Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. However, obtaining sufficient amounts of omega 3s can be challenging, especially for individuals following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Traditional sources of omega 3s, such as fish oil, may not align with their dietary choices. Fortunately, algal oil has emerged as a sustainable and plant-based alternative that provides an abundant supply of omega 3 fatty acids.
Algal Oil: A Vegan Source of Omega 3s
Algal oil is derived from microalgae, which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These omega 3s are considered essential as our bodies cannot produce them naturally. Traditionally, fish obtain their omega 3s by consuming algae, making algal oil a direct and sustainable source.
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly
One of the key advantages of the algal oil, found in our Vegan Omega 3 Capsules, is its sustainability. EPA DHA algal oil is derived from microalgae, which are a type of microscopic plant-like organisms that grow in water. Microalgae are a renewable resource as they are grown sustainably in closed bioreactors called fermentors. These microalgae, which are Schizochytrium sp., are harvested after about 5 days of growth and processed to extract the EPA DHA algal oil. Even though these strains of microalgae are originally found in the ocean, this method of cultivation and extraction is now totally disconnected from the sea and therefore has no impact on marine resources.
The cultivation of microalgae for EPA DHA algal oil production has several advantages over traditional fish oil production. It requires less land, water, and energy. The cultivation of EPA DHA-rich algal strains is typically done using fermentors, which are closed systems that allow for precise control over the growth conditions of the microalgae, such as light intensity, temperature, and nutrient availability. This biotechnology is constantly improving, and yields are getting better and better, whereas the reverse is unfortunately true for wild fish. Also, once the lipids have been extracted from Schizochytrium, the remaining biomass can be used for a variety of purposes, including a source of nutrients for animal feed or organic fertiliser to improve soil fertility.
High Quality and Purity
Algal oil is known for its high quality and purity. The omega 3 fatty acids in algal oil are easily absorbed by the body, making it an efficient source of these essential nutrients. Additionally, algal oil is free from contaminants such as heavy metals and PCBs. This purity ensures that individuals can enjoy the benefits of omega 3s without any potential risks.
Health Benefits
Omega 3 fatty acids offer a range of health benefits. DHA and EPA support brain health, cognitive function, and normal vision. They also support cardiovascular health.
Choosing Algal Oil Supplements
Algal oil is now widely available in the form of Vegan Omega 3 Capsules, making it convenient for individuals to incorporate into their daily routine. When choosing algal oil supplements, it is important to look for those that are derived from sustainable and eco-friendly sources. If you need further help choosing, please contact our expert Nutrition Advisors.
Browse our range of Vegan Omega 3 products, and to find out how to support a vegan lifestyle, visit Nutrition Buzz for helpful articles, lifestyle tips, advice and supplement suggestions.
