So, ya think ya wanna take an EFA, but
ya just don't know which one to take, huh? Why?
No, seriously, why? That is the first
question you need to ask yourself. It is the first question I am
going to ask you when you come to me for help. Having an answer for
“why” may not be as easy as it sounds, so think about it.
What are the health goals you are
trying to support? EFA's are used by almost every cell and function
in the body. This means that they are incredibly valuable in your
supplement plan if you get the correct one for you. Knowing what
goal/goals you are trying to support will make a huge difference in
the correct EFA for you.
For Example: If you are a man who is
having issues with joint function, I would suggest looking to fish
oil for the omega 3 inflammation support. Does it matter that you are
a man? Yes, duh, that is why I gave you the detail, silly. Flax oil
can be supportive to your bodies inflammatory response, but studies
have shown that when the Omega 6 fatty acids in flax are combined
with the omega 6 acids found all to frequently in the SAD (Standard
American Diet, no I did not make that up) Arachidonic acid can be
formed. This can be good or bad, depending on, you guessed it, your
health goals. Arachidonic acid can support muscle growth by making it
easier to break down muscle during exercise. So, if you are trying to
build muscle that is a sore but quick way to do it. Arachiconic acid
has also been linked unfavorably to prostate cancer, so, um, that's
bad.
What if you are a woman making the same
decision? Well, now flax oil looks a lot better. There is a fiber
compound called lignans in some flax oils. Lignans have been shown to
support breast health, making the EFA work for you in multiple ways.
Why only some flax oils? Many liquid flax oils and most pills have
the lignans filtered out. Be sure to read the label.
Are you looking for the cardiovascular
benefits of an EFA supplement? Then fish oil is a clear front runner
in the selection process. Flax and other plant based omega 3 fatty
acids have to be converted in the body to become the critically
important EPA and DHA. This conversion process is not efficient so it
requires more of the supplement to be taken. But, if you are a
vegan/vegetarian, for any reason, fish oil is off the table. Now you
have to compare the various plant based omegas such as chia, flax,
saba, EPO, or borage. Each of those have pluses and minuses that I
will discuss later.
A word about the krill vs fish source
for your EFA. Fish.
OK, more words. The studies to date do
not support the claims that in humans krill is better absorbed or
utilized by the body. That said the EPA and DHA levels in krill are a
fraction of amounts in fish. Your choice, but I am not that eager to
take more pills than I already do.
Because EFA's do so much, you need to
be sure you understand why you want to take that supplement. Consult
with you doctor, making them a partner in your wellness decisions.
VG
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