When it comes to being a source of omega fatty acids, the ahiflower just might give fatty fish a run (or is it swim?) for its money.

For the longest time, fatty fish such as salmon, trout, sardines and mackerel were considered to be the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, with many experts touting their consumption as the be-all-end-all of optimal omega-3 fatty acid intake. That is until the ahiflower came along.

Ahiflower (Buglossoides arvensis) as it is known to the scientific community is a plant native to several countries in both Europe and Asia. Once considered a weed due to its ubiquity, ahiflower is now grown sustainably as an agricultural crop, mainly because of recent discoveries highlighting its impressive omega fatty acid content.

Health benefits of ahiflower

As noted by experts, ahiflower oil is considered to be the best non-fish source of omega fatty acids on the planet, with particular emphasis put on its stearidonic acid (SDA) content.

SDA, according to experts, is a form of omega fatty acid that is more readily and more efficiently converted into DHA and EPA. Aside from that, ahiflower oil also contains omega-6 GLA — an essential fatty acid that is noticeably absent from other plant-based oils such as chia, hemp and perilla.

Because of its nutrient content, it’s not surprising to learn that ahiflower oil has been linked to the following health benefits:

Ahiflower oil promotes a healthy cardiovascular system

Ahiflower oil is packed with SDA which is efficiently metabolized and converted by the body into EPA. According to experts, EPA, when combined with a balanced diet and a healthy and active lifestyle, can help promote good cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation throughout the body. As noted by medical experts, inflammation in the body can damage the blood vessels which can then lead to heart disease and strokes.

Ahiflower oil promotes healthy bones and joints

Ahiflower oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are known to promote optimal bone development. Not only that, but ahiflower oil also contains omega-6 GLA which is considered to be helpful when it comes to maintaining peak joint health and mobility.

Ahiflower oil promotes healthy cognitive performance and mental well-being

According to experts, regular intake of DHA and other omega fatty acids can help support and promote optimal brain and nervous system function. This, experts said, is largely due to DHA’s nature as the primary structural fatty acid of the gray matter of the brain, as well as its ability to keep the brain’s cell membranes healthy.

Ahiflower oil promotes healthy vision and good eye health

Those who are looking for ways to preserve their eye health may find it beneficial to take ahiflower oil. This is because DHA is a major component of the retina, and is known to help support healthy and normal vision.

Ahiflower oil promotes healthy immune system function

As noted by experts, fatty acids such as DHA and EPA support the function of immune B cells. This means that DHA and EPA — both present in high quantities in ahiflower oil — can help the body in its fight against pathogens and other external threats.

Here’s some additional good news: those who wish to add ahiflower oil to their diets are in luck because despite its seemingly exotic nature, you can easily get ahiflower oil in either capsule or liquid form.

Want to try adding ahiflower to your daily routine? Here’s a recipe that you can try:

Fruity Breakfast Bowl

The perfect pick-me-up after a workout, this tasty and refreshing fruit-packed smoothie bowl is one great way to add vitamins, minerals and healthy fatty acids to your diet.

Ingredients:

• 2 large organic bananas, frozen
• 3 cups frozen mixed organic berries
• 1 cup organic almond milk
• 2 teaspoons organic ahiflower oil
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seed protein powder
• 2 tablespoons organic almond butter
• Fresh organic strawberries, sliced
• Fresh organic bananas, sliced
• Fresh organic mangoes, sliced
• 2 teaspoons organic chia seeds
• Raw, organic sliced almonds

Preparation:

1. Combine the fruits, almond milk, ahiflower oil, pumpkin seed protein powder and almond butter in a blender and blitz until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy
2. Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness and thickness to your liking.
3. Transfer to a bowl and add sliced fruits, chia seeds and sliced almonds as desired.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Ahiflower oil is considered by many to be a far healthier alternative to fish-derived omega fatty acids, mainly because of the potency in its formulation as well as its plant-based nature. It is also easy to add to your diet, mainly because it does not have the fishy taste that its marine counterparts have.

Sources:

NutraIngredients-USA.com

EffectiveHealthcare.AHRQ,gov

AlgaeCal.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Health.Harvard.edu

ScienceDaily.com