Omega 3: Essential Fatty Acids - Opinion of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

By: Simone Quenneville, RD

Many of our clients ask us about essential fatty acids, and specifically omega-3s. This week, our Registered Dietitians (Nutritionists) are focusing on this topic and it's health implications. 

Omega-3s are a type of fatty acid mostly found in fish. Getting enough omega-3 fats in your diet has been shown to lower risk of heart disease, may maintain brain health and reduce the risk of dementia.

The best source of omega-3s can be found in fish such as salmon, trout, sardines, and mackerel. Some products like eggs and milk are enriched with omega-3 fats, meaning it has been added during the processing stage. They can also be found in plant-based food sources including flax seeds, walnuts, and soy products. Here’s a tip: consume flax seeds in the ground form over the whole seed for better omega-3 absorption!

How do you know you’re getting enough omega-3 fats in your diet? The general recommendation is to consume at least 2-3 servings (75 g) of fish a week. If you do not consume fish this often or do not include the other sources of omega-3 fats, it might be worth looking into a fish oil supplement.

Click Here to book an appointment with one of our Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists to find out more!

 

 

Reference:

https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Heart-Health/Omega-3-fats-deliver-Oh-Mega-benefits.aspx?aliaspath=%2fen%2fArticles%2fHeart-Health%2fOmega-3-fats-deliver-Oh-Mega-benefits