Whats the difference between the essential fats in fish and in flax?
To answer this will require a little biochemistry. It helps to appreciate that oils are made up of fatty acids, and all fatty acids are primarily long chains of carbon atoms that are bonded together. The omega-3s fatty acids in fish are often referred to by the initials EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and they are 20 and 22 carbons long, respectively. The omega-3s in flaxseed and other plant sources are called linolenic acid, and it is only 18 carbons long. The body has an ability to take the 18 carbon long omega-3 from flaxseed and lengthen them into EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are converted into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (master hormones that regulate inflammation in the body) PG3. EPA and DHA have been shown to reduce platelet stickiness, and therefore reduce risk of clots that can cause heart disease; lower risk of atherosclerosis; lower high triglycerides; lower elevated blood pressure; and reduce inflammation You can get EPA and DHA directly from f
