Flaxseed Oil vs. Fish Oil, Which Is Better?

Flaxseed Oil vs. Fish Oil, Which Is Better?

Both flaxseed oil and fish oil are advertised as having health benefits. Both oils include omega-3 fatty acids and have been demonstrated to lower heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure. However, you may be wondering how they differ, and which is more beneficial. This blog compares flaxseed oil with fish oil to determine which is the best option for you.

What is flaxseed

The nutty-flavored seeds can be consumed whole or crushed and cold-pressed to extract flaxseed oil. For decades, flaxseed (also known as linseed) was often found in cereal and bread. However, it has carved out a niche in the health food industry during the last decade or two. People have become aware of the crop's numerous health benefits. There are now multiple ways to consume it, whether as a supplement or as an ingredient in various dishes. You may have even noticed that flaxseed has been added to your pet's meal.

Benefits shared between Flaxseed vs. Fish oil.

While fish oil and flaxseed oil are not the same, they may have some health benefits.

 

Cardiovascular health

Globally, heart disease is the leading cause of death (18Trusted Source). Many studies have revealed that flaxseed oil and fish oil may both be beneficial to heart health. Supplementing with these oils, in particular, has been demonstrated to lower blood pressure levels in adults, even in small amounts (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source). Furthermore, fish oil supplements have been strongly associated with lower triglycerides. Moreover, fish oil supplements enhance HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce blood triglycerides by up to 30%. Thus, when taken as a supplement, flaxseed oil may potentially positively influence cholesterol levels. Some research suggests that flaxseed oil can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing healthy HDL cholesterol.

Skin Health

Flaxseed oil and fish oil are beneficial to your skin because of their omega-3 fatty acid content. Numerous studies have found that fish oil supplements can help with various skin conditions, including dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays (28Trusted Source). Similarly, flaxseed oil may be beneficial in the treatment of a variety of skin diseases. For example, short research of 13 women discovered that consuming flaxseed oil for 12 weeks improved skin qualities such as sensitivity, moisture, and smoothness. A quick analysis of 13 women found that consuming flaxseed oil for 12 weeks improved skin sensitivity, water, and smoothness.

Which oil is better, Flaxseed vs. Fish oil

Both fish oil and flaxseed oil boost health and have high-quality studies to back up their claims. While each oil has its own set of advantages, fish oil may have an edge when it comes to shared benefits. This is most likely because only fish oil contains active EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, ALA is not transformed efficiently into EPA and DHA. Because just a tiny quantity of ALA is converted into DHA and EPA, ingesting EPA- and DHA-rich fish oil is likely to provide more therapeutic advantages than flaxseed oil. Furthermore, more high-quality evidence supports fish oil's anti-inflammatory benefits and its ability to improve cardiac disease risk indicators, such as lowering triglycerides and improving cholesterol levels.

Fish oil supplements, on the other hand, may not be suitable for everyone. Some fish oil supplements, for example, may contain trace amounts of fish or shellfish proteins. As a result, many fish oil supplements have the warning on the bottle, "Avoid this product if you are allergic to fish or shellfish." As a result, flaxseed oil may be a better option for those who are allergic to fish or shellfish. Furthermore, flaxseed may be a better option for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. However, alternative vegan omega-3 supplements, such as algal oil, are more effective.