What Is The Difference Between Omega 7 and Omega 3
If you’ve heard some of the talk around omega-7 and want to know how it compares to omega-3, then this guide is for you. We’re breaking down the differences, looking at the benefits, and discussing the best sources to get these important nutrients into your life.
What Are Omega-Fatty Acids?
Omega-fatty acids are unsaturated fats that our bodies need to perform vital functions on a cellular level. They’re also important for reducing inflammation and supporting balanced hormone production.
To get more into the science, omega fatty acids are named based on their molecular structure. Omega-3 fatty acids have their first double bond at the third carbon, while omega-7s have their first double bond at the seventh carbon.
What difference does this make?
This small difference in molecular structure affects how these two fatty acids behave in the human body and the health benefits they offer.
Essential Versus Non Essential Fatty Acids
One key difference between omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids is that one is an essential fatty acid, while the other is non-essential. Omega-7 is the non-essential fatty acid in this duo, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not essential to your health.
Essential fatty acids, like omega-3, cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be acquired through diet or supplementation.
On the flip side, non-essential fatty acids like omega-7 can be produced by the body through the synthesis of other nutrients. However, getting adequate non-essential fatty acids can be a challenge, making supplementation beneficial for optimal health.
Omega-3: The Essential Fatty Acid for Inner Health and Vitality
Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats. They are essential for brain development, especially omega-3 with DHA. Omega-3s are key for cognitive function, including improving memory and focus, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and offering some protection against dementia.
Omega-3 is also important for reducing chronic inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health.
Think of omega-3 fatty acids as your internal protector, working hard to keep your brain and heart in top shape, while also reducing the systemic inflammation that is a precursor to many of the chronic diseases we suffer from today.
Omega-7: The Non-Essential Fatty Acid with Essential Benefits
Omega-7 fatty acids are monounsaturated fats that are powerful allies for overall health. Omega-7 is a more rare type of fatty acid, and while the body can synthesize it from other nutrients, supplementation from high-potency sources like sea buckthorn can be an absolute game changer for health.
There are two types of omega-7 fatty acids: palmitoleic acid and cis-vaccenic acid. Palmitoleic acid is the most common and researched form of omega-7 with incredible benefits.
Omega-7 offers support to the body in a number of ways:
•Nourishes mucosal membranes – relieves dry eyes, mucosal membrane discomfort, and vaginal dryness
• Hydrates skin and supports healthy cellular regeneration
• Supports hair growth and collagen production
• Soothes inflammation
• Promotes healthy blood sugar regulation
Let’s take a closer look at the primary omega-7 benefits.
Why Omega-7 Fatty Acid Is a Game Changer for Skincare and Beyond
Omega-7 fatty acid is an absolute superstar when it comes to supporting skin health. It has the ability to hydrate from within, while also soothing inflammation and boosting collagen.
These mechanisms are essential for healthy-looking skin and can have impressive results from an anti-aging standpoint. A boost of collagen, plus enhanced hydration, will help the skin appear more plump, youthful, and radiant.
In other words, healthy.
For those who suffer from inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea, omega-7 is central to soothing the inflammatory response that makes these conditions worse. Regular supplementation can help reduce the symptoms and, in some cases, put them into remission.
Omega-7 also supports mucosal health. In fact, it’s one of the benefits it’s best known for. This includes the eyes, mouth, vaginal lining, and the digestive lining, making omega-7 a key player in overall health and wellness.
Omega 7 for Metabolic and Hormonal Health
While there is still ongoing research, so far, the results are promising for omega-7 being a partner in regulating blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. It may also be beneficial in improving fat metabolism, specifically for reducing belly fat.
While omega-7 on its own is an incomplete strategy for managing diabetes and insulin resistance, regular supplementation can be a highly beneficial component of care.
Adding Both Omega-3 and Omega-7 Fatty Acids Into Your Daily Ritual
Your body needs both omega-3 and omega-7 daily for optimal health.
Top sources of omega-3 include:
• Fatty fish
• Flaxseed
• Chia seeds
• Cod liver oil
• Walnuts
• Soy beans
• Supplementation with omega-3 DHA
Omega-7 is far less abundantly found in nature, although there are a couple of food sources:
• Sea buckthorn (highest potency of omega-7 available)
• Macadamia nuts
• Sardines
• Avocado
• Supplementation with a high-quality product like Sibu Omega-7 Plus
Omega-7 Supplementation: Choosing Wisely
Something to keep in mind is that omega-7 is gaining popularity; there has been a surge of inferior supplements coming to the market. Quality and the source of omega-7 are critically important.
Omega-7 supplements derived from fish can undergo heavy chemical processing, which not only strips away many of the benefits and produces an inferior quality product, but it can also leave behind toxic residues that are anything but healing for your body.
Omega-7 sourced from sea buckthorn is the way to go. Our Omega-7 Plus uses wild-grown, unprocessed sea buckthorn berries from the Himalaya Mountains. Our berries and the quality of omega-7 that comes from them are unprecedented in terms of purity, potency, and beneficial results for your health.
Do You Need Both Omega-3 and Omega-7?
Both omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids are essential for health. They each work differently, which means they’re complementary to each other, but not interchangeable.
When you’re serious about whole-body wellness – from digestive and cardiovascular health, to beautiful skin, it’s important to make room for both of these omegas in your daily routine.
Sibu Omega-7 Plus features our proprietary blend that offers the purest, most potent form of omega-7 and omega-3 DHA. It also provides omega-9 fatty acids and vitamin D3 to support your health and wellness on every level.
Choose your body and your health – choose Sibu for quality omega-7 and omega-3 in your life.