Omega-3 and Omega-7 have become common names in the health and wellness industry. Omega-3 has attracted positive attention because it has been known to provide benefits like improving heart health and brain function. Omega-7 has recently received its share of popularity as people continue to expand knowledge in this area of fatty acids. This blog explains the key differences between omega-3 and omega-7 in a simple and clear way.
No doubt, both Omega-3 and Omega-7 have benefits because they are both fatty acids. The former has been researched and used in multiple applications for its benefits while the latter has been in discussions in skincare and metabolic wellness but has yet to be researched and used in applications.
Understanding the Difference Between Omega-7 and Omega-3
Before diving into Omega-3 and Omega-7, we need to understand what Omega fatty acids are. Omega fatty acids are healthy fats and have multiple roles within the human body. They vary in the structures and positions of their double bonds, as stated by the number attached to the Omega; as we see in Omega-3 and Omega-7.
Omega fatty acids have different behaviors and support various health functions in the human body.
What is Omega-3?
Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid and is considered essential for the human body. Mechanistically, the body does not produce it in adequate levels; therefore, it must be externally sourced through food and/or supplements.
Major source of Omega-3 are:
-
Fatty fish like salmon and sardines
-
Flaxseeds
-
Chia seeds
-
Walnuts
-
Sea Buckthorn
Omega-3 has surged in popularity as a health supplement, primarily due to its promotion in the context of heart health. However, the benefits of omega-3 go beyond heart health. It may also support brain function, help reduce inflammation, and contribute to overall wellness.
Omega-3 has 3 predominant branches which are:
- ALA, which is primarily sourced from plant products
- EPA
- DHA, which is primarily sourced from fish oil
Most people in India are first introduced to omega-3 via fish oil capsules when they are searching for cholesterol, memory, and joint support supplements.
What is Omega-7?
Omega-7, unlike omega-3, is classified as a monounsaturated fatty acid, which means the body is capable of producing small amounts of it, thus it is not viewed as an essential fatty acid.
However, omega-7 is now becoming an indispensable ingredient in health and beauty products. Many people are now using omega-7 products to support skin hydration, softness, and overall wellness. Its growing popularity has also increased interest in omega-7 beyond traditional dietary supplements, especially in the skincare and wellness industry.
The table below gives a quick and easy comparison between the two nutrients.
|
Feature |
Omega-3 |
Omega-7 |
|
Type of Fat |
Polyunsaturated fatty acid |
Monounsaturated fatty acid |
|
Main Health Focus |
Heart health, brain support, and reducing inflammation |
Skin hydration, metabolic wellness, and mucous membrane health |
|
Essential or Not |
Considered an essential fatty acid because the body cannot produce enough of it |
Not considered essential because the body can produce small amounts naturally |
|
Common Food Sources |
Fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts |
Sea buckthorn berries, macadamia nuts, and certain fish oils |
|
Popular Uses |
Heart wellness, cognitive support, and joint health supplements |
Skin care, beauty supplements, and metabolic wellness products |
|
Research Level |
Widely researched and well established |
Emerging research with growing popularity |
Health benefits of Omega-7
The potential health benefits of Omega 7 have made this compound an increasingly popular choice among health supplements. While research into Omega 7 has lagged behind the study of Omega 3 in terms of progress, several studies have demonstrated that Omega 7 offers numerous health benefits.
-
The first of these benefits includes the increased hydration and softness of skin ascribed to Omega 7. These properties are due to the effect of Omega 7 on the body's natural moisture barrier. Consequently, Omega 7 fatty acids are becoming increasingly used as an ingredient in skin care supplements.
-
The next is their beneficial effects on metabolic health. It has been discovered that these compounds help with maintaining healthy fat metabolism and improving insulin sensitivity.
-
Another important benefit of Omega 7 includes its positive effects on mucous membranes of various body parts, especially eyes, mouth and digestive tract.
Omega-3 vs Omega-7– Which One Do You Need?
It all comes down to your needs, because both types of fatty acids have their own functions within the body and therefore should be used differently depending on whether your goal is one or the other.
If your needs include:
-
Supporting heart
-
Supporting brain functions & memory
-
Helping joints
-
Supporting against inflammation
-
Supporting overall wellbeing
then you should look into getting more omega-3s.
On the other hand, if your needs relate to:
-
Skin hydration & softness
-
Dryness problems (e.g. eyes)
-
Supporting beauty
-
Wellness
then you may find omega-7s more interesting.
In reality, most people will get benefits from both healthy fats in their nutrition. The trick here is in high-quality products.
Why are people choosing Sea Buckthorn for Omega 3 and Omega 7 needs?
People are opting for seabuckthorn for their omega needs since it is among one of the rare plant sources that have all four types of omegas (omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9) naturally occurring. Oils, on average, provide either of those omegas. People who avoid fish oil can rely on sea buckthorn oil for all their vitamins, carotenoids and flavonoids needs.
Final Thoughts
Discussion regarding omega-7 and omega-3 continues to evolve as people discover the importance of healthy fats in their diet. While omega-3 fatty acid continues to be the subject of many studies as far as improving overall physical and mental well-being goes, omega-7 has been gaining attention recently due to its potential benefits for skin health, metabolism, and general beauty wellness.
Instead of considering these fats as competitors, it is better to appreciate the benefits that each offers to our body. Choice between these two is up to you depending on your health objectives and needs. Yet, the primary concern here is to choose reputable Indian health & wellness supplements and nutrition from Wellwith.
FAQs
1. Is omega-7 better than omega-3?
Absolutely not. Both are unique in their benefits. It is just the fact that omega-3 has proven itself in numerous studies as an essential fatty acid while.omega-7 is a newly discovered one, which became popular because of its ability to help with skin hydration.
2. Is it possible to consume both omega acids simultaneously?
Of course, there is no harm in consuming them together, and this process is even recommended by many specialists. Each of the omega acids serves a specific purpose, so consuming them both is the way to be sure that you did everything to achieve good health.
3. Can omega-7 replace omega-3 supplements?
No, omega-7 cannot replace omega-3 because both fatty acids have different functions and benefits in the body.
4. How do I choose a good omega supplement?
Look for supplements from a trusted health and wellness brand in India that focuses on ingredient quality, purity, safety testing, and transparent labeling.
