9 Ways to Get More Omega-3s in Your Diet
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of a healthy diet (they help keep your heart and brain healthy and quell disease-causing inflammation). Find out nine ways to get more of them in your diet from Food Network.
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Walnuts
Walnuts deliver more ALA — the plant-based omega-3 — than any other nut. Try Food Network Kitchens' Super Food Spinach Salad with Pomegranate-Glazed Walnuts for an easy side salad to pair with any meal.
Cold-Water Fish
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are a rich source of ALA, which may help lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease. To get the full benefit from flaxseed, eat it ground — your body is better able to absorb ALA from ground flaxseed than whole. Because it can go rancid easily, it's best to refrigerate ground flaxseed. In addition to omega-3s, flax has fiber and protein. Shake onto yogurt, add some to a smoothie or bake into cookies — your family won't notice that these Oatmeal-Flax Chocolate Chip Cookies have a health kick.
Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb
Mussels
Fatty fish aren't the only seafood boasting omega-3s. Mussels are a good source, with about 900 mg of EPA/DHA per 3-ounce serving. Try Tyler Florence's Steamed Mussels or Rachael Ray's Big Mussels with Garlic and Vermouth.
Chia Seeds
Eggs
When chicken eggs boast "omega-3s" on the package it means the chickens have been given feed that contains flaxseed, which in turn boosts the omega-3 content of the eggs (about 50 mg per large egg — not a ton, but every bit counts). One research study also found that eggs from pastured, rather than caged, chickens are naturally higher in omega-3 content.