These common foods are great sources of omega fatty acids—long-chain dietary fats, which provide a host of health benefits.
Despite the bad reputation that dietary fats have received in recent years, some fats are crucial to our health. Omega fatty acids are a case in point. These long-chain dietary fats provide a host of health benefits, provided they are taken in the right balance.
While supplements have become a popular way to obtain the omega fatty acids that the body requires, there are alternatives—each one can be derived from the foods we eat.
OMEGA-3
Omega-3 fatty acids make up a vital part of the human cell membrane. They have also been linked to everything from improved heart health, mental health, and bone health to decreasing liver fat, and inflammation in the body. They’ve even been touted in the slow-down of dementia.
Omega-3 is referred to as an “essential” compound, meaning the human body cannot create it on its own and therefore it must be taken through diet or supplements. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to consume a healthy dose of omega-3’s.
SEEDS
Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds have all been credited
as excellent sources of omega-3, due to their high alpha-linoleic acid content—a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is known to help reduce heart disease.
They are also high in dietary fibre, which helps overall digestion. However, they must be consumed in a ground form or they may not get fully broken down by the digestive tract.
Chia seeds contain many nutrients needed for the upkeep of your body such as protein, calcium and fibre. They also happen to be a great source of omega-3, and omega-6, along with al- most half of a daily intake of fibre in a two tablespoon serving.
FISH
Canadians of a certain vintage may remember being given cod liver oil in school. Turns out that terrible-tasting concoction was a good source of omega-3. Eating fish is one of the best ways to add the essential fatty acid to your diet. Oily fish including mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies are
all packed with omega-3. Salmon and tuna should also be part of an omega-rich diet.
WALNUTS
With just seven walnuts containing about 60% of your daily omega-3 needs, these common nuts are a powerful source for boosting your omega-3 levels. They also contain plenty of dietary fibre along with some vitamin E, copper, and manganese. Try a few as a regular snack or include them in your next salad.
EGG YOLK
Traditionally, health-conscious eaters have tended to avoid egg yolk because of its cholesterol content. But egg yolk from hens that have been raised on a diet of flaxseed, fish by-products, algae, and other omega-rich food also contains about 225mg of omega-3 per yolk. Look for labels that indicate that the eggs contain omega-3.
BEANS
Soybeans in the form of tofu, along with navy beans, are a good source of omega-3, protein and fibre.
OMEGA-6
Like omega-3, omega-6 is an essential fatty acid, meaning that we need it to live, but our bodies don’t produce it. But unlike omega-3, foods containing omega-6 are far more common, even in unhealthy foods such as potato chips, processed meats and pizza. That means that most people tend to get enough omega-6 in their diet already.
Achieving the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 is crucial. Studies have found that a typical North American gets anywhere from a 1:10 to 1:30 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in their diet. Nutrition scientists now believe that a 1:4 ratio is optimal for health. Too much omega-6 can lead to inflammation in the body.
Walnuts, pine nuts and sunflower seeds are all good sources of omega-6, and each is packed with other essential nutrients as well. Pine nuts have high amounts of vitamin E, vitamin K, pro- tein, and magnesium, while sunflower seeds are high in iron, protein, and fibre.
OMEGA-9
Unlike its omega cousins, omega-9 is nonessential, meaning that the human body makes its own omega-9. However, it can also be a benefit to get some omega-9 from food.
The classic Mediterranean diet is high in omega-9, mainly because it contains a fair bit of olive oil—an omega-9 powerhouse. Nutrient-rich avocados also pack omega-9 along with vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin K. And don’t forget the nuts, particularly hazelnuts, as an excellent source of omega-9.
More Insight: Check out this insightful article on the 5/20 rule of grocery shopping.
Author: Tom Mason is the former editor of Progress magazine. In the past three decades he has written extensively about business, technology, travel, lifestyles and Atlantic Canadian issues for a number of regional, national and international publications.
