Omega 7 vs. Omega 3

With the great number of health blogs and media outlets online, it is easy to see that most of us are concerned with three things when it comes to improving our health: weight loss, longevity and cancer. Media celebrities like Dr. Oz and amateur bloggers have been buzzing with information about how essential fatty acid supplements can provide benefits for each of these concerns. For many years omega-3 fatty acids have held the spotlight due to their well-known anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. While omega-3’s benefits are certainly great,  their relative omega-7 is fast becoming a nutritional superstar.  Here is a breakdown on their differences and similarities and how they together may improve your pet’s health.

Omega-7 Fatty Acids

Omega-7 fatty acid, potent monosaturated fats, are less well known than other omegas but are very important for our health.  Omega-7’s secret is out, as many biomedical researchers have found that its potent benefits overshadow those of omega-3. Omega-7 has multifaceted benefits, which include:

• Reduces the signs of aging
• Boosts collagen production in skin
• Helps skin cells repair sun damage
• Enhances skin’s moisture content
• Digestive support
• Improves mucous membrane function of the stomach and intestines
• Helps support mucous membrane repair
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Cardiovascular support
• Has been shown to improve blood lipid profiles
• Anti-inflammatory properties – smoothing inflamed arteries and veins
• Diabetes, obesity and weight loss
• Increases insulin sensitivity of bodily cells – improving insulin resistance
• May have a “signaling” function that helps helps the body control weight and fat reserves at the cellular level 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Not to be outdone by its rare cousin, omega-3 supplementation compliments the benefits found in omega-7. Omega-3 fatty acids (such as EPA, ALA and DHA) have been researched for decades and their benefits are most widely known, including:

• Reduces the signs of aging
• Reduces the risk of dementia
• DHA is vital for the retina and gray matter in the brain
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduces the body’s circulating inflammatory compounds
• Helps to reduce joint pain
• Cardiovascular support
• Mild antihypertensive effects
• Stimulates blood circulation

What you eat greatly impacts your overall health, regardless of your particular health concerns. Some experts believe that the high omega-6 content of the Western or American diet and relative deficiency of omega-3s and omega-7s is contributing to the obesity epidemic and decline in good health. Increasing both omega-3 and omega-7s in your pet’s diet (and yours) have long-term benefits on the inside and out.

Do you have a personal experience with omega 7 or sea buckthorn? Share your success story with us in the comments.