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Switching to algae-based omega-3 supplements is one small change you can make that can have a big impact. The next time that you are standing on a beach, feeling the salty breeze on your face and admiring the vastness and wonder of the ocean, you can have peace of mind that your choices are protecting its fragile ecosystems.
In today’s society, there are choices for just about any goal or product that you want. This is part of the decisional fatigue and stress that can come from living in the modern world. Just walking into a grocery store for an apple leads you with a multitude of decisions. Sweet or tart? Organic or conventional? Small or large? Which of the dozen varieties do you want?
While choosing which apple you want may be harder than it ever has been in history, not every decision is that strenuous. Our modern society has more health- and eco-conscious options available to us that can actually improve the world around us.
And, these decisions are just as easy as the conventional options that we are all accustomed to. Algae-based omega-3 supplements are that easy choice. In this blog post, we’ll explore how making this switch helps protect the ocean’s ecosystem and provides an excellent source of omega-3s.
Personal Journey to Sustainable Choices
In 2012, I started making a deeper connection of the impact food, nutrition, and supplements had on my health. It’s what ultimately led me to pursue a more whole food, plant-based diet. While on this journey, I’ve also become more mindful of my choices and their impact on the environment.
The more I learned, the more I started with simple changes, like reducing plastic use and eating more plant-based foods. But one thing bothered me—my fish oil supplements. I had recently watched a documentary talking about how overfishing and bycatch were major issues, and I wanted a way to get my omega-3s without harming the ocean and the life therein.
Bycatch, just in case you don’t know, is when other marine species are accidentally caught while fishing for something else. It can include fish, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and seabirds that become tangled up in fishing equipment. Oftentimes these creatures end up dying and many of them are endangered, threatened, or protected species. Plus, the mass killing and removal of a fish can have some dire consequences on the food chain.
After doing a bit of research, I discovered that you don’t actually need fish to get your omega-3s. You can get all the benefits but without the fish from algae oil. Fish are rich in omega-3s because of the algae and other plant materials they eat. So why shouldn’t I get my omega-3s from the same source? Switching to algae oil was a game-changer for me, and it can be for you too.
What is Algae Oil?
Algae oil supplements are a plant-based way to get your omega-3s, including EPA and DHA, straight from marine algae. They’re a great alternative to fish oil supplements for people who don’t eat fish, follow a plant-based diet, have a fish allergy, or just want to make a more sustainable choice.
Fish get their omega-3s by consuming algae, so why not go directly to the source?
Algae-based omega-3 supplements like Ovega-3® supplements provide the same health benefits as fish oil, but without the environmental drawbacks. In fact, some studies show that algae oil is just as nutritious as cooked salmon.
Benefits of Algae Oil
Environmental Impact
1. Reduces Overfishing: Traditional fish oil production contributes to overfishing, depleting fish populations and disrupting marine ecosystems. Algae oil eliminates the need for fishing while protecting marine life.
2. Lower Carbon Footprint: Algae farming requires less energy and resources compared to fishing. It also produces fewer greenhouse gasses. In fact, algae and other plant materials are a carbon sink while animals, such as fish, respirate carbon dioxide. This makes algae oil a more eco-friendly option.
3. No Risk of Contaminants: Fish are higher on the food chain than algae and can bioaccumulate toxins like mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls – industrial chemicals that can build up in fish and shellfish). Algae is grown in controlled environments, ensuring it is free from harmful contaminants.
If everyone started taking omega-3s from fish today, there wouldn’t be enough fish in the ocean to sustainably provide the needed oil. Just another reason to make the switch.
Health Benefits
1. Rich in Omega-3: Algae oil is a potent source of DHA and EPA, essential omega-3 fatty acids that support brain, eye, joint, and overall health.
2. Vegan-Friendly: For vegans and plant-based individuals, algae oil is the perfect solution to get omega-3s without compromising values or dietary choices. You get all the benefits of omega-3s but without the fish.
3. Sustainable Source: Algae can be cultivated year-round, ensuring a consistent and renewable supply of omega-3.
How to Incorporate Algae Oil into Your Routine
Making the switch to algae oil is easy and convenient. Here are some simple steps to get started:
Research Brands: Look for reputable brands that offer high-quality, algae-based omega-3 supplements. This is a brand that I really like and use myself.
Check the Labels: Ensure the product provides both DHA and EPA.
Pair with Meals: Take your omega-3 supplement with a meal for better absorption.
Stay Consistent: Make it a part of your daily routine to reap the long-term benefits.
Little Effort, Big Impact
By switching to an algae-based omega-3, you’re not only making a healthier choice for yourself but also a more sustainable choice for the planet. Protecting our marine ecosystems doesn’t require drastic changes—sometimes, it’s as simple as changing your supplement.
Join me and many others in making the switch to fish oil alternatives, and let’s take a step towards a healthier planet together.
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 supplements now at Costco.
THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE
Refer to The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 for more information.
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