Healthy Bits · Nutrition & wellness
Fish oil and omega-3s
Omega-3 fats are essential, which means your body can't make them on its own, so they need to come from food. EPA and DHA, the forms found in fish, are important for your heart, brain and eyes, and may help support a healthy inflammation response.
Food comes first:
- Aim for fatty fish twice a week; think SMASH: salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herring
- Add plant sources like ground flax, chia and walnuts, which provide ALA, a form your body converts to EPA and DHA only in small amounts
If you don't eat fish, a fish oil or algae-based supplement may help fill the gap. Choose one tested for purity, keep it in the fridge, and check with your doctor or practitioner first, especially if you take blood thinners.
- omega-3
- inflammation
- flax
Healthy Bits are for general education and aren’t medical advice. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing, take medication, or are managing a health condition.