Omega supplements

Omega-3 supplements are something I recommend often in my office and I have been taking some variety of for years.  Why?  Because the chemicals have been shown to lower cholesterol (which runs in my family) and good for heart health (which I have a heart problem).  

What are some ingredients I like to look for in Omega supplements?

1-AHIFLOWER oil. 

Let's take a step back and talk about Omega-3 in general- these can be fish oil, krill oils or Omega-3 plant based supplements.  There are differences between each, but overall when you take the recommended supplement it's the health equivalent of eating a piece of salmon several times a week.  The problem with some fish oils is that they have the "fishy burp", sometimes taste bad, and can contain Mercury based on the fish the oil is from.   The krill oil is generally lower in mercury and taste is better tolerated than fish oil, but typically is more expensive.   Plant based Omega-3 supplements are almost always better tolerated per taste and stomach, but some of the plant bases have soy in them which can raise natural estrogen levels and may lead to weight gain, particularly in women.  

So how does Ahiflower compare to other plant based Omega-3 supplements?  

First all, googling this flower is difficult because there are a LOT of paid advertisement type sites and not all legit scientific evidence.  However, when I looked for the scientific name I hit some scientific information.  Scientists have been studying this plant with hopes that it will show in testing to prove more effective than fish oil (which has a limited supply) and more potent- studies so far and showing such.  This plant has actually been considered a weed that pops up with certain crops, so it's easily grown and is sustainable.

As I said, research is limited, but growing on this exciting source of Omega-3.  While science does show it has high levels of what humans need to convert to fatty acids, there are yet to be large studies that show how effective it may be compared to fish/krill/other plant omega-3.

So I keep saying Omega-3- but you actually want to look for Omega fatty acids including 3,6,9,5 and 7.  Omega 3 and 6 are considered essential fats meaning we need them to live and function but our bodies do not produce any- we have to get them from the food we eat.  We have to have them for brain development and function.  There is also growing evidence that deficiencies may be linked to Alzheimer's and memory problems, diabetes and heart disease.   Omega-3 are mostly in fish and Omega-6 are mostly in plants, nuts and seeds.  I found this good link that compares and discusses Omega 3, 6 and 9- http://www.uccs.edu/Documents/healthcircle/pnc/health-topics/Omega-3_6_and_9_Fats.pdf

The Omega 5, 7 and 9 are considered non-essential acids- meaning your body can produce them- you don't have to get them from other sources.  There isn't as much scientific evidence for these fats, but if you jump on the Dr. Oz train there is some evidence that Omega-7 in particular can have inflammatory effects on the body.   More and more supplements for Omega-3 are containing these extra oils on the label because there is starting to be evidence of it's benefit AND usually it's in the product anyways- the same plants have many of these Omegas all together. 

Medical uses once again can range from heart disease, cholesterol, diabetes, memory problems and nerve problems.  

There is actually ONE Omega-3 that can be prescription (meaning FDA approved, need the doctors prescription and super expensive without proper insurance coverage- at least $100 per month)  that is used for high triglycerides.  This doesn't have any of the Omega-6 which may be missing out on valuable health benefits, but the product makers have to abide by strict guidelines and research as it's prescription.   

Links for where I got my research information: http://www.niab.com/pages/id/171/Buglossoides_arvensis,

 http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-kitchen-11/omega-fatty-acids