Are the Health Benefits of Omega-3 ALA Being Overlooked?
RSSL — July 3, 2008 — For the last few years, the longer chain omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) have been in the spotlight over their health benefits. Recent headlines have warned consumers not to confuse these long chain omega-3 fatty acids with the shorter chain omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Now Aliza Stark and colleagues from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel suggest that although ALA may not have the same health benefits as EPA and DHA, it does still have a place in a healthy diet. PAID ADVERTISEMENT The main dietary sources of EPA and DHA are seafoods, particularly oily fish. These omega-3s may aid brain and joint health and lower the risk of heart disease and inflammation. In contrast, the main dietary sources of ALA are vegetable oils including flaxseed, rapeseed, walnuts, and soya. ALA has been associated with improved cardiovascular health, improved blood lipids, neuroprotection, countering the inflamm
