What About Omega Fatty Acids? Do We Have to Kill Fish?
A Vegan Health Article from All-Creatures.org

These vegan health articles are presented to assist you in taking a pro-active part in your own health.

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From Dr. Holly Wilson, In Defense of Animals (IDA)


[Ed. Note: It is important to get yourself educated about the harm caused to humans by consuming fish oil: Fish Oil Increases Risk of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Some Patients, Is There Something Fishy About Fish Oil?, Fish and Fish Oil Linked to Diabetes Risk. Also read articles about the impact on the environment of humans devastating our oceans for "profit."]

There is a widely held incorrect belief that seafood is the only source for Omega fatty acids. Essential fatty acids can not be synthesized by the human body, however they are necessary for a variety of functions. Plants are capable of producing Omega fatty acids, and in turn our own enzymes convert them to EPA.

Fish consume algae, which contain essential fatty acids. We can cut out the middle man and directly consume the fatty acids. Canola oil, English walnuts, flax seed, hemp seed/milk, olive oil, pumpkin seeds, spirulina and other algae are rich with essential fatty acids that the body fully recognizes and utilizes.

The basic principle that animals do not spontaneously produce nutrients that we need for survival also holds true for aquatic creatures. There is a widely held incorrect belief that seafood is the only source for Omega fatty acids. Essential fatty acids can not be synthesized by the human body, however they are necessary for a variety of functions. Plants are capable of producing Omega fatty acids, and in turn our own enzymes convert them to EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaeonic acid). EPA and DHA are among the building blocks of our brain, nervous system and help maintain the integrity of our cell membranes. Essential fatty acids begin with Omega 3 & 6, and then we have the ability to convert them to long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Fish consume algae, which contain essential fatty acids. We can cut out the middle man and directly consume the fatty acids. Canola oil, English walnuts, flax seed, hemp seed/milk, olive oil, pumpkin seeds, spirulina and other algae are rich with essential fatty acids that the body fully recognizes and utilizes. Seafood is the number one cause of food-borne illness in the U.S. and also contains dioxins, mercury, and other heavy metals - toxic substances that we were never meant to be ingested. Farmed fish is not the answer either. Because of the unnatural conditions in aquaculture, farmed fish aren't able to convert the nutrients they are given into Omega fatty acids, they are loaded with antibiotics, and are basically swimming in a cesspool of their own excrement.

I find it worthy to briefly express my concerns about the state of our oceans. Leading scientists have predicted that at the rate we are going, most all seafood people ingest will be gone by 2048. We are overfishing the oceans, causing irreparable damage. And not only 'target fish' are being depleted, but we are killing and harming many other species in our destructive path. In fact, 7.3 million tons of marine life each year is killed and never sold or eaten. The first thing I "gave up" was seafood, when I learned that sea turtles drown in fishing gear.

I am proud to report that I will be serving as Medical Director for the Sea Shepherd's Operation Blue Rage II during the month of June. This campaign focuses on the bluefin tuna who are nearing extinction if intervention is not swift. I will also be helping the chefs prepare vegan food for the crew! Please wish me, the crew, and the bluefin tuna good luck!

 

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All-Creatures.org Health Position and Disclaimer

We began this archive as a means of assisting our visitors in answering many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to take a pro-active part in their own health. We believe the articles and information contained herein are true, but are not presenting them as advice. We, personally, have found that a whole food vegan diet has helped our own health, and simply wish to share with others the things we have found. Each of us must make our own decisions, for it's our own body. If you have a health problem, see your own physician.