We’re often told that omega-3 is necessary for optimal brain health and function, which is why supplements are so prevalent in supermarkets and health stores. However, most of the oils in these pills are derived from fish — adding to the problem of overfishing. As it stands, an estimated 2,270 marine species are endangered or threatened with extinction (marinemegafaunafoundation.org), so it is imperative that we do not exploit aquatic ecosystems for this nutrient. So, where else can we obtain it from? When it comes to omega-3, the two main fatty acids you want to focus on are Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), due to their incredible health benefits on the heart, brain, joints and immune system. Flaxseeds contain the ALA form of omega-3, which, in order for it to be beneficial to our health, must be converted into EPA and DHA. Unfortunately, due to poor conversation rates, you would need to eat almost half a kilo of flaxseeds a day, just to get half a gram of DHA! Compare this with algae oil, where just 2ml contains 600mg of DHA and 300mg of EPA. Contrary to popular belief, omega-3 is actually naturally produced by algae, not fish. Fish only get omega-3 from the krill and algae that they consume. So, by taking a supplement derived from algae, the middleman is removed, and you benefit from the purest form of omega-3. Best of all, no fish are killed, and no oceanic ecosystems are destroyed in the process. Nutritionist, Charlotte Cliffe recommends Vivo Life’s (vivolife.co.uk) sustainably-grown Algae Oil, which is both cold-pressed and tested for heavy metals, PBN’s and toxins, making it the purest version of omega-3 out there.