Sources of Omega 3 From Cranberries
By Krista O'Connell
While drinking cranberry juice and eating the red berries in their fresh and dried states can allow individuals to obtain important vitamins and nutrients, consuming the berries and their products in this way is not considered a good strategy to get omega 3 from cranberries. Primarily, this is because the parts of the berry that contain the most omega 3 are not utilized during the making of these products. Cranberry juice processing, for example, does not make use of the pulp and seeds, the parts of the berries that must be consumed if one wishes to get omega 3 from cranberries. However, extraction and processing methods that not only make use of the seeds, which are the best source of omega 3 from cranberries, but also concentrate the fatty acid, have resulted in the development of products that allow individuals to get a good source of omega 3 from cranberries. All of the following are good sources of omega 3 from cranberries, and they can be easily added to virtually any diet.
Omega 3 From Cranberries Supplements
The taste of cranberry seed oil, a great source of omega 3 from cranberries, is generally considered quite pleasant, and is described as having a somewhat buttery flavor and a mild fruity taste. For this reason, it is easier to incorporate into most everyday diets than oily fish or flaxseed, alternative source of omega 3 fatty acids for those who do not wish to obtain their omega 3 from cranberries. For those who want to get their omega 3 from cranberries, and who perhaps do not like the taste of the oil, or wish to take a dosage that is higher than what they would typically consume, cranberry seed oil supplements do exist. Often sold in capsule form, this method of obtaining omega 3 from cranberries allows the individual to take the desired dose of the fatty acid quite easily and at any time they wish.
Cranberry Seed Oil
The waste products that result from processing traditional cranberry products such as juice are often used to make cranberry seed oil. For this source of omega 3 from cranberries, the oil can simply be used in place of other types of oils. A sealed and unopened bottle of the oil will remain edible for up to two years after the date of packaging. Those using this source of omega 3 from cranberries should also ensure that the bottle is kept in a cool and dry location to ensure it will stay fresh for as long as possible.
Cranberry Seed Flour
Also typically produced from the part of the berry considered waste, cranberry seed flour is a good source of omega 3 from cranberries. This excellent source of omega 3 from cranberries has a reddish brown color, and is often used as an ingredient in nutritional bars and protein supplements.
Products Flavored With Cranberry Seed Oil
Perhaps one of the most common products that is nutritionally enriched with cranberry seed oil is the cranberry itself. Recognizing that consumers want omega 3 as well as the important nutrients that cranberries contain, manufacturers have begun producing fresh and dried cranberries that are also sprayed with cranberry seed oil to deliver an excellent source of omega 3 from cranberries. Compared to simply consuming cranberries on their own, those enriched with cranberry seed oil offer a greater and more readily available supply of omega 3.
With a wide array of products allowing individuals to get omega 3 from cranberries, it should be quite possible to incorporate one or several sources of omega 3 from cranberries into virtually any diet.
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