Omega-3 fatty acids often called omega-3 fats, or simply omega-3s, are a type of polyunsaturated fats demonstrated to have numerous health benefits such as reducing inflammation, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, supporting the beneficial bacteria residing in your gut microbiome, and improving brain function and preventing mental decline. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats, which means they must be consumed through the diet since the body cannot manufacture them internally.
Three different fatty acids are grouped together to form the triad of omega-3 fatty acids. Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). In general, ALA can be found in plant sources such as nuts and seeds, while DHA and EPA are abundant in fish and seaweed. Its ideal to get a mix of all three omega-3 fatty acids for optimal health. The adequate intake (AI), which is a measure of the recommended daily intake, is 1,600 mg per day. Lastly, while the foods below are among the best dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil supplements and cod liver oil are alternative ways to ensure adequate intake of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Mackerel is a small fatty fish that is often enjoyed smoked and served as whole fillets. Though small in size, the nutrient content is impressive. Along with roughly 4,100 mg of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in a single piece of salted mackerel (or 5,130 mg in a 3.5-ounce serving), mackerel packs an impressive 200% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient important for energy generation and nerve conductivity. Mackerel is also rich in selenium.
Herring isnt particularly popular in the United States, but in England, its common to see herring (referred to as kippers) on breakfast menus alongside eggs. Herring is a medium-sized oily fish and often sold canned after being cold-smoked, pickled, or precooked. It is rich in vitamin B12 and selenium, and also contains nearly 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin vital for bone health and hormone production. Each medium fillet of herring contains about 950 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, while a full 3.5-ounce serving provides over 2,300 mg.
Flaxseeds are often the go-to source of omega-3 fats for vegans. These small seeds are often ground or milled to extract the oils. Flaxseeds are an especially potent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) omega-3 supplements. One tablespoon of raw seeds has about 2,350 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, while the oil provides a whopping 7,260 mg per tablespoon. Flaxseeds also provide prebiotic fiber, which feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Try adding them to homemade protein balls, salads, or oatmeal.
Salmon is arguably the poster child or the most notorious food high in omega-3 fatty acids, and its certainly up there in terms of providing the highest amounts of these healthy fatty acids. A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon provides about 2,250 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, and a six-ounce fillet offers 4,250 mg or about 266% of the AI.
Anchovies are tiny, oily fish often used to flavor sauces or salad dressings, or enjoyed as toppings on anything from pasta to pizza or appetizers. A 3.5-ounce serving of canned anchovies has about 2,110 mg of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. If youd prefer an alternative small fish, sardines are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, with nearly 1,500 mg in 3.5 ounces.
When youre in the mood to dine lavishly, you can get your omega-3 fats from caviar, which consists of fish eggs (roe). These beautiful pearls often are used in Japanese cuisine along with other fine dining applications and impart a briny flavor. Caviar is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, providing over 1,000 mg of these healthy fats in a mere tablespoon. Not that its common to eat a full 3.5 ounces of this delicacy, but simply for comparison purposes, 3.5 ounces of caviar contains roughly 6,800 mg of omega-3 fatty acids.
Not every oyster contains a pearl, but when it comes to nutrition content, oysters can certainly be seen as the oceans pearls. Oysters are the best dietary sources of zinc, containing an impressive 52 mg or 472% of the DV of this immune-supporting mineral in just six oysters. This same serving size also provides 370 mg of omega-3 fatty acids.
Chia seeds contain protein, fiber, and minerals like selenium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. There are also over 5,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per ounce of chia seeds. They can be soaked into a chewy pudding, sprinkled on salads, added to granola or atop yogurt, and blended into smoothies.
Seaweed and algae are often sourced for vegan omega-3 supplements because of their high content of these essential fats, and the fact that they are one of the few plant groups that contain both DHA and EPA. Most plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids only contain ALA.
Seabass is a fatty fish common to Japanese and South American cuisine. In addition to selenium and protein, seabass also contains 470 mg of DHA and 180 mg of EPA omega-3 fatty acids per serving. Another fatty fish option more common in the United States is trout. Trout has 440 mg of DHA and 400 mg of EPA per serving, along with vitamin D and potassium, which may help lower your blood pressure.
Walnuts are excellent for your skin and hair because they contain nourishing vitamin E along with healthy fats, including over 2,500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per ounce or seven walnuts. Consider adding them to yogurt, nutritious cereals, salads, or enjoying them as a pre-workout snack.
Soybeans are a type of legume, along with beans, lentils, and peas. They are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, which have been shown to improve prostate health and reduce the risk of certain cancers. Whether you enjoy edamame, tofu, tempeh, or roasted soybeans, youll also get a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids. One cup of tofu provides 1,467 mg (92% AI) of omega-3 fats. If you prefer other legumes, you can get about 20% of the AI in a serving of navy beans or pinto beans.
Read the original:
Eat These 12 Foods High in Omega-3 Fats for a Healthy Body - The Manual
- Creatine and Caffeine: Benefits, Risks, Dosage - Health.com - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- Fiber Supplements Are Once Again Popular But Pick The Right One | mindbodygreen - mindbodygreen - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- The Ministry of Health Warns the Public Against Use of Food Supplements Manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical ... - Gov.il - April 16th, 2024 [April 16th, 2024]
- Study: Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements May Reduce Cancer Risk - Prevention Magazine - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Magnesium for Sleep: The Best Type, When to Take It and More - Good Housekeeping - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Food ingredients drive growth in beauty supplements - IngredientsNetwork.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Best Ozempic Weight Loss Alternative Supplements Money Can Buy (Top OTC Semaglutide Alternatives) - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Can Fiber Help with Ozempic, Wegovy Side Effects? - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Vitamin B12 and Magnesium: Benefits, Risks, Dosage - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Taking a Daily Fiber Supplement Might Help Boost Brain Function in Older Adults - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Moringa: Benefits, Side Effects And Risks Forbes Health - Forbes - October 22nd, 2023 [October 22nd, 2023]
- What to Know About California's New Law Banning Food Additives ... - Smithsonian Magazine - October 18th, 2023 [October 18th, 2023]
- How to Treat Iron Deficiency - The New York Times - October 18th, 2023 [October 18th, 2023]
- The Importance of Micronutrients for Optimal Health - Everyday Health - September 11th, 2023 [September 11th, 2023]
- How can companies stand out in the immune health category in 2023? - Nutritional Outlook - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Kemin's BetaVia Pure immune and gut health ingredient gains ... - Nutritional Outlook - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Steadfast Nutrition expands its portfolio with four supplements - Asia Food Journal - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Martyn Ford Reveals Food & Supplements of 10000 Calorie Diet for ... - Fitness Volt - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Nutrition & Longevity Experts Love This Metabolism Supplement ... - mindbodygreen - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Ric Flair Reveals Diet, Training & Supplements to Stay Jacked at 74 ... - Fitness Volt - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- ADM licenses gut-health ingredient from Gnubiotics for pet food ... - Nutritional Outlook - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Global Sorbitol Market Report 2023: Increasing Demand for Non-medical Dietary Supplements Drives Growth - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: What They Are and How To Get the Most Out of Them - Health Essentials - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Six of the Best... food, treats & supplements - Dogs Today Magazine - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 9 Anti-Inflammatory Supplements Backed By Science Forbes Health - Forbes - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Dietary Supplements Market Size to Reach Globally with Growing ... - Digital Journal - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- These 11 Vegan Vitamins Are Made With Fruits and Vegetables - VegNews - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Hemptown's Kirkman Subsidiary Named One of the 50 Most Admired Companies to Watch in 2023 - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- What is biotin? Foods to eat and if you should take it every day - USA TODAY - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Best vitamins to be taking as seasons change, according to health expert - Daily Record - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- KITTEN YOGA RETURNS TO EAST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARY ... - Jefferson Parish - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 8 Best Fiber Supplements of 2023, Tested by Experts - Good Housekeeping - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- FDA Passes the Buck (Back) to Congress for Legislative Solution on ... - JD Supra - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- The Wellness Trap: Break Free from Diet Culture, Disinformation, and Dubious Diagnoses, and Find Your True Well-Being - Next Big Idea Club Magazine - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Fruit And Vegetable Supplements: A 2023 Guide Forbes Health - Forbes - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- FDA: SARMs not worth the health risk 'for a few extra likes' - NutraIngredients-usa.com - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Are Melatonin Gummies Safe? Here's What (Kinda Scary) New Research Says - POPSUGAR - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New paper discusses the rationale for proprietary blends in ... - Nutritional Outlook - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- The Best Brain Supplements For Cognitive Health Forbes Health - Forbes - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Protein powders: Are they bad for your health? - BBC - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New Regulation on Turkish Food Codex Nutrition Claims Has Just ... - Lexology - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Selenium: Benefits, Side Effects, and More - Verywell Health - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- FDA Warns of Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators ... - FDA.gov - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Probiotic supplements may do the opposite of boosting Gut Health ... - WholeFoods Magazine - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Do hangover supplements actually work? - Nutritional Outlook - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Common Sense Health: Fish oil is the superhero of supplements - The Independent - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Red yeast rice nutritional supplements health benefits, risks ... - Chicago Sun-Times - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- From forest to fork - All About Feed - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Could Certain Foods Help With Hot Flashes? - The New York Times - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Consumer interest in cognitive, immune health rising - Food Business News - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- 15 Best Vitamin Brands of 2022: A Dietitians Picks - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Dietary supplements for weight loss - Mayo Clinic - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Emergency Food Supplements | DSHS - Washington - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Guidance & Regulation (Food and Dietary Supplements) | FDA - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- Food Labeling & Nutrition | FDA - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- Health & Food Supplements Information Service - HSIS - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Food Security Community Food Security Coalition - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Expert Voices: Diet and Nutrition for People With Parkinson's... - Parkinson's News Today - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The regulatory state of play of the sports and active nutrition sector - NutraIngredients.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The Digestive Health Supplements Market Is Set To Grow At A More Than 9% Rate Due To Rising Cases Of Digestive Diseases As Per The Business Research... - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- FSAI highlights incidents, recalls and fraud in its annual report - Food Safety News - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Global Cannabidiol Legalization Trend to Shape the CBD Market's Future Growth - PR Newswire - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The FoodNavigator Podcast: Mood food for mental wellbeing how can the industry capitalise? - FoodNavigator.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- 6 Ways to Find Relief from Your Menopause Symptoms - Health Essentials - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- NutraCast: How amendments in the 2023 Farm Bill could shape the hemp industry - NutraIngredients-usa.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- South Korea starts year-long inspection of probiotics imported from US, Europe - NutraIngredients-Asia - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Nveda employs a variety of dietary supplements made of natural ingredients for a fit and healthy life - The Hindu - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Vitamin C Market to See Healthy Growth of USD 1,899.69 Million with Excellent Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.60% by 2029, Size, Opportunities,... - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Global Microalgae Market to Reach $1.3 Billion by 2027 - GlobeNewswire - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Dietary supplements that are safe to take, which to avoid: experts - Insider - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- 6 Best Fiber Supplements That Will Keep Your Gut Happy - CNET - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Do You Actually Need To Take A Multivitamin? The Answer May Surprise You - The Zoe Report - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Global overview for probiotics: Trends, markets, and harmonization - Regulatory Focus - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Combining Your Medication With This May Have "Life-Threatening Effects" - Best Life - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Aroma-Zone opens a new store in Paris and prepares to grow abroad - Premium beauty - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Fertility Supplements And Vitamins For Women: What You Need To Know - Forbes - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- ITA offers webinar focusing on supplements and informed decision-making (part 1) - IHF - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Awards recognize the latest innovative pet food products - Pet Food Processing - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- On-mind and on-trend: formulating products for cognitive well-being - Nutraceutical Business Review - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- The #1 Sign You're Taking "Too Many Vitamins" Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]