Search for Omega-3s and you’ll find an endless number of dietary supplements, and understandably so.

Studies[i] show Omega-3s may help improve cardiovascular and heart health risk factors, including managing healthy blood pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

According to , the two key Omega-3 essential fatty acids are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Fish oil is well-known for being a great source of Omega-3s. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in these nutrients.

So, it’s no surprise that fish oil supplements have often been considered the go-to for EPA and DHA‌ needs.

However, fish oil is not the only game in town. Some plants are rich in another type of Omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, which the body can convert to DHA and EPA.

Increasingly, people are switching to vegan-friendly Omega-3 supplements (whether the person is vegan or not) to sustain their fatty acid uptake.

Why should you consider a vegan Omega-3 option rather than fish oil? Here are three reasons that may convince you to make them part of your daily ritual.

REASON #1:‌ PRODUCT QUALITY HAS JUMPED THE SHARK

Some fish oil supplements may be a little fishy when it comes to quality.

That’s because many fish oil supplements are derived from low-end forage fish as a cost-cutting shortcut. In some instances, these same fish are shipped thousands of miles to shoddy fish-meal factories where they  may undergo high-heat processing that compromises omega integrity. Not good.

REASON #2: IT MIGHT BE A “TOXIC” RELATIONSHIP

Speaking of cutting corners, another concern is that many fish oil supplements may not undergo proper molecular distillation and fractionation processes.

That means some fish oils may still contain an abundance of impurities, heavy metals, mercury, PCBs, (man-made organic chemicals that were widely used until they were banned after they were linked to cancer[ii]) and ocean toxins that may undermine the benefits of Omega-3.

Researchers at Consumer Reports[iii] tested several supplements that claimed to be “purified” or “free” of PCBs and other contaminants, and five fell short.  

REASON #3: THE FISH BURPS &‌ NASTY AFTERTASTE

Let’s face it. Most fish oil products haven’t cracked the code on how to prevent the awful fish burps and aftertaste, so beware of those “burp-free” claims made by fish-based products.

Most products resort to using a ton of artificial flavorings in a futile attempt to mask the fish taste, but it usually makes the taste even more off-putting.

THE OMEGA-3 SUPPORT YOU WANT… MINUS THE FISHY DRAWBACKS

Whether it’s fish quality, formula shortcuts, or the not-so nice taste, it’s clear that fish-based Omega-3 supplements might not be your best bet.

Fortunately, there’s a better choice that provides all the fish oil health benefits without the downsides. It’s marine algae, and it’s secretly one of the best and healthiest sources of omega-3s that you can find. Here's why!

MARINE ALGAE IS O-MEGA GOOD FOR YOU

Omega-3 supplements that use marine algae (such as Nannochloropsis sp.) are loaded with at least 450 mg of EPA and DHA per serving, which will help you reach the recommended[iv]  “sweet spot” of suggested daily fatty acid uptake.

Together, these algae-derived sources of EPA‌ and DHA‌ support joint, skin, immune, heart, liver, and brain health to keep your wellness goals on-track.

IT’S SUSTAINABLE &‌ FREE FROM HARMFUL TOXINS

Whether you follow a vegan diet or not, chances are you’d like to skip anything loaded with mercury, heavy metals, and ocean toxins.

Plus, some fish-derived omega-3 supplements aren’t sustainably sourced, which is as reckless as it is harmful. Marine algae, on the other hand, is sustainably farm-grown to avoid any negative impact on sea life or the environment.

Fortunately, marine algae are grown in clean and controlled lab conditions. This allows for greater control over toxins, impurities, and other contaminants.

IT’S BETTER THAN OTHER VEGAN-FRIENDLY OPTIONS

There are plenty of other plant-based alternatives to get your Omegas-3 fatty acids, including flaxseed, pumpkin, chia, and others. But, eating these foods to get your omega-3s does come with an important drawback.

Unlike marine algae’s active EPA‌ and DHA, other plant-based omega sources only contain ALA. The issue with ALA is that your body has to convert this tricky fatty acid into EPA‌ and DHA on its own. Not only that, but our bodies may not be able to convert ALA into EPA and DHA sufficiently. 

In other words, most plant-based sources of Omega-3s require an extra step for your body to reap the benefits of EPA and DHA. Conversely, algae products help you skip the hard part to get fatty acid nourishment straight away.

SEARCHING FOR A QUALITY VEGAN OMEGA-3?

Zenwise® Vegan Omega-3 features a sustainable, vegan-friendly, highly concentrated source of Omega-3 fatty acids derived from marine algae. With 140 mg of EPA and 280 mg of DHA in every serving, this non-GMO supplement supports heart and brain health, joint mobility, and immune function health to encourage healthy well-being. All without any unpleasant fish burps!†

But let’s be honest, it doesn’t matter how good the supplement is – if you’re not taking it regularly it’s doesn’t do much.

THE POWER OF DAILY RITUALS

We all have good intentions when it comes to health and wellness. But how do we turn intention into action? Here a few tips to get you started.

• Stick ‘em where you can see ‘em: Put daily supplements in your regular line of sight. That can be next to your bed, on your desk, or even pack them in your work lunch bag.
• Stack your habits: Look for patterns in your day and think how you can add a new, positive one. For instance, while drinking your morning coffee add a new one-minute meditation practice.
• Start small: Tiny habits can reap big rewards. Instead of a committing to run a marathon, start with a short, daily walk. Soon you’ll be feeling so good, you’ll never want to skip that walk!

Wondering if it’s time to add Vegan Omega-3 to your daily ritual? Our knowledgeable customer service representatives are eager to answer all your questions. Call (800) 940-1972 M-F from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST or send an email to support@Zenwise.com.

 

 

[i] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=3054

[ii] https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20111206/some-fish-oil-supplements-fishy-on-quality#1

[iii] https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/01/fish-oil-pills-vs-claims/index.htm

[iv] Adv Nutr. 2012 Jan; 3(1): 1–7.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.