Omega 3 Fatty Acids are a type of fat that the body needs, but cannot produce on its own. They are called essential fats, as the body needs them to survive. There are 3 types of Omega 3 fatty acids: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). EPA and DHA can mainly be found in fish such as anchovies, bluefish, herring, salmon, sardines and lake trout. ALA can be found in vegetable oils and nuts (such as walnuts), flax seeds and leafy vegetables. Omega 3 Fatty Acids have shown to have benefits for your cardiovascular health, including reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease, cardiac death, reducing the risk of blood clots and arterial plaque, and lowering inflammation and blood pressure.
Sources:
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/ (accessed 8. August 2020)
- Cleveland Clinic. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids (accessed 8. August 2020)
- WebMD. The Facts on Omega-3 Fatty Acids. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet#1 (accessed 8. August 2020)
