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Omega 3 algenolie: wat zijn de voordelen en waar is het goed voor?

Omega 3 algae oil: what are the benefits and what is it good for?

Time to read 5 min

Omega 3, that's the fatty acid from fish oil, isn't it? Did you know that you can also use omega 3 oil if you eat vegetarian or when you are vegan? Omega 3 fatty acids are also available, from algae oil. Read here everything about the benefits of Omega 3 algae oil. 

What is the difference between vegan omega 3 and fish oil?

Vegan omega 3 comes from algae oil. Just like fish oil, it contains a lot of omega 3. But fish oil, as the name suggests, comes from fish. 

Omega 3 oil has several beneficial effects on your health. But not everyone eats fish, which is one of the most important sources of this healthy unsaturated fat. That is why many people would like to use an omega 3 supplement to complement a healthy diet. It is great that this can now also be plant-based.

Fish also get omega 3 from algae. So why shouldn't we also get it directly from the source? It is completely plant-based and also much more sustainable.

Algae oil is a plant-based alternative to fish oil and is extracted from algae. The benefit of algae oil is that it is a direct source of DHA, because algae themselves produce DHA. This makes it a good option for vegans and vegetarians who do not consume fish or animal products. 

Benefits of algae oil for humans:

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Algae oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Suitable for vegans and vegetarians: Algae oil is a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids and therefore a great alternative to fish oil. Vegans and vegetarians can benefit from algae oil as a sustainable and animal-friendly option.

No contaminants: Unlike fish oil, algae oil is free from contaminants such as heavy metals, PCBs, and dioxins, which can often be found in fish. This makes algae oil a safer choice.

Benefits of algae oil for animals:

Preservation of fish populations: Because algae oil is produced directly from algae, there is no need to catch fish as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. This contributes to the preservation of fish populations and helps prevent overfishing.

Prevents bioaccumulation of toxins: Fish can accumulate toxins in their bodies due to contaminants in the water, while algae are less susceptible to this accumulation. By using algae oil, exposure to potentially harmful substances is reduced.

Benefits of algae oil for the environment:

Sustainable source: Algae oil can be produced on a large scale in controlled environments, such as photobioreactors. It does not require excessive use of land, fresh water, or pesticides, making it a sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Reduces pressure on the oceans: The fishing industry puts enormous pressure on the oceans and fish populations. By using algae oil instead of fish oil, the demand for fish as a source of omega-3 fatty acids is reduced, thereby reducing the pressure on the oceans.

Lowers CO2 emissions: Algae have the ability to absorb large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere during the photosynthesis process. Growing algae for oil production can therefore help reduce net CO2 emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional fish oil production.

What are the health benefits of omega 3?

DHA - Omega 3 has several beneficial effects on health. This applies to everyone, but also to pregnant women and the unborn child. Some health benefits of DHA Omega 3 are:

 

  • DHA is good for the brain*;
  • DHA is good for vision*;
  • If a pregnant woman takes DHA, it is good for the development of the brain function of the unborn baby and of babies who are breastfed**;
  • If a pregnant woman takes DHA, it contributes to the normal development of the eyes of the unborn baby and of babies who are breastfed**;
  • DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood fat levels***.

* Beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg DHA

** From a daily intake of 200 mg DHA in addition to the recommended daily intake for Omega 3 fatty acids for adults (250 mg DHA and EPA).

*** With a daily intake of 2 g DHA

In short, if you are planning a pregnancy, or are pregnant, or are breastfeeding? Then it is good to make sure that you get enough omega 3 fatty acids with your diet. A supplement can be a nice addition to this.

Why take omega 3?

Eating enough fish, not everyone does. You don't even have to eat vegan or vegetarian for that. There are also many people who do not like fish or simply eat too little of it. And through diet, fish is indeed one of the most important sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

When to take omega 3?

The Health Council advises that all adults should get 200 milligrams of omega 3 fatty acids from fish per day to get enough EPA and DHA (Omega 3 fatty acids). Do you think you get too little fish? Or do you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet? Then an omega 3 supplement can be a good idea to complement your healthy eating.

Recognizing an omega 3 deficiency

Do you feel that you can concentrate less well, or is your vision less sharp? Is your skin a bit more impure or do you perhaps suffer from disturbed sleep? These are all discomforts that can be related to too low an intake of omega 3 fatty acids through diet. Also a somewhat less good mood is such a symptom. Please note: these symptoms can also have to do with other complaints.

Where is omega 3 found?

There are several types of omega 3 fatty acids. ALA is found in plant oils such as linseed oil, rapeseed oil and soybean oil, for example. DHA and EPA are mainly found in fish and shellfish. And mainly in the fatty fish species, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and trout.

Your body can also make EPA and DHA itself from ALA, but that happens only in very small quantities. 

Omega 3 supplements

Ovabalance Omega 3 algae oil is a completely plant-based source of DHA Omega 3 fatty acids. This Omega 3 algae oil is 100% natural and 100% vegan, so also suitable when you do not eat fish, are vegetarian or vegan. The supplement contains 0% chemicals and also no toxic substances. It provides you, unlike fish oil supplements, no unpleasant fish taste. Read here everything about Ovabalance Omega 3 algae oil >>

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