Why Omega Oils Matter - And Why Omega 3 Deserves The Spotlight
By Joe Jackson, Founder + Head Nutritionist At Apothecary 27When we talk about “omega oils,” we’re really talking about a family of essential fatty acids — essential because our bodies can’t make them, so we must get them from food or supplements.
The main players are omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 — and while all are useful, it’s omega-3 that deserves our full attention.
The Balancing Act
Omega-6 fats are easy to find — they’re in most vegetable oils, processed foods, and even nuts and seeds.
Omega-9s? Our bodies can make those on their own.
But omega-3? That’s where most of us fall short.
Modern diets tend to overload us with omega-6 while leaving omega-3 behind — a mismatch that can lead to inflammation, the common thread behind everything from aching joints and hormone imbalance to sluggish moods and heart concerns.
Why Omega-3 Is So Special
Omega-3 fatty acids — mainly EPA and DHA — are the body’s natural calmers and communicators.
They’re known to:
Reduce unwanted inflammation.
Support hormone balance and healthy cellular function.
Keep joints supple and comfortable.
Feed the brain, improving focus and mood stability.
If your body were an orchestra, omega-3 would be the quiet conductor keeping every section in harmony.
Food Sources and Absorption
Plant foods like chia, flax, and walnuts contain omega-3 in the ALA form (alpha-linolenic acid), but our bodies only convert around 5–10% of ALA into the active EPA and DHA.
That’s why marine sources — oily fish such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, and trout — remain the gold standard:
They already contain EPA and DHA in the ready-to-use form your cells recognise instantly.
For vegans and vegetarians, algae oil is a clean, sustainable alternative — it’s the original source of omega-3 in the marine food chain.
It’s good, but still a little less bioavailable than fish-based sources. For plant-based eaters, though, it’s absolutely worth including.
Viridian Scandinavian Rainbow Trout Oil
At Apothecary 27, we only recommend what we truly believe in — and this is one of those stand-out products.
Viridian’s Scandinavian Rainbow Trout Oil is:
✅ The only certified organic fish oil available.
✅ Sourced from pristine Scandinavian lakes.
✅ Extracted within hours of harvest for unmatched freshness.
✅ Completely traceable, ethical, and sustainable.
No heavy processing, no bleaching, no synthetic additives — just a clean, cold-pressed oil that delivers omega-3 as nature intended.
It’s omega-3 done properly.
My Own Perspective
Even as a vegetarian myself, I strongly believe that a high-quality fish oil supplement is an important addition — especially if you’re not consistently eating three portions of oily fish per week. While acknowledging the value of plant-based alternatives, I know from both clinical experience and reading the evidence that the EPA/DHA from fish remains more reliably absorbed and utilised by the body. It’s about bridging the practical reality of modern eating patterns with the goal of optimal wellness.
The Takeaway
Most of us could benefit from a little more omega-3 — whether through two portions of oily fish per week or a trusted supplement.
Getting that balance right supports your heart, brain, hormones, and long-term wellbeing.
If you’d like to chat about how omega-3 fits into your diet, come by the store — I’m always happy to help you choose what’s right for you.
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your GP or healthcare professional before starting new supplements, especially if you are undergoing medical treatment or taking prescribed medication.