Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats with numerous health benefits, particularly regarding cardiovascular health. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a type of Omega 3 fat found in plant foods which cannot be manufactured by the human body. Omega-3 fatty acids are an important element for the body to have, and going without them for too long can lead to inflammatory conditions in the body. If you go a long time with an omega-3 shortage you might suffer from premature aging and leave yourself susceptible to diseases and conditions that otherwise would not have surfaced.
Below is a list of the top foods containing high amounts of Omega 3s:
EGGS
Be sure to go with the ones that are also organic and free range so that you’re getting a high quality product. There’s still much debate over whether eggs are good for you or not, and if so how many you should be having each day, and whether or not you should eat the yolk or just have the whites. When it comes to getting your omega-3 needs met, you’ll need to eat the yolks, as that’s where they’re located.
WALNUTS
Walnuts are a great source of Omega 3s! They’re also a good source of healthy fats, and can help you stave off hunger between meals, supplying energy to power you through your day. The nice thing about eating some walnuts as an energy boost is that you don’t end up with a crash later. Just be sure to go with raw organic walnuts for the best purity and to avoid unneeded additional ingredients.
FLAX SEEDS
Flax seeds provide instant omega-3 benefits. They are also high in fibre and healthy fats, so you’re really getting multiple benefits from just one food item. When you have these on hand you can pour them into the blender when making a smoothie, sprinkle them on a main dish as a healthy garnish and they also can be added in various soups!
TUNA
Tuna is a well-known source of Omega 3 fatty acid. It’s one of the more readily available foods, and something that you can easily have on a regular basis. Choosing a version like albacore or tuna steaks is your best bet nutritionally, as these are high quality proteins that will help you feel full longer and build lean muscle. Just be sure to keep an eye on your overall tuna intake, as it contains a fair amount of mercury, which can offset the benefits you’re getting from the omega-3s.
KALE
Kale is getting more and more popular as the mainstream catches on to its health benefits. It even provides omega-3s, making it one of the most well-rounded vegetables you can eat. Try eating kale chips if you want a delicious way to get more omega-3s!
Use this list as a way to make sure you’re meeting your needs and staying as healthy as you can!