Whenever I interview health and nutrition experts, I make it a point to
ask about their go-to supplements, and they almost always highlight
omega-3-rich foods and supplements. These beneficial polyunsaturated
fats, derived primarily from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), are celebrated
for their antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3s support a range of health
benefits, from heart and brain function to joint, eye, and skin health.
They’re also known to strengthen the immune system, reduce anxiety,
improve sleep quality, and may help protect against conditions like
heart disease, arthritis, and Alzheimer's. In short, they are vital
molecules for our well-being.
These essential Omega-3 fats—specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)—are especially important for our bodies
because they cannot be synthesised naturally. Instead, they need to be
obtained through dietary sources, such as fish oil, krill oil, or,
ideally, Omega-3-rich foods. Specialists recommend an intake of at least
250 milligrams of EPA and DHA daily to support health, from reducing
inflammation to bolstering heart and brain function. However, Omega-3
levels are often low in the typical Western diet, which tends to be
richer in Omega-6
and Omega-9 fats that can have pro-inflammatory effects. For a more
balanced and anti-inflammatory effect, experts suggest increasing
Omega-3 intake through diet or quality supplements.
To
boost your Omega-3 intake, prioritize foods rich in EPA and DHA,
primarily found in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Just
two servings of these fish per week generally provide enough to meet the
recommended daily intake. Omega-3s are also present in plant-based
sources like walnuts,
flaxseeds, and chia seeds, which contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
While ALA can convert to EPA and DHA in the body, this conversion is
limited to around 15%. By including both animal and plant sources of
Omega-3s in your diet, you ensure a steady supply of these essential
fats for heart, brain, and overall health.
10 foods rich in omega-3
1 Mackerel
Part
of the forage fish, and although considered a "poor" fish, mackerel is
packed with nutrients: 100 grams contains about 500% of the recommended
daily intake of vitamin B12 and 130% of that of selenium. In addition,
it provides as much as 4580 milligrams of omega-3 in the form of EPA and
DHA per 100 grams. This protein-dense
oily fish, ubiquitous in the Mediterranean and parts of the Atlantic
has a rich flavour, buttery texture, and is quick to cook on the grill,
in the oven, or in a pan.
2 Salmon
Ubiquitous
in food influencer stories, salmon is the ultimate anti-ageing beauty
food. It contains among other things vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B12,
minerals such as potassium phosphorus and magnesium, and 2150 milligrams
of EPA and DHA per 100 grams. If available, source it fresh and cook it
lightly steamed, as omega-3s are sensitive to heat. If you love raw
fish enjoy it as sushi or sashimi, and if you prefer it smoked, choose
it wild and of good quality.
3 Herring
These
blue fish, which are abundant in the North Atlantic and North Seas of
Europe (and especially Norway), are nutritionally rich and a fantastic
source of omega 3: 100 grams contain as much as 2150 milligrams of EPA
and DHA. They are also rich in selenium and vitamin B12.
Commercially often precooked, smoked or marinated, they lend themselves
to the preparation of salads such as the herring beet and red onion
salad, or the hyper fancy orange, fennel and herring salad.
4 Chia seeds
These
little seeds are stars of breakfast pudding and dessert recipes loved
by celebrities like Meghan Markle. They are rich in protein, essential
amino acids, and minerals like selenium, manganese and magnesium. And
they contain 5050 milligrams of omega-3 per 28 grams, in the form of ALA
(alpha linoleic acid). The easiest way to make sure you regularly enjoy
the benefits of chia seeds? Add a teaspoon to your morning protein shake.
5 Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed
oil is among the best dietary sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA):
one tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains 2350 milligrams of
anti-inflammatory ALA. This oil is also rich in protein, minerals, and
lignans, phytochemical complexes with antioxidant properties. Consume it
raw on salads and soups. Dip sourdough bread with croutons in it. And you can even use it as a compress to moisturise your hair.
6 Sardines
These
small fish, especially when eaten whole, are a powerhouse of nutrients:
they contain fralaltro vitamin D, selenium and vitamin B12. In
addition, 150 grams of canned sardines provide 1463 milligrams of EPA
and DHA. Eat them barbecued, as is done almost everywhere in Portugal,
or buy them canned and add them to salads instead of tuna.
7 Walnuts
What aren't walnuts
good for? Rich in vitamin E and minerals such as copper, manganese, and
potassium. iron and phosphorus, they also contain 2570 milligrams of
ALA per 28 grams. Crunch them between meals, chop them up in salads, and
use them to make an unusual pesto; you'll get brighter skin, more
peaceful sleep, and even a sharper memory.
8 Oysters
If
you get the chance, and your credit card allows, enjoy a few oysters
now and then. These nutrient-packed seafoods contain ALA as well as EPA
and DHA: 6 oysters provide 329 milligrams of them. In addition, they are
an excellent source of zinc, essential in winter to boost the immune
system, copper, selenium and vitamin B12 essential for the nervous
system.
9 Hemp seeds
Adopted
by vegetarians and vegans as a source of complete protein (they contain
all the essential amino acids) hemp seeds are a bombshell of nutrients
such as vitamin E, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium,
iron and zinc; and they really are a superfood, also beneficial for
skin disorders such as eczema. Also notable is its omega-3 content: 6
tablespoons contain 6703 mg of ALA.
10 Seaweed
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
anti-ageing and anti-cancer, seaweeds are a superfood we should eat
regularly. They are also a rare plant food that contains both EPA and
DHA, in amounts that vary from one type of algae to another. Include
them in soups, crumble them on salads and rice, wrap them to create
homemade sushi, and, in the absence of anything else, take them in
spirulina or chlorella tablets or powder to add to your morning
smoothie.
For vegetarians, luckily there are 2 more- kidney beans and soy bean products.
This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.
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Labels: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, benefits overall health, Brain, flax seed oil, hemp & chia seeds, herring, mackerel, Omega-3 rich foods-salmon, sardines, seaweed, supply essential fats for heart, walnuts