How does your oil compare to fish oils?
Fish oils main claim to fame is DHA and EPA. However, as argued by Udo
for years, DHA is not necessary as the body can convert ALA to DHA.
Recent studies have shown as much as 21% of ALA can be converted to EPA
and 9% of ALA to DHA.
Here is the math on EPA and DHA conversions:
1 tablespoon = 15ml = 14g
1 tablespoon = 22.4% ALA x 14g = 3.14g ALA x 21% EPA = 659mg EPA
1 tablespoon = 22.4% ALA x 14g = 3.14g ALA x 9% DHA = 282mg DHA
Most fish oil supplements average around 300mg of EPA and 200mg of DHA per serving so if conversion is as found in the studies, dosing is comparable. Here is detailed backup on this subject: http://www.udoerasmus.com/articles/udo/fish_oil.htm
Why plastic and not glass packaging?
The key enemies of freshness are heat, light and oxygen:
When stored properly at ambient temperatures, PET plastic (#1) is just as inert as glass.
When it comes to light, PET is actually superior to glass as it is black and opaque, not amber, which still allows light to penetrate (this is why other oil products add a paperboard box… to keep light out).
For oxygen, it is not an issue because we nitrogen flush prior to sealing each bottle, meaning no oxygen in the bottles period.
Plus PET will not break during shipping, requires less packaging, is fully recyclable and is much less expensive. That means more $ goes into ingredients, rather than excessive packaging.
Lastly, the cost to recycle glass is much greater than the cost of recycling PET plastic.
Does it require refrigeration?
No, not before opening anyways. After opening, it is best to refrigerate. Our oil is shelf stable at ambient temperatures for a minimum of 12 months, likely over 24 months based on preliminary accelerated shelf stability testing. Antioxidants keep it more shelf stable, as opposed to flax which is very sensitive and not stable unless refrigerated.
Plus our oils are all cold-pressed without distillation, chemicals, synthetic purification agents or solvents and manufactured in an inert atmosphere, free of heat and light for maximum purity and shelf life.
How can the oil be used?
Add Vega Antioxidant EFA Oil to all cold, warm and hot foods but it should not be used for baking, frying or other high temperature cooking. Try it in salad dressings, dips, soups and smoothies or add it to your favourite vegetable, rice or pasta dishes for a convenient and pleasant tasting EFA boost. Try using fresh bread to dip or make salad dressing with mixed baby greens. Here’s a great tasting easy to make salad dressing:
Basic Salad Dressing Recipe