Where Are Omega-3s Found? From the Sea to Natural Supplements

Now that you know what they are, it's time to find out where to find the Omega-3s that your body needs so much to stay healthy. Get ready: we're taking you to the beach!

Wondering where DHA and EPA, the most important Omega-3 fatty acids, are found? These valuable nutrients are abundant in cold-water fish such as mackerel, halibut, sardines, salmon, and herring.

But that's not all: they are also present in the perna canaliculus, a mollusc typical of New Zealand used for centuries by the Maori population to stay healthy, and in krill , crustaceans that inhabit the depths of the Antarctic waters.

Food supplements: a more practical option
How often do these precious sources of Omega-3 appear on your table? It is not always easy to ensure a proper intake of essential fatty acids through diet. And that is precisely why food supplements exist.

EPA and DHA can also be taken in the form of fish oil, shellfish oil or microalgae supplements.

Keep in mind, however, that only fish oil provides both EPA and DHA. The oil extracted from microalgae contains only traces of EPA and considerable doses of Omega-6 – the most abundant being arachidonic acid (ARA), a precursor of molecules with pro-inflammatory activity. For this reason, microalgae oil is considered an incomplete and unbalanced source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

One very important thing: when you choose to enrich your diet with Omega-3 supplements, make sure you are dealing with products with a quality certificate and a guarantee of purity. The absence of residues of heavy metals (arsenic, lead, nickel), dioxins, furans, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury and other toxins must be certified. Due to industrial pollution, unfortunately, these substances harmful to health can accumulate in the seas and be absorbed by fish. And, therefore, go up the food chain to reach us.

Be careful: choose natural supplements that you can trust. Seriously.