5 Reasons To Embrace Algae For Omega 3s

Omega 3’s health benefits have long been documented, and omega 3s like EPA and DHA have been found to prevent heart disease and stroke, control eczema and rheumatoid arthritis, and prevent cancer. While many of us meet our omega 3 nutritional needs from fish oil, promising research into algae’s benefits find that algae holds a distinct place as part of the human nutrition solution.

I recently switched from fish oil to Örlö Nutrition’s algae-based omega 3 supplement for my nutritional needs. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider algae for omega 3s over fish oil.

[Note: While this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.]

1. Algae-based supplements for omega 3s support ocean health.

Our oceans are overfished, and overfishing is a big problem.

Here’s why: Taking too many fish out of the ocean creates ecosystem imbalance. Overfishing also decreases biodiversity, destroys coral reefs, and contributes to the erosion of our planet’s delicate food web (source). 

In order to consume enough omega 3s through fish alone, we must eat at least 2 4-ounce servings per week (source). Sadly, every time we reach for fish oil for omega 3s we inadvertently contribute to the decline of our oceans.

There is good news: Algae-based omega 3s from Örlö Nutrition is plant-based by nature and therefore keeps fish ecosystems undisturbed. Every time you choose algae for omega 3s instead of fish you’re taking action to protect sensitive marine ecosystems. 

And when you cut fish out of the equation altogether? You help our oceans recover and regenerate.

You don’t have to choose between your health and the planet’s. Holistic wellness and flourishing ecosystems can co-exist.

[Related: The Health Of Our Oceans: A conversation with Dr. Slyvia Earle]

2. When we consume fish for omega 3s we also consume a host of other nasties.

Decades-worth of expert marketing campaigns have persuaded us that fish is part of a healthy diet. But is fish actually all that healthy for humans?

First, there’s the mercury problem:

Burning coal can and does create mercury pollution in our waterways and the element accumulates in the bodies of marine animals. The Environmental Working Group found that people who ate recommended amounts of fish had dangerous amounts of mercury and received relatively small amounts of omega 3s.

Then there are all the other environmental pollutants:

The pesticides, herbicides, and flame retardants we overuse are known to exist in abundance in our open water systems. 

Finally, microplastics: It’s estimated that over 300 million microplastic particles are released annually into our oceans, and these microplastics have been found in the parts of fish that humans eat (source). 

Remember: What we put into the oceans is put into the fish, and older, bigger fish often have greater concentrations of mercury and other toxins. But when you embrace an algae supplement like Örlö Nutrition’s Omega 3 Starter Pack? You’re successfully cutting fish out of the equation altogether. 

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3. Polar lipids are better absorbed by the human body.

Fish oil is notorious for less-than-ideal side effects including gas, bloating, digestive issues, and fishy burps. And if you’re among the 15% of the human population with the APOE4 genome type, you’re less likely to absorb triglycerides or ethyl esters (the form of omega-3 in fish and other algae oils) and you therefore won’t experience the full range of omega 3’s benefits.

Microalgae, on the other hand, boasts a polar lipid molecular structure which is easily absorbed by the human body. Polar lipids are also less likely to create that repeat, fishy burp effect. Plus, because the microalgae Örlö uses are grown in a controlled environment without the use of pesticides and without exposure to environmental toxins, the oil doesn’t have to be ultra-processed the way fish oil does. It therefore retains its polar lipid structure.

You can check out their aquaculture planthouse in this BBC video feature at Örlö’s parent company headquarters, VAXA Technologies in Iceland.

I continue to choose Örlö for my omega 3 needs because their unique polar lipid structure is up to 3 times better absorbed than fish oil or other algae oils.

4. Örlö’s algae-based nutrition uses fewer resources.

When we spend money we also make a powerful statement about the world we want to live in. That’s why it’s important to me to support brands that share my passion for environmentalism.

Örlö Nutrition’s supplements boast a completely carbon-negative cultivation process in which more carbon is removed from the atmosphere than is emitted. 

Even better? Their supplements use 99% less land and water resources than other omega 3 sources. They grow their algae within a closed system with zero reliance Earth’s natural resources thanks to their usage of waste-stream C02 and glacial melt water from Iceland. 

5. Thoughtful algae for omega 3s supplements embrace non-plastic packaging.

The last thing this planet needs is more disposable packaging. 

I appreciate that Örlö’s algae supplements for omega 3s come in a glass bottle that can be reused countless times. It can also be upcycled or easily recycled when I no longer need it. 

My new favorite product for flu season – Orlo’s immunity boost oral spray – naturally supports my immune system’s functioning and comes in an aluminum spray bottle that’s recyclable in all municipalities.

Even the shipping materials are thoughtfully produced: All packaging is made from post-consumer waste paper; even the black ink printed on them is made from algae! I simply tear the paper up and compost it in my backyard compost pile.

Learn more about how algae for omega 3s from Örlö Nutrition can support your holistic health (and be sure to use code SUSTAINABLE10 for 10% off your order!). 

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