Omega 3 fatty acids
are important fats that provide many health benefits.
Studies have found
that they may reduce inflammation, decrease blood triglycerides and even reduce
the risk of dementia.
The most well-known
sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish oil and fatty fish like salmon,
trout and tuna.
This can make it challenging
for vegans, vegetarians or even those who simply dislike fish to meet their
omega-3 fatty acid needs.
Of the three main
types of omega 3 fatty acids, plant foods typically only contain
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
ALA is not as active
in the body and must be converted to two other forms of omega 3 fatty acids —
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — to bestow the same
health benefits .
Unfortunately, your
body’s ability to convert ALA is limited. Only about 5% of ALA is converted to
EPA, while less than 0.5% is converted to DHA.
Thus, if you don’t
supplement with fish
oil or get EPA or DHA from your diet, it’s important to eat a good
amount of ALA-rich foods to meet your omega 3 needs.
Additionally, keep in
mind your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, as a diet low in omega-3s but high in
omega-6s can increase inflammation and your risk of disease (6Trusted Source).
Here
are 7 of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
1. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are known
for their many health benefits, bringing a hefty dose of fiber and protein with
each serving.
They’re also a great
plant-based source of ALA omega 3 fatty acids.
Thanks to their omega
3, fiber and protein, studies have found chia seeds could decrease the risk of
chronic disease when consumed as part of a healthy diet.
One study found that
consuming a diet with chia seeds, nopal, soy protein and oats decreased blood
triglycerides, glucose intolerance and inflammatory markers.
A 2007 animal study
also found that eating chia seeds decreased blood triglycerides and increased
both “good” HDL cholesterol and omega 3 levels in the blood.
Just one ounce (28
grams) of chia seeds can meet and exceed your daily recommended intake of
omega-3 fatty acids, delivering a whopping 4,915 mg .
The current daily
recommended intake of ALA for adults over age 19 is 1,100 mg for women and
1,600 mg for men.
Boost your chia seed
intake by whipping up a nutritious chia pudding or sprinkle chia seeds on top
of salads, yogurts or smoothies.
Ground chia seeds can
also be used as a vegan substitute for eggs. Combine one tablespoon (7 grams)
with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg in recipes.
SUMMARY:
One ounce (28 grams)
of chia seeds provides 4,915 mg of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, meeting 307–447% of
the recommended daily intake.
2. Brussels Sprouts
In addition to their
high content of vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber, Brussels sprouts are an
excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids.
Because cruciferous
vegetables like Brussels sprouts are so rich in nutrients and omega-3 fatty
acids, they have been linked to many health benefits.
In fact, one study
found that an increased intake of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a
16% lower risk of heart disease.
A half cup (44 grams)
of raw Brussels sprouts contains about 44 mg of ALA .
Meanwhile, cooked
Brussels sprouts contain three times as much, providing 135 mg of omega-3 fatty
acids in each half-cup (78-gram) serving .
Whether they’re
roasted, steamed, blanched or stir-fried, Brussels sprouts make a healthy and
delicious accompaniment to any meal.
SUMMARY:
Each half-cup (78-gram)
serving of cooked Brussels sprouts contains 135 mg of ALA, or up to 12% of the
daily recommended intake.
3. Algal Oil
Algal oil, a type of
oil derived from algae, stands out as one of the few vegan sources of both EPA
and DHA.
Some studies have even
found that it’s comparable to seafood in regard to its nutritional availability
of EPA and DHA.
One study compared
algal oil capsules to cooked salmon and found that both were well tolerated and
equivalent in terms of absorption.
Though research is
limited, animal studies show that the DHA from algal oil is especially
beneficial to health.
In fact, a recent
animal study found that supplementing mice with a DHA algal oil compound led to
an improvement in memory.
However, more studies
are needed to determine the extent of its health benefits.
Most commonly
available in softgel form, algal oil supplements typically provide 400–500 mg
of combined DHA and EPA. Generally, it is recommended to get 300–900 mg of
combined DHA and EPA per day .
Algal oil supplements
are easy to find in most pharmacies. Liquid forms can also be added to drinks
or smoothies for a dose of healthy fats.
SUMMARY:
Depending on the
supplement, algal oil provides 400–500 mg of DHA and EPA, fulfilling 44–167% of
the daily recommended intake.
4. Hemp Seed
In addition to
protein, magnesium, iron and zinc, hemp seeds are comprised of about 30% oil
and contain a good amount of omega-3s.
Animal studies have
found that the omega-3s found in hemp seeds could benefit heart health.
They may do this by
preventing the formation of blood clots and helping the heart recover after a
heart attack.
Each ounce (28 grams)
of hemp seeds contains approximately 6,000 mg of ALA .
Sprinkle hemp seeds on
top of yogurt or mix them into a smoothie to add a bit of crunch and boost the
omega-3 content of your snack.
Also, homemade hemp
seed granola bars can be a simple way to combine hemp seeds with other healthy
ingredients like flaxseeds and pack in extra omega-3s.
Hemp seed oil, which
is made by pressing hemp seeds, can also be consumed to provide a concentrated
dose of omega 3 fatty acids.
SUMMARY:
One ounce (28 grams)
of hemp seeds contains 6,000 mg of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, or 375–545% of the
daily recommended intake.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts are loaded
with healthy fats and ALA omega 3 fatty acids. In fact, walnuts are comprised of about 65%
fat by weight .
Several animal studies
have found that walnuts could help improve brain health due to their omega-3
content.
A 2011 animal study
found that eating walnuts was associated with improvements in learning and
memory.
Another animal study
showed walnuts caused significant improvements in memory, learning, motor
development and anxiety in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
Just one serving of
walnuts can fulfill an entire day’s requirements of omega-3 fatty acids, with a
single ounce (28 grams) providing 2,542 mg.
Add walnuts to your
homemade granola or cereal, sprinkle them on top of yogurt or simply snack on a
handful to increase your ALA intake.
SUMMARY:
One ounce (28 grams)
of walnuts contains 2,542 mg of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, or 159–231% of the
daily recommended intake.
6. Flaxseeds
Flax
seeds omega 3 are nutritional
powerhouses, providing a good amount of fiber, protein, magnesium and manganese
in each serving.
They’re also an
excellent source of omega-3s.
Several studies have
demonstrated the heart-healthy benefits of flaxseeds, largely thanks to their
omega-3 fatty acid content.
Both flaxseeds and flaxseed
oil have been shown to reduce cholesterol in multiple studies
Another study found
that flaxseeds could help significantly lower blood pressure, particularly in
those with high blood pressure.
One ounce (28 grams)
of flaxseeds contains 6,388 mg of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, surpassing the daily
recommended amount .
Flaxseeds are easy to
incorporate into your diet and can be a staple ingredient in vegan baking.
Whisk together one
tablespoon (7 grams) of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water to use it
as a handy substitute for one egg in baked goods.
With a mild yet
slightly nutty flavor, flaxseed also makes the perfect addition to cereal,
oatmeal, soups or salads.
SUMMARY:
One ounce (28 grams)
of flaxseeds contains 6,388 mg of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, or 400–580% of the
daily recommended intake.
7. Perilla Oil
This oil, derived from
perilla omega 3 seeds, is often used in Korean cuisine as a
condiment and cooking oil.
In addition to being a
versatile and flavorful ingredient, it’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty
acids.
One study in 20
elderly participants replaced soybean oil with perilla oil and found that it
caused ALA levels in the blood to double. In the long term, it also led to an
increase in EPA and DHA blood levels .
Perilla oil is very
rich in omega-3 fatty acids, with ALA making up an estimated 64% of this seed
oil.
Each tablespoon (14
grams) contains nearly 9,000 mg of ALA omega-3 fatty acids.
To maximize its health
benefits, perilla oil should be used as a flavor enhancer or dressing, rather
than a cooking oil. This is because oils high in polyunsaturated fats can
oxidize with heat, forming harmful free radicals that contribute to disease .
Perilla oil is also
available in capsule form for an easy and convenient way to increase your
omega-3 intake.
SUMMARY:
Each tablespoon (14
grams) of perilla oil contains 9,000 mg of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, or 563–818%
of the daily recommended intake.
The
Bottom Line
Omega 3 fatty acids
are an important part of the diet and essential to your health.
If you don’t eat fish
because of dietary reasons or personal preference, you can still reap the
benefits of omega 3 fatty acids in your diet
Source Page: https://tananet.net/7-best-plant-sources-of-omega-3-fatty-acids/