4 Health Benefits of Algal Omega-3

Eating a diet that has plenty of omega-3 fatty acids is important for optimal health. Omega-3s are essential for the formation of cellular membranes and play an important role in heart health, brain health, eye health, and more.

The most important omega-3 fatty acids for human health are EPA and DHA, which are found almost exclusively in fatty fish. Experts recommend getting about 250-500 mg of DHA and EPA daily. For those that don't eat fish, this can be a challenge. Even most omega-3 supplements come from fish oils, which aren't vegan-friendly.

Interestingly, fish get their DHA and EPA from microalgae. By going directly to the source, we too can get our omega-3 fatty acids in a plant-based form. Algae-based supplements are not only vegan, they are also more sustainable than fish oil, and less susceptible to toxicity from ocean pollutants. The farming of algae is also carbon neutral, making it environmentally friendly.

Benefits of Omega-3 Vegan DHA & EPA

1. Healthy Cell Membranes

All tissue within the human body relies on omega-3 fatty acids for normal structural health and function. Omega 3s play an important role³as components of phospholipids on the cell membrane, where they help transport proteins and signals along the membranes. DHA is especially concentrated in the retina, sperm, and brain.

2. Brain Health

Your brain is largely made up of fat, and 30%⁵ of that is DHA. DHA is found primarily in gray matter. The gray matter is where our thinking occurs. DHA works along the brain's cell membranes, helping with the formation of synapses and maintaining neuronal membrane integrity. It is necessary to have DHA for all of these functions for the brain to function properly.

Research⁶ shows that omega-3 essential fatty acids are important for fetal growth and infant brain development. Getting a healthy supply of omega-3 DHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding has been linked with better cognitive outcomes for the infants.^{7 8}

3. Eyesight

Omega-3 DHA is highly concentrated in the retina of the eye. A study⁵ published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science showed that DHA may help protect against age-related vision loss. Another study led by Lewis Smith MD PhD, a professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Children's Hospital Boston, suggested that DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids may have protective benefits for retinal health.⁹ 

4. Heart Health

Studies consistently link omega-3 DHA and EPA with reduced heart health risks. They have shown positive benefits for blood pressure, triglyceride levels, cholesterol levels, and a healthy inflammation response.

Our Vegan DHA - Omega-3 from Algae is a vegan-friendly way to get the health benefits of Omega-3 that your body needs to function and stay healthy.