Omega-3 fatty acids come in three types: DHA, EPA, and ALA. Fish and seafood are rich in DHA and EPA, while plant sources provide ALA. The human body converts ALA to EPA and DHA but at less than 15% efficiency. Therefore, consuming ample ALA-rich foods is crucial for those not supplementing with fish oil or seafood sources. It is also important to maintain a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is essential to prevent inflammation and disease. Here are the top five vegetarian-friendly sources of Omega-3 fatty acids that you should include in your diet. Read On.
1. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a powerhouse of Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. Just one tablespoon of flaxseeds provides about 7 grams of ALA. This makes flaxseeds an excellent addition to your diet. To maximize absorption, consume flaxseed oil or ground flaxseeds. You can easily incorporate them into your daily meals by adding them to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt.
2. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are another fantastic plant-based source of ALA. They offer around 5 grams of ALA per ounce, making them an incredibly nutrient-dense option. In addition to Omega-3s, chia seeds are high in fibre and protein. They can be used in a variety of ways, such as adding them to granola, salads, and smoothies.
3. Seaweed and Algae
Seaweed and algae, including varieties like nori, spirulina, and chlorella, are unique plant sources that contain both DHA and EPA, the more readily usable forms of Omega-3s typically found in fish. These can be consumed in various forms: nori sheets are great for sushi, dried seaweed makes a crunchy snack, and spirulina or chlorella powders can be added to smoothies. Besides Omega-3s, seaweed is also rich in protein and has potential antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antihypertensive properties.
4. Edamame
Edamame, or immature soybeans, are a popular snack and side dish in Japan, rich in both Omega-3s and protein. A half-cup serving of frozen edamame contains about 0.28 grams of ALA. They can be boiled or steamed and added to salads or enjoyed on their own with a sprinkle of sea salt. Edamame is not only a good source of Omega-3s but also provides a healthy dose of plant-based protein.
5. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable packed with nutrients, including Omega-3 fatty acids. 44 mg of ALA is contained in half a cup of Brussels sprouts. They are also rich in vitamins K and C, and fibre. More consumption of cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts helps lower the risk of heart disease.
Omega-3s benefit our physical and mental health in multiple ways: cardiovascular (heart, blood vessels, blood), respiratory (lungs, airways, blood vessels), immune (bone marrow, spleen, lymphatic system, white blood cells), and endocrine (pancreas, adrenal, thyroid, pituitary glands, hormones). They also protect mental health, aiding conditions like ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorder.
