Curious about the benefits of algae oil? Learn how including this versatile oil in your diet can boost your heart health, reduce inflammation, and more.
Key Takeaways:
Algae are far more than just the greenish film you might see on ponds and lakes. These marine organisms come in around 40,000 different species, and microalgae have a variety of uses, including being a food source ❶.
Recently, algae have become more popular for their oil, which is a source of healthy omega-9 fats, in addition to omega-3 and omega-6. Choosing healthy fats like algae oil can bring notable health benefits.
This article will explain how algae oil can improve your well-being, whether you're looking to enhance your diet or simply want to learn more.
Algae oil is a powerhouse for heart health not only because of its omega-9 content but also due to its rich supply of omega-3 fatty acids. omega-3s, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and help control blood pressure ❷.
To make the most of these benefits, try adding algae oil to your daily routine by using it in salad dressings or as a cooking oil in different recipes. Regularly consuming algae oil can boost heart health, especially for those who don’t get enough of these beneficial fats from fish or other foods.
Algae oil can be good for mental health, especially for those with depression.
Studies show that people with depression often have lower levels of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in their blood. These fats are important for brain function and mood.
Many people with depression notice improvements in their symptoms when they take EPA and DHA supplements ❸. Since algae oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it can help fill this gap and support better mental health.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli, and is a key part of the healing process. However, chronic inflammation is problematic because it can lead to various health issues, including cancer.
Oleic acid (OA) is an omega-9 fatty acid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It supports the immune system and helps regulate inflammation in the body. Research shows that oleic acid may ❹:
Algae is rich in DHA, which is essential for good vision. DHA is a key part of the retina, the part of the eye that detects light and sends visual signals to the brain ❺.
A recent study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science showed that DHA could help prevent age-related vision loss in lab mice ❻.
A study in Frontiers in Nutrition found that boosting intake of omega-3s, especially DHA and EPA, is linked to a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that causes progressive loss of vision in the central part of the retina.
This benefit applies whether you consume DHA alone, EPA alone, or both together ❼.
EPA and DHA are key for maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. Studies show that sufficient omega-3s can improve skin texture and reduce dryness and flakiness.
Omega-3s also help with conditions like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, and skin ulcers ❽. Additionally, they support the skin’s natural barrier, which helps to lock in moisture and protect against environmental damage.
Algae oil may support a healthy gut microbiome and reduce intestinal inflammation and damage caused by antibiotics.
For example, a study looked at how two types of algal oil might help protect against gut damage caused by the antibiotic ceftriaxone sodium (CS) in mice. After 8 days of CS treatment to induce gut damage, the mice were given both oils for 14 days. Researchers then assessed inflammation, gut lining damage, and changes in gut bacteria ❾.
The results showed that both algal oils reduced gut damage and inflammation caused by CS. This was indicated by lower levels of inflammatory markers and improved expression of a protein that supports the gut barrier ❾.
Algae oil is a great choice for improving your health! Packed with omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids, it benefits your heart, brain, skin, and can reduce inflammation. Plus, it supports eye health and keeps your gut happy.
For those looking to integrate this powerhouse ingredient into their diet, consider Algae Cooking Club. With our focus on sustainable production and a remarkable concentration of approximately 93% omega-9 fatty acids, our oil is a superior alternative to traditional cooking oils like olive or avocado.
Tiffany Joy Yamut is a registered nurse with a focus on health and wellness. With over 10 years of writing experience, she combines her expertise in diet and nutrition coaching to help others adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced eating habits. A foodie at heart, Tiffany believes that food is essential to feeling your best.
