Typical Sources of Omega 3 Versus Omega 3 From Cranberries
By Krista O'Connell
Interest in omega 3 fatty acids has existed for some time, and many individuals want to consume more of these essential fatty acids. Most people are also aware of the best-known sources of the nutritionally important substances, aside from omega 3 from cranberries. They include oily fish, flax and flaxseed oil, and some nuts and berries. It has only been in recent years that is was discovered that the seed of the cranberry plant, something historically regarded as a waste product, would actually allow people to get omega 3 from cranberries. As a result of this discovery, people became interested in getting their required intake of omega 3 from cranberries, instead of or in addition to traditional sources. Whether an individual decides to obtain their daily supply of omega 3 from cranberries is a personal choice, but several factors should be taken into account when deciding whether to get omega 3 from cranberries or from another source.
Dietary Restrictions
More people are choosing vegetarian lifestyles, and getting omega 3 from cranberries would be a perfect choice for these individuals. Because fish sources represent one of the best natural sources of omega 3, vegetarians and vegans have typically found it difficult to consume the recommended amount of omega 3 on a daily basis. Using an oil or flour to get omega 3 from cranberries, however, means that even those on the strictest of diets can get an ample supply of omega 3 from cranberries. Allergies are also less of a concern if people choose to get omega 3 from cranberries.
Personal Preference
Oily fish and flax are rich sources of omega 3, but they aren't considered extremely appetizing by many people, unlike sources of omega 3 from cranberries. Sardines, for example, have quite a strong taste, and many who try this type of fish complain about the aftertaste. Likewise, flax is a type of food that many people do not enjoy, at least initially. Of course, it is possible to grow accustomed to the strong and distinct tastes of omega 3 rich foods, but it is also quite likely that the person will simply refrain from eating them due to personal preferences. Using cranberry seed oil to get omega 3 from cranberries, however, will most likely not interfere with a person's individual tastes. Getting omega 3 from cranberries is quite easy, as the oil can simply be used as a replacement for olive or other types of vegetable oil. Therefore, getting omega 3 from cranberries is not likely to conflict with personal tastes and preferences.
Simplicity
Many people interested in omega 3 fatty acids would like to consume at least some of the substance on a daily basis, whether they are getting their omega 3 from cranberries or another source. However, considering that there are relatively few foods that naturally contain omega 3, eating foods rich in the fatty acids each and every day could become quite difficult. Most people, for example, would find it quite time-consuming to prepare meals that include oily fish or flax on a daily basis. By using cranberry seed oil, however, it becomes quite easy to get omega 3 from cranberries. Rather than worrying about preparing highly specific foods and recipes, all the individual has to do is use a little oil, which makes getting omega 3 from cranberries very simple.
Versatility
While traditional sources of omega 3, such as oily fish, offer the individual some choices when it comes to preparing meals, there are only so many ways that most foods can be prepared. Using a cranberry seed oil to get omega 3 from cranberries, on the other hand, offers a wider range of choices. The oil could simply be added to any recipe, or drizzled over vegetables or salads, so opting to get omega 3 from cranberries results in virtually endless choices for the consumer.
