Most people know algae as the green plant that grows in water, but algae share the same family as seaweed.
People have only begun to understand the benefits of algae oil — or algal oil — within the last 30 years. According to the USDA, the US patent for DHA Algal Oil was registered in 1995 to use the oil in infant formula, baby foods, and as a dietary supplement. The FDA recognizes algae oil as a Generally Recognized As Safe oil supplement.
The algae is grown, harvested, and extracted in a clean laboratory, meaning it only contains the healthy, plant-based stuff that studies show our bodies need.
Types of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
There are multiple types of Omega-3, essential fatty acids, but studies mainly focus on three important for human health. These three are:
• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) — A form of triglyceride, DHA is an essential fatty acid that benefits the health of cells and cell membranes, but our bodies do not naturally create it. Our bodies naturally recycle DHA when it gets low.
• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) — Another essential fatty acid found alongside DHA, evidence supports EPA can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and reduce inflammation.
• Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) – This commonly studied fatty acid is mainly present in plants and not algae. ALA does not provide any health benefits on its own, but when ingested it does break down into EPA and DHA in the liver.
Through boosting the cells in the body, these essential fatty acids can also boost our immune system’s response to disease.
Algae oil v. fish oil
Fish oil and algae oil only have one difference — the source.
Like humans, fish do not naturally create DHA or EPA. Fish depend upon eating microalgae for their source of omega-3 fatty acids. So people taking fish oil are eating the leftover algae from a fish.
Switching to algae oil is a small difference for people, but for vegan diets, algae oil can be a game changer for your body’s nutrients.
Who needs algae oil?
Technically, everyone.
While our bodies convert ALA into DHA and EPA in the liver, studies show our bodies need more. Therefore people should consume EPA and DHA directly from foods or dietary supplements.
These omega-3s help form the structure of cell membranes at a basic level, and researchers have found DHA present in the retina, brain, and sperm.
What are the health benefits of algae oil?
As an essential supplement for your body’s cells, the many health benefits of algae oil span your heart to your brain. The benefits include:
• Heart health — The FDA says that research supports the consumption of EPA and DHA may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and help reduce blood pressure by thinning the blood.
• Cognitive decline — As DHA is found throughout the brain, it should be no surprise that taking omega-3s can reduce the risk of cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
• Eye health — Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, scientists have theorized EPA and DHA oil supplements can relieve dry eye symptoms and improve overall eye health. Additionally, the risk of vision loss associated with age-related macular degeneration can be reduced by people who consume more omega-3s.
• Cancer prevention — As cancer develops at the cellular level, it should be no surprise that researchers are exploring the benefits of omega-3s in reducing cancer risks. Currently, studies show inconsistent results varying by the types of cancer and associated risks, but the studies continue to narrow down their results.
• Childhood health — Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who consume seafood containing DHA have seen improved health outcomes for infants, reinforcing DHA’s importance for fetal growth and development.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Studies have proven time and time again that the omega-3s found in algae oil are great for people experiencing rheumatoid arthritis.
An autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation and pain in the joints, many Americans experience pain related to RA. Studies from the 1990s examined the use of Omega-3 supplements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and found incredible results.
Many patients in these studies preferred the benefits of an Omega-3 supplement to other forms of RA relief. People experienced significantly less morning stiffness, joint tenderness, and visual pain.
What are other sources of omega-3 fatty acids?
No two fish species look alike, nor do they have the same levels of omega-3s.
Cold-water fish that are high in fat like salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines are a great source of LC omega-3s. But keep in mind that the fish’s diet impacts its the levels of essential fatty acids. For this reason, farmed fish are a more reliable source of EPA and DHA than wild fish.
Here are some other examples of foods fortified with omega-3s:
• Juices
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Eggs
• Most infant formulas
• Canola oil
• Black walnuts
• Cod
How much algae oil should you take?
People can add algae oil to their diets through pills or tinctures.
Experts like the FDA and European Food Safety Authority suggest that people should take 5 grams per day, but some tests and studies have concluded differently. Researchers often note that people with pre-existing health conditions should be careful when taking essential fatty acids because of their side effects. People on blood pressure medication should consult their doctors.
Even people without those medications should review academic sources carefully and consult your doctor before taking any new substance.
Where can I buy algae oil?
While many health-food stores stock algae oil, there are more convenient and tasty options than the fish-tasting oils at the store.
Some people dislike algae oil's fishy taste and smell, so some producers make flavored algae oil that masks the aroma. Dr. Khalili’s plant-powered Omega-3 Vegan Algae Oil is flavored with a citrus taste. It is much easier to take than traditional fishy oils.
The omega-3 Vegan Algae oil is a plant-powered tincture that can be added to tea or taken directly. Khalili recommends reviewing the label before use and taking two half-full droppers daily.