17/09/2019

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Explained in Simple Terms

Omega-3 fatty acids are important fats that you must get from your diet. However, most people don't know what they are. This article explains everything you need to know about omega-3 fatty acids, including their various types and how they work.

Omega-3s are a family of essential fatty acids that play important roles in your body and may provide a number of health benefits. As your body cannot produce them on its own, you must get them from your diet. The three most important types are ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). ALA is mainly found in plants, while DHA and EPA occur mostly in animal foods and algae. Common foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, fish oils, flax seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.

For people who do not eat much of these foods, an omega-3 supplement, such as fish oil or algal oil, is often recommended.

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