This blog is an ad for Ovega-3®

The journey for a healthy lifestyle not only requires attention to what we put into our bodies but also to the effect our choices have on the environment. With a growing awareness of this environmental impact of our dietary choices, fish oil alternatives like algae-based omega-3s are changing preconceived notions that these essential fatty acids primarily come from fish.

It’s becoming increasingly clear the negative impacts that we, as humans, have on our environment. You don’t need to be a scientist to see some of the changes that are occurring, from climate change to the disruption of ecosystems and the pollution of valuable natural resources such as clean drinking water. 50% of marine life has declined in the last 50 years. Overfishing and reliance on fish for supplements have been a major factor.

Eating plant-based alternatives in lieu of traditional animal-based products is a step towards minimizing the impacts on our environment. I am constantly seeking paths to health and wellness that don’t compromise the world around us. Supplementing with algae oil, rich in omega-3’s, is one of the steps that I am taking to that end.  

A Sea of Change

Have you ever taken the time to consider your source of omega-3 supplements? Is sustainable fish oil even possible? It’s difficult to untangle the environmental impact of consuming fish and fish-based products for omega-3’s.

Omega-3 supplements like Plant-Based Ovega-3® supplements are not just a fish oil alternative, they are a sustainable source of omega-3s. Interestingly, fish don’t make omega-3s. They get them from the microalgae they eat. And by choosing an algae-based supplement, you’re cutting out the middleman and going directly to the source.

The True Source of Omega-3s: Unveiling the Power of Algae

Many people believe fish are the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids, but they often overlook a fundamental link in the chain. As more people are seeking naturally-sourced and sustainable health products, it’s time to highlight the true source of omega-3’s – algae. Fish are a secondary source of omega-3s that get their omega-3s from algae and other plant sources. 

Omega-3s are also naturally present in plant-based foods that we consume such as walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, and edamame. 

Algae-based omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help maintain heart health and support brain function. However, research tells us that the standard American diet is typically low in these essential fats, which makes supplementation important for many.

Algae: The Origin of Omega-3s

For a long time, people have credited fish and fish oil products with the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. While fish are indeed rich in these vital nutrients, they aren’t the original producers. Omega-3s actually originate from the marine algae that fish consume, which makes algae the true powerhouse.

New and developing technologies have helped to make algae-based omega-3 supplements more attainable to the consumer, leading to greater availability on market shelves and online. I hope that algae-based omega-3 supplements like Ovega-3® will eventually replace fish-based products, which often contain heavy metals and other harmful toxins.

Algae Oil Benefits – A Beacon for Health and Habitat

Switching to algae oil is not only a benefit to personal health but it’s also a major leap towards preserving our oceans. Supplementing with algae oil has many benefits, including:

• Bypasses the Food Chain: Because algae are lower in the food chain than fish, growing additional algae for human consumption for omega-3s is a more efficient means of producing omega-3s. There is less waste of energy and time, and no unneeded animal waste and residue. 
• Positive Environmental Impact: Growing algae has a positive impact on our climate health as it respirates carbon dioxide (CO₂) for oxygen. Growing fish purely for consumption unnecessarily creates more CO₂ from fish respiration and waste. Algae-based omega-3 supplements not only provide a sustainable alternative to fish oil but also actively reduce damage to our precious marine ecosystems by limiting the demand for fishing.
• Minimizes Contaminants: Algae oil is less likely to contain heavy metals and other pollutants found in our oceans, offering a purer form of omega-3. Unlike fish oil, which requires harvesting vast quantities of fish, algae oil cultivation originates from a lower point on the food chain, resulting in fewer bioaccumulated toxins associated with omega-3s from fish.
• Promotes Marine Diversity: By reducing the demand for fish oil, we ease the pressure on overfished species, allowing the marine ecosystem to flourish once more.

It has become evident through my education as a registered dietitian, in evidence-based research, and through personal experience the critical role of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically in the forms of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These omega-3’s support heart and brain health and help maintain vision. 

EPA is known to support cardiovascular health by maintaining blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.

DHA is vital for cognitive function and brain health. It also contributes to the maintenance of normal vision and neurological function. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, DHA is crucial for brain and eye development in infants.

The benefits of EPA and DHA led me to algae-based omega-3 supplements. As a registered dietitian, I see many people who could benefit from taking an omega-3 supplement.

If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based, the intersection of optimal health and environmental ethics can be murky. Thankfully, algae-based supplementation is a clear win-win of nutritional need and ethics when adding additional omega 3’s. 

The Tidal Shift in Consumer Choice

Informed consumers have the power to drive change. By choosing an algae-based omega-3, you choose better health and a healthier planet:

• Eco-Conscious Manufacturing: Algae farming can take place on land, away from the ocean, using processes that recycle and conserve water.
• Animal Protection: It’s not just fish stocks that benefit. The entire oceanic food web – from the tiniest plankton to the largest whales – relies upon balance which human activity often interferes with.
• Climate Resilience: Algae cultivation has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional fish oil production, contributing less to climate change.

Every bottle of algae-based omega-3 encapsulates a future where the ocean thrives.

How to Choose the Right Omega-3 Supplement

When selecting an omega-3 supplement, consider the source. Algae-based omega-3 supplements are typically marked with clear labels. Look for terms like “plant-based” or “algal oil” to ensure you’re getting the full algae oil benefits.

Read the label for EPA and DHA concentrations, as these indicate the amount of omega-3 you’re getting per serving. Recommended daily intake is dependent on several factors. 

Unlike fish oil supplements, algae oil lacks fishy burps or aftertastes, offering a more pleasant experience.

Algae-Based Omega-3 for Everyone

The revelation that omega-3s don’t start in fish, but rather in algae, is transforming the way we think about supplements. By choosing algae-based omega-3s, you’re not only nurturing your health but also contributing to the health of our oceans.

In a saturated omega-3 supplement market, our checkout counter choices have broader impacts on both health and the environment. Empowering yourself with knowledge helps align your health objectives with eco-friendly practices. It’s a simple change with profound benefits, both personally and globally.

It’s time to rethink our nutrition sources and turn the spotlight on naturally-sourced powerhouses. Although algae are small, they offer significant benefits of omega-3s that are invaluable on your health and sustainability journey.

Whether you’re a passionate vegan or a conscientious omnivore, transitioning to algae oil is a simple way to safeguard both cognitive health and the oceans’ well-being. The choices we make now create a lasting impact – so why not make the easy choice?

Go straight to the source, just as fish do, and choose a plant-based supplement that supports heart, brain, eye, and joint health — all without the worry of ocean pollutants. By choosing a product like Ovega-3®, you opt for both personal wellness and planetary well-being. Discover the benefits of this environmentally conscious, scientifically supported alternative to fish oil. Contribute to a healthier you and a brighter future for our oceans.

P.S. The switch from fish-based omega-3’s to algae-based omega-3’s is just a few clicks away. Ovega-3® is a trademark of DSM. 

Choose the sustainable source for omega-3s. Shop plant-based Ovega-3 now at Costco.

---

The statements made within this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and the products of Ovega-3® are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Refer to The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 for more information.