Difference Between Fish Oil and Omega 3
Fish oil & Omega 3 have a lot in common, but are in fact not the same thing. While both are helpful with lowering cholesterol and helping with a few other health issues, it is possible to get plenty of Omega 3 without ever using fish oil of any kind.
- Fish oil is a nutritional supplement that can be made using a number of different sources. Some brands will use a combination of different types of fish in the product, including other products such as whale or seal. Along with some Omega 3 fatty acids in the product, several other nutrients may also be added to the final product.
- Omega 3 is an example of a polyunsaturated fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by the body, making it necessary to receive the nutrient through the diet or with the aid of a dietary supplement. While an ingredient in fish oil products, this particular type of fatty acid can be found in a number of plant sources as well as in some types of nuts.
- Fish oil does contain enough Omega 3 to make it helpful with lowering bad cholesterol. There are also claims that it will help boost good cholesterol, making it worth looking into as a means of helping to maintain heart health.
- Omega 3 as obtained from plants, fish, and nuts can also aid in reducing blood pressure and is claimed to have a positive effect on emotional ailments such as depression and anxiety.
It is important to remember that fish oil products contain Omega 3 in most cases, but that Omega 3 can also be obtained in helpful doses from sources other than fish. Talk with your physician about which of these sources would be best given any specific medical conditions that may exist, and enjoy the benefits.