Searching for omega-3 alternatives

As a scientist, I am deeply passionate about finding ways to optimise human health, quality of life and longevity. This passion is underpinned by a personal love and awe of nature, the innate intelligence bestowed upon us and every living organism on Earth. We are biologically rooted with the planet, in a symbiotic relationship that allows us to thrive in a state of mutual dependence. 

With scientific advances and increased consumer awareness, surges in demand for supplements and ‘superfoods’ can pose environmental threats. One such nutrient that has seen a large increase in demand is omega-3 fatty acids. Many of us know that these omega oils provide nutritional benefits and support for brain, skin and heart health. However, with fish oil sales rocketing, we must question whether the health benefits might outweigh the cost and impact to global ecosystems… Is there a better way of obtaining complete essential omegas?

Whilst fish oil contains advanced omega-3 fatty acids known to benefit human health, fisheries are supplying fish for supplement production and human consumption at a maximum historical rate. With global omega-3 demand increasing, this is no longer a sustainable option. Whilst some sustainable fish oil companies use wild, Alaskan fish, about 70% of fish oils are produced from Peruvian anchovetas, a type of anchovy that serve as an important source of nutrition for marine wildlife and ocean ecosystems. As demand for high quality omegas increases, there is tremendous innovation and exploration taking place to find alternatives to fish oils that are sustainable, ethical and also have a rich omega profile that can fulfil dietary and wellness concerns of consumers.

With increased consumer awareness of the importance of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids as essential nutrients for optimal health, a more sustainable source, one that supports biodiversity and maintains ecosystems is needed.

The Aha moment…

For as long as mankind has roamed the Earth, we have looked to plants for their healing and health-giving properties and today’s modern-day interest is no different. Decades ago, a team of botanists searching for innovative and functional plant ingredients yielded a discovery growing in hedgerows and meadows - a uniquely special plant called Buglossoides arvensis – or ahiflower. They learned that this humble plant had some very special qualities.Now, extensive research and numerous studies have repeatedly demonstrated that the seeds of this plant contain the most complete and balanced omega-rich oil with the richest overall omega fatty acid content from a plant!

After more than 10 years of dedicated agronomic research, traditional plant breeding, good agricultural practice and natural selection, the Ahiflower crop is now grown across thousands of hectares of prime farmland in the UK, using traditional farming practices over intensive agricultural practices, helping both soil and pollinators thrive, protecting the landscape and its biodiversity.

Three reasons to choose Ahiflower

1. Omega 3 & 6 are essential for our health and wellness, influencing how we look and feel. These essential fatty acids are needed by every cell in your body. We cannot make them ourselves and have to obtain them from our diet. Omega-3 and 6 need to be optimally in balance. Omega-3 are anti-inflammatory whilst omega-6 are typically pro-inflammatory. GLA is the exception—this omega-6 is highly anti-inflammatory offering skin, hormonal health, digestive and joint benefits. Ahiflower oil has similar levels of GLA to evening primrose oil. 
   
   GLA could help reduces hot flashes, symptoms of PMS and inflammatory skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis. Intake of GLA and omega-3 are below recommended dietary intake levels in most populations, with only a small percentage of consumers frequently supplementing with GLA. Whilst borage and evening primrose oil are good sources of GLA, they have no omega-3 fatty acids. Ahiflower delivers a rich source of both GLA and omega-3 fatty acids in an optimal ratio.
   
   
2. It is Ahiflower oil’s uniquely advanced fatty acid profile that makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a potent, complete and balanced plant based omega source. ALA omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in plantbased flaxseed or chia oils, has to be converted in the body to omega-3 SDA before being converted to EPA, the omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil.
   
   As humans, we do not effectively convert ALA to SDA, limiting the amount of EPA we can obtain from traditional plant-based sources. Unlike other plant sources, ahiflower contains the highest level of SDA making it four times more effective than flaxseed oil for providing EPA.
   
   
   
3. Ahiflower crops are regeneratively grown and fully traceable to the UK farms and farmers, providing a habitat for bees and butterflies and improving climate resilience. Borage and Evening Primrose Oil are widelytraded, chemically refined, brokered commodity crops with little traceability whilst Ahiflower is physically refined using only low-temperature steam distillation and clay filtration.
   

What’s good for the body… is good for the planet

With 320,000 anchovies needed to produce as much omega rich oil as an acre of ahiflower, is it time to rethink where you’re getting your omegas?

Reducing the environmental impact of our nutrient choices requires a novel approach and, in this case, a plantbased solution. Ahiflower supports the impact consumers choices have not just on their health but on the landscape, on biodiversity and ecosystems—making Ahiflower an option that’s not just good for personal health, but for planetary health too.

Ahiflower is available in CatchFree Omegas by Wiley’s Finest in pourable liquid and vegan softgels, from Forest Remedies in gummies and softgels, andfrom Greens First Pro in softgels.