Fish Oil vs. Flaxseed Oil?

GreenSquats · 08-08-2008, 05:31 PM

Which do you guys use and which would you recommend. This is has been a long debate and I'd like to see it answered AM style. Thanks, your answers are greatly appreciated.

Nacho1545 · 08-08-2008, 08:30 PM

I say both.. Thats what all the forums say that I read.. I just eat the Flaxseeds.. I just through it in the blender when I make my protein shake or put some on my PB&J sandwich..

GreenSquats · 08-08-2008, 08:33 PM

Thanks... but if you had to choose just one... I'm curious.

Nacho1545 · 08-08-2008, 08:54 PM

I think I read somewhere that flaxseed is the best because it has one element that fish oil doesn't.. Personal I take a pill for fish oil + I eat fish when I can (Nice tuna sandwich on hard workout days) and I have a tablespoon and 1/2 of flaxseeds a day now

GreenSquats · 08-08-2008, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nacho1545

I think I read somewhere that flaxseed is the best because it has one element that fish oil doesn't.. Personal I take a pill for fish oil + I eat fish when I can (Nice tuna sandwich on hard workout days) and I have a tablespoon and 1/2 of flaxseeds a day now

Interesting....

andrew732 · 08-08-2008, 11:49 PM

defintely fish oil is better but use both

GreenSquats · 08-09-2008, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew732

defintely fish oil is better but use both

Which contradicts the other poster who said flaxseed is better. That's what I'm talking about, it's a huge debate and I want this settled.

**p5sky** · 08-09-2008, 04:05 AM

I use both, but if I had to choose I would stick with fish oil.

Dont ask me why, I dont know

**RenegadeRows** · 08-09-2008, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Flax seeds are rich in lignans (fibre) and phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant substances with estrogen-like properties. In the body, they can prevent negative effects of estrogens made by our bodies. They do this either by blocking estrogen actions or by replacing estrogen at estrogen receptor sites without stimulating the receptor. Lignans in flax seed bind testosterone in the same manner as for estrogen. Researchers at Duke University found that supplementation with milled flax resulted in significant decreases in both total and free testosterone in prostate cancer patients.

I go with Fish oil

atrain11b · 08-09-2008, 08:24 AM

In my quest of learning about the sport of Bodybuilding, and supplementation, I was turned onto EFAs after the release of a un-named company’s product that claimed to have all the EFAs a Bodybuilder needs. Now I do not like to put something in my body until I am 100% sure what this product, or what the ingredients would do for me, so I researched.

Now just to compare the health benefits of each, this is what I have found through my use of Google:

The health benefits of fish oil include the following:

•Heart Disease: According to the American Heart Association (AHA), clinical trials have proved that omega 3 is effective in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Fish oil, which is abundant in omega 3, therefore, reduces the risk of heart diseases and heart arrhythmias.
•Weight Loss: Fish oil also aids in weight loss process.
•Blood Circulation: It is believed that fish oil has the ability to improve blood circulation along with reducing triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels.
•Immunity: It is believed that regular consumption of fish oil aids in increasing your immunity thereby enabling you to resist incidence of common diseases such as cold, cough and flu.
•AIDS: Research conducted by the Nutritional Sciences Program in Lexington has increased the promise of fish oil as a treatment of AIDS.
•Inflammation: Fish oil has anti inflammatory properties; therefore, it is effective in reducing inflammation in blood and tissues.
•Arthritis: Fish oil is useful in treating arthritis, rheumatism, Raynaud’s symptoms and similar conditions.
•Depression and Anxiety: Due to the presence of Omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil is good for relieving depression, sadness, anxiety, restlessness, mental fatigue, stress, decreased sexual desire, suicidal tendencies and other nervous disorders.
•Alzheimer’s Disease: Research conducted at the Louisiana State University has shown that fatty acids are effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Since fish oil is one of the best sources of essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA, it helps in Alzheimer disease.
•ADHD or ADD: Fish oil has the ability to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to the high concentration of fatty acids.
•Eye Disorders: It is well known that fish oil is good for its ability to improve vision.
•Skin Care: Fish oil helps in improving the condition of poor and dry skin by making it shinny and glowing.
•Acne: Fish oil is effective for acne as well. EPA is known to inhibit androgen formation. Androgen can affect the formation of sebum in hair follicle.
•Cancer: Fish oil is useful in delaying weight loss in patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. Fish oil supplements can also be helpful to patients suffering from cancer related hyperlipidemia.
•Diabetes: Type II diabetic patients are more prone to cardio vascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
•Ulcers: The symptoms of peptic ulcer include pain in the abdomen, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, loss in appetite, weight loss, etc. Due to the presence of EPA and DHA, fish oil can be helpful in case of ulcers caused by NSAIDs.
•Pregnancy: Fish oil is very useful for pregnant women as DHA present in it helps in the development of the eyes and brain of the baby. It helps in avoiding premature births, low weight at birth, and miscarriage.
•Fertility: Preliminary research conducted on boar has shown that when male boars are fed with diet containing fish oil, the quality of the sperm is enhanced. After ejaculation, the sperms have increased survival against lipid peroxidative attacks in the female genital tract, thereby increasing the chances of conception
•Hair Care: Fish oil helps maintain a good luster of the hair. Omega three has hair growing properties as it provides nourishment to the follicles.

Now for a list of some of the benefits of Flax Seed:

•Flax Fights Cholesterol: The consumption of flaxseed is associated with a reduction in total cholesterol, including the LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
•Flax Fights Diabetes: It has been discovered that the omega-3 fat and high fiber in flax may play a role in the fight against diabetes.
•Flax Fights Cancer: The American National Cancer Institute has singled out flaxseed as one of six foods that deserve special study. Flax seed's high fiber aspect is also beneficial in the fight against colon cancer. Flax seed, high in fiber, lignans, alpha linolenic acid, is a key player in the fight against cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer.
•Flax Fights Constipation: Flax is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. One ounce of flax provides 32% of the USDA’s reference daily intake of fiber. Flax promotes regular bowel movements because it is high in insoluble fiber.
•Flax Fights Inflammation: The January 1996 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that the participants in a study that took flax oil daily reduced inflammatory responses by as much as 30%.
•Flax Fights Menopausal Symptoms: Flax, like soy, is a phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like substances that are found in plants. Flax is the richest known plant source of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens act as a natural hormone therapy and help to stabilize hormonal levels. This stabilization of hormonal levels helps to lesson the symptoms of menopause.
•Flax fights Heart Disease: Flax has been found to help reduce total cholesterol, LDL levels (the bad cholesterol), triglycerides. Flax helps to reduce clotting time and thereby reduces the chance for heart attacks and strokes. Regular intake of flax protects against arrhythmias and helps keep the arteries clear and pliable!
•Flax and the Immune System: Research has found that eating flax daily favorably affects immunity, the body’s ability to defend itself successfully against bacteria and viruses. Two components of flax, lignans and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), have been found to affect immune cells and compounds that control immune reaction.
•Flax fights “The Blues”: Preliminary research suggests that eating a diet rich in flax could slash your risk of ever feeling “down in the dumps”. Follow up studies show that just 2-3 tablespoons of flax daily can help up to 2/3rds of severely depressed women bounce back within eight weeks. Flax, says Udo Erasmus, PhD, has a mood boosting ingredient: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that is essential for the proper function of brain cells, yet up to 85% of women aren’t getting enough of it. Early research conducted by Dr. Martha Clare Morris of Chicago’s Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center notes that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is believed to be important for brain development. She stated that some participants in the study saw a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s from eating a diet high in Omege-3 fatty acids(Flax is the richest source of Omega 3’s in the plant kingdom). More research is needed in the area of flax and its relation to depression and brain function, however preliminary research is very promising.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now to me the benefit of each comes from the mere fact that they both contain Omega 3’s. It appears that both provide the same amount of health benefits as the other. This debate seems to lean towards which one the individual prefers to ingest as compared to which one is better.

I feel to benefit completely and have a will rounded diet, it would be beneficial to ingest Omega 3’s through supplementation of BOTH Fish Oil and Flax Seed, while maintaining a diet with Omega 3 rich foods, as not to rely on mere supplementation to benifit from the benifits of these two great EFAs.

No to answer OP's question as to which one I would choose if I HAD to choose only one, it would be Fishoil, the benifits continue to be far greater then the Flax Seed benifits. Although much research is being conducted on both of these still, but hey if Fish Oil can lead to the cure of Aids (LOL) then it has my vote as the Winner.

Fabulous One · 08-09-2008, 09:40 AM

Cod Liver Oil is numero uno. Loaded with essential Vitamins A&D along with your EFAs.

GreenSquats · 08-09-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atrain11b

In my quest of learning about the sport of Bodybuilding, and supplementation, I was turned onto EFAs after the release of a un-named company’s product that claimed to have all the EFAs a Bodybuilder needs. Now I do not like to put something in my body until I am 100% sure what this product, or what the ingredients would do for me, so I researched.

Now just to compare the health benefits of each, this is what I have found through my use of Google:

The health benefits of fish oil include the following:

•Heart Disease: According to the American Heart Association (AHA), clinical trials have proved that omega 3 is effective in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Fish oil, which is abundant in omega 3, therefore, reduces the risk of heart diseases and heart arrhythmias.
•Weight Loss: Fish oil also aids in weight loss process.
•Blood Circulation: It is believed that fish oil has the ability to improve blood circulation along with reducing triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels.
•Immunity: It is believed that regular consumption of fish oil aids in increasing your immunity thereby enabling you to resist incidence of common diseases such as cold, cough and flu.
•AIDS: Research conducted by the Nutritional Sciences Program in Lexington has increased the promise of fish oil as a treatment of AIDS.
•Inflammation: Fish oil has anti inflammatory properties; therefore, it is effective in reducing inflammation in blood and tissues.
•Arthritis: Fish oil is useful in treating arthritis, rheumatism, Raynaud’s symptoms and similar conditions.
•Depression and Anxiety: Due to the presence of Omega 3 fatty acids, fish oil is good for relieving depression, sadness, anxiety, restlessness, mental fatigue, stress, decreased sexual desire, suicidal tendencies and other nervous disorders.
•Alzheimer’s Disease: Research conducted at the Louisiana State University has shown that fatty acids are effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Since fish oil is one of the best sources of essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA, it helps in Alzheimer disease.
•ADHD or ADD: Fish oil has the ability to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) due to the high concentration of fatty acids.
•Eye Disorders: It is well known that fish oil is good for its ability to improve vision.
•Skin Care: Fish oil helps in improving the condition of poor and dry skin by making it shinny and glowing.
•Acne: Fish oil is effective for acne as well. EPA is known to inhibit androgen formation. Androgen can affect the formation of sebum in hair follicle.
•Cancer: Fish oil is useful in delaying weight loss in patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. Fish oil supplements can also be helpful to patients suffering from cancer related hyperlipidemia.
•Diabetes: Type II diabetic patients are more prone to cardio vascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
•Ulcers: The symptoms of peptic ulcer include pain in the abdomen, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, loss in appetite, weight loss, etc. Due to the presence of EPA and DHA, fish oil can be helpful in case of ulcers caused by NSAIDs.
•Pregnancy: Fish oil is very useful for pregnant women as DHA present in it helps in the development of the eyes and brain of the baby. It helps in avoiding premature births, low weight at birth, and miscarriage.
•Fertility: Preliminary research conducted on boar has shown that when male boars are fed with diet containing fish oil, the quality of the sperm is enhanced. After ejaculation, the sperms have increased survival against lipid peroxidative attacks in the female genital tract, thereby increasing the chances of conception
•Hair Care: Fish oil helps maintain a good luster of the hair. Omega three has hair growing properties as it provides nourishment to the follicles.

Now for a list of some of the benefits of Flax Seed:

•Flax Fights Cholesterol: The consumption of flaxseed is associated with a reduction in total cholesterol, including the LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
•Flax Fights Diabetes: It has been discovered that the omega-3 fat and high fiber in flax may play a role in the fight against diabetes.
•Flax Fights Cancer: The American National Cancer Institute has singled out flaxseed as one of six foods that deserve special study. Flax seed's high fiber aspect is also beneficial in the fight against colon cancer. Flax seed, high in fiber, lignans, alpha linolenic acid, is a key player in the fight against cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer.
•Flax Fights Constipation: Flax is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. One ounce of flax provides 32% of the USDA’s reference daily intake of fiber. Flax promotes regular bowel movements because it is high in insoluble fiber.
•Flax Fights Inflammation: The January 1996 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that the participants in a study that took flax oil daily reduced inflammatory responses by as much as 30%.
•Flax Fights Menopausal Symptoms: Flax, like soy, is a phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like substances that are found in plants. Flax is the richest known plant source of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens act as a natural hormone therapy and help to stabilize hormonal levels. This stabilization of hormonal levels helps to lesson the symptoms of menopause.
•Flax fights Heart Disease: Flax has been found to help reduce total cholesterol, LDL levels (the bad cholesterol), triglycerides. Flax helps to reduce clotting time and thereby reduces the chance for heart attacks and strokes. Regular intake of flax protects against arrhythmias and helps keep the arteries clear and pliable!
•Flax and the Immune System: Research has found that eating flax daily favorably affects immunity, the body’s ability to defend itself successfully against bacteria and viruses. Two components of flax, lignans and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), have been found to affect immune cells and compounds that control immune reaction.
•Flax fights “The Blues”: Preliminary research suggests that eating a diet rich in flax could slash your risk of ever feeling “down in the dumps”. Follow up studies show that just 2-3 tablespoons of flax daily can help up to 2/3rds of severely depressed women bounce back within eight weeks. Flax, says Udo Erasmus, PhD, has a mood boosting ingredient: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that is essential for the proper function of brain cells, yet up to 85% of women aren’t getting enough of it. Early research conducted by Dr. Martha Clare Morris of Chicago’s Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center notes that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is believed to be important for brain development. She stated that some participants in the study saw a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s from eating a diet high in Omege-3 fatty acids(Flax is the richest source of Omega 3’s in the plant kingdom). More research is needed in the area of flax and its relation to depression and brain function, however preliminary research is very promising.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now to me the benefit of each comes from the mere fact that they both contain Omega 3’s. It appears that both provide the same amount of health benefits as the other. This debate seems to lean towards which one the individual prefers to ingest as compared to which one is better.

I feel to benefit completely and have a will rounded diet, it would be beneficial to ingest Omega 3’s through supplementation of BOTH Fish Oil and Flax Seed, while maintaining a diet with Omega 3 rich foods, as not to rely on mere supplementation to benifit from the benifits of these two great EFAs.

No to answer OP's question as to which one I would choose if I HAD to choose only one, it would be Fishoil, the benifits continue to be far greater then the Flax Seed benifits. Although much research is being conducted on both of these still, but hey if Fish Oil can lead to the cure of Aids (LOL) then it has my vote as the Winner.

Wow man, that really helps. Reps for you.

Resolve · 08-09-2008, 12:06 PM

Fish Oil and Flax Seed Oil contain different Omega-3 fats, which, as you can see in the post by Atrain, promote different health benefits.
Fish Oil contains EPA and DHA, which are essential to brain function and development as well as beneficial to just about every system in the body.
Flax contains Alpha-Linoleic Acid (ALA) whose primary benefit is in the prevention of heart disease through various pathways. Flax seeds high fiber content is responsible for much of its healthfulness also.
In the end, they are different substances that each promote health through different means. As it is very difficult to get too much Omega-3 fats in your diet, I recommend consuming both.

I am, however, interested to know where RenegadeRows found that litte snippet of research. I'd never head of flax lowering serum test levels. Got a link to the full paper man?