The Best Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

If you’ve ever looked into eating healthy, chances are, you’ve come across omega-3 fatty acids. But omega-3s can be confusing if you’re not familiar with them. What exactly are they? How are they good for you? Where can you find them?

To get the answers to these questions, we spoke to registered dietitian Anna Taylor, RD, LD.

What are omega-3s, and how are they good for you?

Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that your body can’t efficiently produce (or produce at all) but still needs for several functions. Omega-3s are important for heart health, as well as brain and eye health. They also support other functions like your immune system, digestion and fertility.

There are three types of omega-3s:

• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), often found in plant sources like canola oil, flaxseed and walnuts
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fish and fish oil
• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), like DHA, found in fish and fish oil

For most people, DHA and EPA are the best ways to get omega-3s, says Taylor. “Your body has to convert ALA acids to DHA and EPA, and that process isn’t always the most efficient, as it can change from person to person.”

Taylor also notes that it’s preferable to get your nutrients (including omega-3s) from food and not rely on pills or supplements. So, if you want to add more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, you’ll need to make sure you’re getting enough from your meals and snacks.

Foods high in omega-3s

As you may have gathered from the list above, there’s one primary source for omega-3s your body needs most: fish. Fortunately, there are enough fish in the sea to provide a variety of dietary options. Here are some examples, with data taken from the USDA:

• Herring: 1.7 grams per 3 ounces
• Wild salmon: 1.6 grams per 3 ounces
• Bluefin tuna: 1.3 grams per 3 ounces
• Mackerel: 1 gram per 3 ounces
• Sardines: 0.9 grams per 3.75-ounce can
• Anchovies: 0.9 grams per 2-ounce can
• Lake trout: 0.8 grams per 3 ounces
• Striped bass: 0.8 grams per 3 ounces

If you’re wondering about canned tuna, try to limit the amount you eat, as it can contain high levels of mercury. Stick to the chunky light option for reduced mercury amounts. That’s especially important if you’re pregnant or nursing, which means you should avoid other high-mercury fish, too, like swordfish, shark and tilefish.

Some of the fish listed above — like wild-caught salmon, herring, sardines and shellfish — are especially good options when trying to balance adding omega-3s while controlling mercury intake.

Other sources of omega-3s

These options, Taylor notes, contain high amounts of ALA omega-3s. While the omega-3 levels are high, remember that your body doesn’t process all of it.

• Flaxseed oil: 7.26 grams per 1 tablespoon
• Chia seeds: 5.06 grams per 1 tablespoon
• Canola oil: 1.28 grams per 1 tablespoon

How much omega-3s should you include in your diet?

Overall, at least two servings of fish a week is a good way to get those omega-3s in your diet. And if you want to get more specific, the USDA recommends that adults get 8 or more ounces of oily fish each week, which is about 250 milligrams (mg) of omega-3s.

It’s always best to consult your doctor before major changes to your diet, even healthy ones. This way, you can avoid any complications from allergies. Plus, your doctor knows what approaches and foods will work best for you and your specific health situation.