Flaxseed vs. Fish
Good Sources of Omega-3 Fats

Many consumers are asking an important question: Are the omega-3 fats in fish the same as those found in flax? The answer is that omega-3 fats are like siblings - they all belong to the same family, but their chemical makeup and some of their health benefits differ.

Why Eat Flax?
Flaxseeds are a rich source of ALA and lignans. Lignans are phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that can have hormone-like effects in the human body. Lignans are found in the fibre fraction of the flaxseed. For this reason, flax oil does not naturally contain lignans, although some processors add purified lignans to the oil to enhance its nutritional value. Flaxseeds, but not flax oil, are good sources of dietary fiber.
[read more about it: flax vs. fish-PDF]

Why Eat Fish?
Fish is called "brain" food because of its high-quality protein and nutrient content, including omega-3 fats. Populations with high fish intakes, like the Japanese and Inuit, have low rates of some chronic diseases like heart disease. In a Chicago study [read more about it: flax vs. fish-PDF], elderly people who ate one fish meal per week had 60% les rish of Alzheimer Disease than those who ate fish rarely or never.

Flax and Fish - Both Offer Good Nutrition
Flax is rich in ALA, the essential omega-3 fat. Flax also contains dietary fiber and lignans. Fish are sources of high-quality protein and contain omega-3 fats. Fatty fish are rich in DHA. Both flax and fish contain important nutrients and belong in a healthy eating plan.

There is one key difference between the two - sustainability. Flax is a sustainable crop. Fish may not be. For today's North American consumer, the decision to eat fish is mainly one of personal preference - a situation that may change in the coming years if the global demand for fish continues. The pressures on global fish stocks may eventually force the global community to ration the world's ocean fish. For the time being, consumers can enjoy both.

Download the complete 2-page article here (flax vs. fish-PDF)
Source: Flax versus Fish - Good Sources of Omega-3 Fats. Flax Council of Canada. www.flaxcouncil.ca.