Coconut Oil Pills VS Fish Oil: Which Health Supplement is Best for You?
When it comes to healthy oils, two of the most popular supplements are coconut oil and fish oil. While these supplements have little in common, both oils have their respective health benefits. But which one is best for you? In addition, what makes the one better than the other? In today’s post, we are comparing the health benefits of coconut oil pills and fish oil:
Coconut Oil Pills vs Fish Oil: Fast Facts About Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a type of medium chain fatty acid comprised of lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid. Although considered as a saturated fat, coconut oil is good for the heart. It is widely regarded as a healthy fat because it is not animal derived and it does not clog the arteries. Studies show that coconut oil pills promote better brain and heart health. The oil reduces the risk of inflammation while also protecting healthy cells from oxidative stress. Coconut oil could also reduce the risk of cancer.
Coconut Oil Pills vs Fish Oil: Fast Facts About Fish Oil
Fish oil is a type of long chain essential fatty acid. Regarded as a type of polyunsaturated fat, fish oil is comprised of eicosapentaenioc acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish oil promotes better brain health and proper brain development, especially among infants and children. This animal-derived oil reduces the risk of inflammation while also protecting healthy cells from oxidative stress. Fish oil doesn't decrease the risk of heart disease although people who take fish oil at least 4 times a week are less likely to die of a heart attack.
Coconut Oil Pills Strengthens the Immunity
Coconut oil is teeming with lauric acid. Lauric acid is converted into monoglyceride monolaurin by the body, a chemical that strengthens the immune system. Studies show that taking coconut oil pills may minimize the risk of viral and bacterial infections.
Coconut Oil Pills Promotes Healthy Weight Loss
Statistics show that about 300,000 deaths per year are due to the obesity epidemic. In the US alone, more than one-third or 36.5% of the adult population are either overweight or morbidly obese. Simply put, obesity kills. Taking coconut oil supplements may minimize your risk of developing obesity-related illnesses. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are not stored in the cells, they are used up for energy quickly and efficiently. Coconut oil accelerates the metabolic rate while also promoting healthy cellular functions for proper weight management.
Coconut Oil Pills Reduces Inflammation
Internal inflammation is one of the main causes of inflammatory diseases. It could affect the brain, heart, the joints, and the nervous system. Coconut oil minimizes the risk of inflammation by neutralizing pathogens that could otherwise lead to internal or external inflammation. The analgesic properties of coconut oil also inhibit chronic inflammation.
Fish Oil Reduces Inflammation
Just like coconut oil supplements, fish oil supplements minimize the risk of inflammation. The DHA and EPA in fish oil are converted into prostaglandins. These are hormone-like chemicals that reduce internal inflammation while regulating healthy cell activity.
Proper Brain Development
Fish oil shines in terms of supporting proper brain development, especially among infants. The DHA in fish oil helps generate brain tissues while also forming neural transmitters that are vital for brain functions.
Better Bone Health
Studies show that taking fish oil supplements may help reduce bone disorders and improve bone health. The studies, however, are limited to animal subjects. More tests are needed to substantiate this claim. A separate study also found that taking fish oil is associated with a lowered risk of osteoporosis.
Coconut Oil Pills vs Fish Oil: Why Coconut Oil is Better than Fish Oil
Sustainability
The health benefits of fish oil have been well documented. However, fish oil is not as sustainable as coconut oil. Fish oil is extracted from farmed fish and fish farming is not only harmful to the environment, certain farming practices may be detrimental to human health. The fish is usually kept in ill-maintained cages and fed a cocktail of antibiotics. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is produced naturally. In addition, the deforestation practices linked with palm oil production is in no way related to the coconut oil industry.
Shelf Life
Fish oil is not a stable substance and is prone to oxidation when exposed to direct sunlight and high heat during storage. On the other hand, coconut oil is resistant to oxidation because of its stable chemical composition. Even after three years of storage, coconut oil pills are still safe to consume with no signs of rancidity or free radical formation.
Vegan
Some people are unable to take fish oil because this supplement is not vegan. Although plant-based sources like flaxseed oil make a great alternative to fish oil, the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed don't compare to animal-derived fish oil. On the other hand, coconut oil is a great health supplement for vegans because it’s plant-derived. In addition, coconut oil is packed with the same polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oil. As long as you are taking raw coconut oil, you can maximize all its amazing health benefits!
Conclusion
Coconut oil pills vs fish oil: which health supplement should you choose? Fish oil and coconut oil may be worlds apart but their health benefits are quite similar. Both supplements have their respective health benefits so the choice boils down to your personal preference and needs!