Plant Sources of Omega 3

April 8, 2008 at 5:09 pm · Filed under Uncategorized


One of the most popular supplements I have seen my clients take is Omega 3. Most people are aware of the benefits of this group of  essential fatty acids due to plenty of media attention. It is excellent for heart, brain and mood function. It is now added to many packaged foods like milk, eggs and juice. Everyone benefits from taking it: babies, children, men, women, seniors, athletes and body builders. Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, protect the body from pollution as well as helping the body detox oil soluble toxins.

The major omega-3 fatty acids are:

• ALA, (alpha) linolenic acid
• EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid
• DHA, docosahexaenoic acid

Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is the only essential omega-3 fatty acid because our bodies can convert ALA into others such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). There is a wealth of scientific data that suggests the conversion rate of ALA to DHA is only in the region of 4-15%. There are, however, other conditions where this conversion is inefficient to non-existent. For example, infants and people with certain enzyme deficiencies cannot efficiently convert ALA to EPA.

Udo Erasmus, Author of Fats that heal and Fats that kill, however mentions that it is a lack of good quality plant fats that effects this conversion in the first place.  

Most omega 3 supplements are fish based. We do have a great choice of unpolluted plant source omega-3 fatty acids that also supply other super nutrients like lignans, protein, antioxidants and more.

Flax seeds

Hemp seeds

Pumpkin seeds

Chia

Walnuts

Green leafy vegetables

Marine algae (excellent source of DHA)

You can make a vast array of really delicious food with the above sources. It is really easy to get your Omega 3 from plant sources.

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