Flax Oil or Fish Oil for Omega 3's?

There's a lot of information out there about the benefits of taking Omega 3 fatty acids. We all agree they are a must have for the health conscious person.

But should you get your Omega 3's from flax oil or fish oil?

What most people aren't aware of, is that there are three types of Omega 3's. They are:

ALA (alpha linolenic acid )
EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and
DHA (docosahexanoic acid)

Flax seed oil contains ALA. Once consumed, the body converts this ALA into the other two types, EPA and DHA. However not all bodies are able to do this conversion easily. And our conversion abilities in general decrease with age.

Fish Oil contains EPA and DHA (no conversion required). So - in reality - if you take fish oil, you'll be getting two types of Omega 3's successfully. But (and there's always a but isn't there?), lots of people can't handle the 'aftertaste' of fish oils - they say it's a bit too fishy......And when it comes to smoothies, adding a 'fishy' taste might put you off your drink!

So choose whichever oil is going to suit you best. As long as you're getting your Omega 3's in some form.