Research finds that vegetarian sources of omega-3 have value also

[Guest guest]

This article contains an interesting reference to research that has found that

vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, flaxseeds) have the same

benefits as omega-3 fatty acids from fish. In the past, it has been thought that

fish oil was a superior source of omega-3.

 

Study: Good News for Vegetarians and Vegans?

Posted by Harsha on June 6th, 2007

 

A newly released study has found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may

help lower a person’s blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids are typically found in

larger quantities in certain types of fish, nuts such as walnuts, and flax

seeds.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/06/05/heart.pressure.reut/index.html?e\

ref=rss_health

 

The study examined the diets of 4,680 men and women, ranging from ages of 40 to

59 from four different countries (Japan, China, Britain and the United States).

Research on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids has been ongoing for a number of

years and the Internet is full of references to such literature.

 

This particular study interestingly concluded that people who got their omega-3s

from vegetarian sources (such as Walnuts, flaxseed, and canola oil) had just as

much benefit as those who get them by eating fish. This is probably reassuring

news for vegetarians who do not eat fish.

 

Vegetarianism has become more mainstream in the West since the 1970s. People are

vegetarian or become vegetarian due to a variety of reasons including their

religion, cultural upbringing, and the desire to not eat meat.

 

Most vegetarians in India include dairy products as part of their diet. Some

include eggs as well.

 

Veganism is a more strict form of vegetarianism in which no animal products are

included in the diet at all.

 

For a list of famous vegans, see the following link.

 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_vegans