Our bodies require a well-rounded diet, which includes essential fatty acids. However, our bodies can only manufacture 1 of the 3 essential fatty acids we need, which is Omega 9. Our bodies cannot manufacture the essential fatty acids we need, so we have to make sure that the many sources available are included in our diets. Seeing that our diets are so high in Omega 6 already, and many doctors are suggesting that the Omega 3:Omega 6 ratio is anywhere from 1:20 to 1:40, where it should be at 1:1, the easiest way to increase your Omega 3 intake is with supplements.
Below is an explanation of the three types of Omega 3 supplements available on the market today.
Flax Oil
Flax oil is a non-marine source of Omega 3 and contains the Omega 3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body needs and cannot make for itself. Several other sources of ALA do exist, most notably walnuts and hemp seed. However, because flax only yields ALA, which then must be converted into EPA and DHA by the body, it is not an effective source of Omega 3 for the following reasons: