Algal oil is an oil derived from algae. It’s rich in DHA which accounts for 97 percent of the omega 3s in the brain. But, not a sufficient number of Americans get the needed amount of this pivotal fatty acid.
Algal oil is a plant-based, marine oil that doesn’t originate from fish living in cold waters. According to scientists, omega 3s are pivotal for the overall health so they researched other potential sources of these acids besides fish.
These healthy fats can be acquired from fish living in cold waters like salmon; however, there are numerous other ways beyond salmon that can help people get this essential nutrient on a regular basis.
Algal oil supplies DHA and since it doesn’t come from fish, it’s a sustainable source that can be used by vegetarians and vegans. And, there’s no risk of contaminants when consuming it.
You can find bars, juices, yogurts, and cooking oils enhanced with algal oil. You can also consume a spoon of it on its own, add it while cooking other meals, or opt for supplements in capsule or liquid form.
Below, learn more about the advantages of consuming algal oil on a regular basis!
The Best Health Advantages of Consuming Algal Oil
- Healthier vision
The brain and eyes are naturally rich in omega 3s which are acquired during the fetal and neonatal period.
And, there are high amounts of DHA in the retina and its role may be associated with the biophysical influence on the cell membrane and triggers the activity of the enzymes responsible for keeping the cellular function optimal.
Moreover, a natural way to treat macular degeneration (age-related loss of vision and blurry vision caused by macula damage) is by using omega 3 fatty acids in capsule form that lowers the intraocular pressure.
- Beneficial for the heart health
Algal oil can be of aid for a normal heartbeat, lower blood pressure, lower risk of blood clotting, and decreased overall inflammation.
All of these factors contribute to a descending risk of strokes and heart attacks. Moreover, algal oil can be used to lower triglyceride levels in the body.
In a study done in 2012 published in the Nutrition Journal, it was discovered that DHA supplementation through algal oil may contribute to a reduction of serum triglycerides and boost the good cholesterol and lower the bad cholesterol in individuals with coronary heart illness.
- Enhances the memory
According to studies, higher amounts of omega 3s decrease the occurrence of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
Some oils such as algal also better the life and memory quality in people with dementia. Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that progresses and eventually leads to loss of memory, dementia, and a higher risk of mortality.
The loss of memory results from plaque formations in the brain. According to a 2012 animal study published in Alzheimer’s Disease Journal, supplementation with omega 3s helped better cognitive function.
The effect seemed to be higher in rats than mice and in males than females.
- Boosts the cognitive function and development
Omega 3s are pivotal for cognition and brain function.
Our brain is mostly fat and it works optimally when the levels of DHA and EPA are high. They better the brain’s communication processes and help decrease inflammation and consequently, slow down the aging process.
Moreover, DHA and EPA are vital for the development of infants’ brains and for keeping the brain function optimal in adults.
Including omega 3s in your diet betters the learning capacity and deficiencies of it have been linked with learning problems.
- Lowers inflammation
According to preliminary studies, omega 3s may be of aid in relieving the symptoms of painful joints and osteoarthritis.
IBS may also be alleviated with the help of omega 3s. People don’t consume enough foods rich in omega 3s to balance the increased omega 6s that are consumed regularly, and a higher number of chronic illnesses and inflammation happen.
Inflammation is the root of illnesses and by reducing it using algal oil or omega 3 supplements, the body can heal faster.
One study from 2021 published in the Agriculture and Food Chemistry Journal found that algal oil may be of aid in reducing inflammation by lowering the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.
This oil also bettered the gut microbiome disorders and promoted the healing of the mucosa.
- Important for a healthy pregnancy
Omega fatty acid DHA is pivotal for proper brain development in a vegan pregnancy. According to studies, women who were pregnant and consumed omega 3s had helped better the child’s development.
Omega 3s in pregnancy help boost brain growth, particularly during the second half of the pregnancy when the development increases.
Interestingly, one study done in 2004 by the Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare concluded that higher consumption of DHA by pregnant women led to higher novelty preference for visual recognition memory and higher verbal intelligence scores.
Moreover, studies done with animals found that reduced consumption of omega 3s in pregnancy was linked with deficits in behavior and vision that are irreversible with postnatal supplements.
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