Best Foods for Omega 3s

Omega 3 Foods

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to overall health, but because the body does not naturally produce them, it's important to get your omega 3s from your diet. Omega 3s have been shown to lower triglycerides, improve heart health, fight rheumatoid arthritis and depression and support prenatal health. Fortunately, there are a number of foods and food products that are an excellent source of omega 3s, and most can be found at your local supermarket.

Fish - Fish products are one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Fish such as mackerel, tuna and salmon are excellent choices for getting the most omega 3s and many health professionals recommend at least two to three servings per week. Fish oil is also a great source of omega 3 fatty acids.

Nuts, Seeds and Beans - You can also expect a healthy dose of omega 3s by eating a variety of nuts, seeds, beans and their byproducts. Flax seeds and flax seed oil deliver ALA, which is then converted into omega 3s. Additionally, walnuts, radish seeds and soybean oils can also produce omega 3s.

Poultry - A variety of poultry and poultry products also offer omega-3 support. Eating quail, turkey and chicken a few times a week has been recommended to experience the health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids.

Fruits and Vegetables - Vegetables and vegetable byproducts can also offer omega 3s. Grape leaves, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower and arugula all offer over 1000mg of omega 3s per serving, as do lettuce, peppers and turnip greens.

Another great way to get omega 3 fatty acids is to use natural supplements. Natural supplements can deliver concentrated doses of omega 3s to allow you to quickly and easily get your daily amount. There are also natural supplements that are made from specific sources of omega 3s, such as fish oil supplements. Taking supplements is an easy way to get healthy without having to spend time shopping for foods rich in omega 3s, as well as without having to force yourself to eat certain foods just for the health benefits. Additionally, taking natural supplements is typically less expensive than having to purchase foods and food products that contain omega 3s.

Before taking any supplement for omega 3, it is important to speak with your doctor. Certain anticoagulants can be affected by omega 3 supplements, so your doctor may need to run some tests to ensure you can safely take these supplements.