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Benefits of algae oil: the best vegan omega 3 supplement
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In the realm of nutritional science, the quest for optimal health often leads us to nature's hidden treasures. Omega 3 fatty acids, celebrated for their myriad benefits on the brain, are found in a surprising source: algae. This article unravels the mysteries of algae omega 3, delving into its significance and why you should care. From sustainable sourcing to potent health advantages, prepare to be enlightened about this remarkable nutrient.
Benefits of algae oil
Algae omega 3 provides you with DHA which is a vital nutrient source with diverse health benefits. It plays a crucial role in brain function. Multiple studies have found that DHA benefits cognitive performance, memory, attention and slower cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of incorporating algae omega 3 into your diet[1 Trusted Source 2012 - The British Journal of Nutrition Human study DHA-rich oil modulates the cerebral haemodynamic response to cognitive tasks in healthy young adults: a near IR spectroscopy pilot study ] , [2 Trusted Source 2009 - Journal of Neurochemistry Animal study Docosahexaenoic acid promotes hippocampal neuronal development and synaptic function ] , [3 Trusted Source 2015 - Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience Systematic and meta-analysis Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA ] , 4]. Now that you know the benefits, you might be asking yourself why opt for algae oil instead of fish oil.
DHA from algae
Algae is a powerhouse of nutrition. This diverse group of aquatic organisms is the original source of omega 3 fatty acids in the marine food chain - fish are rich in omega 3 because they eat algae[5 Trusted Source 1999 - Pharmacological Research Research evaluation Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ] , [6 Trusted Source My Food Data 3rd-party source Foods Highest in Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) ] . Through a natural process, algae synthesize omega 3s, including DHA or docosahexaenoic acid, one of the omega 3’s potent compounds. Guschina and Harwood, researchers in the field of healthy fats, emphasise the ability of algae to produce high-quality omega 3s, establishing them as a reliable and potent nutritional source[7 Trusted Source 2009 - Lipids in Aquatic Ecosystems Research evaluation Algal lipids and effect of the environment on their biochemistry ] .
A Sustainable Solution
The global appetite for omega 3s has strained marine ecosystems, leading to concerns about overfishing and environmental impact. Algae omega 3 offers a sustainable solution by circumventing the need to extract these essential fatty acids directly from fish. Algae can be cultivated in controlled environments, minimizing strain on marine life. A Chinese study on algae cultivation highlights the potential of sustainable algae cultivation to meet the growing demand for omega 3s without endangering aquatic ecosystems[8 Trusted Source 2020 - Resources, Conservation and Recycling Research evaluation Water reuse for sustainable microalgae cultivation: current knowledge and future directions ] .
The best vegan omega 3 supplement: algae
Algae oil emerges as a remarkable vegan source of DHA, setting it apart from other plant-based alternatives. What is algae oil, you ask? Algae oil, being the primary source of DHA in fish, offers a direct and sustainable way for vegans to access this essential omega 3 fatty acid. A study on 31 healthy adults with different diet preferences showed that algae oil is effective in raising DHA levels in vegetarians and vegans[9 Trusted Source 2015 - Proceedings of the Nutrition Society Human study Algal-oil supplements are a viable alternative to fish-oil supplements in terms of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA) ] . This distinct advantage positions algae oil as a reliable means to bridge the DHA gap for those adhering to plant-based diets. On the contrary, other vegan sources like flaxseeds and walnuts provide ALA, a precursor to DHA, but their conversion efficiency remains limited[10 Trusted Source 2004 - The Journal of Nutrition Human study Is Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Essential? Lessons from DHA Status Regulation, Our Ancient Diet, Epidemiology and Randomized Controlled Trials ] . Algae oil surpasses these sources by providing readily available DHA. Algae omega 3 side effects were only witnessed after prolonged use of high concentrations of DHA supplementation.
brain feed developed a vegan 500mg DHA soft-gel capsule which can help you get the right daily intake amount regardless of your diet.
Cognitive wellbeing
Algae oil offers significant benefits for cognition. Rich in DHA, algae oil's positive impact on cognitive functions is supported by the “DHA Intellectual testing” study that aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation with DHA on cognitive function in healthy young adults[11 Trusted Source 2016 - Nutrients Systematic and meta-analysis DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function ] . The results from the study have revealed that increased DHA intake through sources like algae oil corresponds to improved memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. DHA's role in maintaining optimal brain structure and neurotransmission contributes to its ability to enhance cognitive well-being. By choosing algae oil as a dietary supplement, individuals can proactively support their cognitive health, potentially enjoying improved cognitive performance and overall cognitive vitality.
The world of nutrition is packed with discoveries, and algae omega 3 stands as a testament to nature's brilliance. From sustainable sourcing to diverse health benefits, algae omega 3 is a gift that keeps on giving. Its role in boosting cognitive function cements its status as a nutritional superstar. By incorporating algae omega 3 into your dietary repertoire, you're prioritizing your health and contributing to the well-being of our planet.
References
[1] Jackson, P. A., Reay, J. L., Scholey, A. B., & Kennedy, D. O. (2012). DHA-rich oil modulates the cerebral haemodynamic response to cognitive tasks in healthy young adults: A near IR spectroscopy pilot study. British Journal of Nutrition, 107(8), 1093–1098. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114511004041
[2] Cao, D., Kevala, K., Kim, J., Moon, H.-S., Jun, S. B., Lovinger, D., & Kim, H.-Y. (2009). Docosahexaenoic acid promotes hippocampal neuronal development and synaptic function. Journal of Neurochemistry, 111(2), 510–521. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06335.x
[3] Dyall, S. C. (2015). Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: A review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA and DHA. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2015.00052
[4] Witte, A. V., Kerti, L., Hermannstädter, H. M., Fiebach, J. B., Schreiber, S. J., Schuchardt, J. P., Hahn, A., & Flöel, A. (2014). Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Brain Function and Structure in Older Adults. Cerebral Cortex, 24(11), 3059–3068. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bht163
[5] Horrocks, L. A., & Yeo, Y. K. (1999). Health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Pharmacological Research, 40(3), 211–225. https://doi.org/10.1006/phrs.1999.0495
[6] 200 Foods Highest in Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) (n.d.). My Food Data. https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrient-ranking-tool/DHA/All/Highest/100g/Common/No
[7] Guschina, I. A., & Harwood, J. L. (2009). Algal lipids and effect of the environment on their biochemistry. In M. Kainz, M. T. Brett, & M. T. Arts (Eds.), Lipids in Aquatic Ecosystems (pp. 1–24). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-89366-2_1
[8] Lu, Z., Loftus, S., Sha, J., Wang, W., Park, M. S., Zhang, X., Johnson, Z. I., & Hu, Q. (2020). Water reuse for sustainable microalgae cultivation: Current knowledge and future directions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 161, 104975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104975
[9] Ryan, L., & Symington, A. M. (2015). Algal-oil supplements are a viable alternative to fish-oil supplements in terms of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA). Journal of Functional Foods, 19, 852–858. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665113001079
[10] Fa, M., Mr, F., A, S., Er, B., & Ma, C. (2004). Is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) essential? Lessons from DHA status regulation, our ancient diet, epidemiology and randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Nutrition, 134(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.1.183
[11] Lauritzen, L., Brambilla, P., Mazzocchi, A., Harsløf, L., Ciappolino, V., & Agostoni, C. (2016). DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function. Nutrients, 8(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8010006
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