• Vitamins & Supplements
  • Food & Drink
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Free From
  • Natural Beauty
  • Weight Management
  • Offers
  • Summer Shop
  • The Health Hub
  • Learn more Healthbox
  • Account
Track your order Delivery & Returns Help Centre My subscriptions

Customer Service

  • Contact us
  • Site map
  • Site map
  • Store locator

About us

  • Who are we
  • Working at Holland & Barrett
  • Press releases
  • Privacy & cookie policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Holland & Barrett More
  • Holland & Barrett International
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Modern Slavery Statement

Connect with us

Store
0370 606 6606
My account
Rewards
  • Sign in
  • How do I join?
  • What are the benefits?
  • FAQs
Holland & Barrett :: the good life
  • Menu
  • Account
  • Store
  • Basket
    Search for
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Food & Drink
    • Sports Nutrition
    • Free From
    • Natural Beauty
    • Weight Management
    • Offers
    • The Health Hub
    • Healthbox

    Home / Food & Drink / Food / 6 foods with Omega-3

    foods with Omega 3 in
    foods with Omega 3 in

    6 foods with Omega-3

    Omega-3s are the ‘good’ fat your body needs, but cannot otherwise produce on its own.

    They are important for brain function heart health, normal vision and much more.1

    There are various types of Omega-3s, but the three most important ones are ALA (also known as α-linolenic acid), EPA (or eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid).

    If you are looking to increase your intake of omega-3s through changes to your diet, which are some the best foods which naturally contain omega-3?

    Six of the best foods containing omega-3

    Your body struggles to process ALA and convert it to EPA and DHA, so it tends to use it more like it would other fats.

    ALA is found in greens. EPA and DHA are the omega-3 types that you need, and they are mostly found in seafood.

    1. Salmon

    Salmon is one of the most nutrient dense foods available, and it also has one of the highest concentrations of omega-3s.

    It contains high-quality protein, as well as large amounts of vitamin D and B.2

    To make the most of a fillet of salmon, health wise, you can use almost any method to cook it. Although frying or deep frying will obviously add more of the unhealthy kind of fat to your total consumption.

    Grilling and broiling (cooking over dry heat) are fast ways to cook fish without adding any fats.

    If you add a marinade to your fish before cooking, you can help reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

    These are compounds which form in the flesh of animals when cooked over very high heats, and have some risks associated with them – though more with red meat than with fish.3

    Ideally, you want to eat a portion of fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, or other kinds, once or twice a week.4

    2. Sardines

    Sardines have around half the amount of omega-3s per serving than salmon, but they are still extremely nutritious, especially when eaten whole.5

    Sardines are great source of vitamin B-12, which gives you energy and helps your immune and nervous system.

    They also contain vitamin D, for bone health, and important minerals such as niacin, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.

    They are also a great way to get calcium if you cannot tolerate (or do not want to eat) dairy products.6

    For the pescatarians out there, sardines are a great way to cover much of your protein needs.

    Sardines go off relatively quickly, which is why you will find them more easily in cans.

    They make great additions to salads, and can be eaten as snacks on crackers, grilled on a sandwich, or as part of a curry or pasta recipe.7

    3. Flaxseed oil

    Flax seeds or flaxseed oil is very high in ALA omega-3. They are also a good source of fibre and magnesium.

    As oils go, flaxseed oil may not have a high amount of EPA or DHA omega-3s, but it has a better ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s than most oils.8

    That is important because the two omega types compete for the same enzymes.

    4. Mackerel

    Mackerel, typically eaten smoked and whole, are full of omega-3s, as well as B12 and selenium.9

    Selenium is a non-metal chemical which supports normal thyroid function, metabolism, and in protecting you against oxidative damage.10

    Mackerel is a heavy and filling fish which can be smoked, baked, or grilled.

    You can also steam cook it and have it with rice.

    Grilled mackerel is great on toast with some aubergines and onion. Its plain taste means that it is good at taking on flavours, so you can eat it cooked with a teriyaki sauce, garlic, and lemon, for example, for a quickly and delicious meal.

    If you want to impress, a smoked mackerel risotto will both blow your friends’ minds, and provide you all with a very healthy lunch or dinner.

    5. Chia seeds

    Chia has a massive amount of omega-3s (5,060 mg per serving – more than salmon, even though the serving size will be much smaller).

    Chia seeds are also a great source of protein, fibre, manganese, selenium, and other nutrients.11

    6. Walnuts

    Similarly, walnuts are loaded with fibre, and they have about half the amount of omega-3s of chia seeds.

    A handful of walnuts will bring you a good amount of vitamin E, copper, manganese, and antioxidants.

    Walnuts make a great snack, and they can be added to a salad to really uplift it.

    For an incredible pasta, try walnuts with a blue cheese-based white sauce and some parmesan on top.

    Shop Food & Drink

    Last updated: 28 January 2021

    bhupesh-panchal2

    Author: Bhupesh Panchal, Regulatory Affairs

    • Joined Holland & Barrett: April 2019
    • Qualifications: Masters Degree in Toxicology, BSc Hons in Medical Biochemistry

    Bhupesh started his career as a clinical toxicologist for Public Health England, advising healthcare professionals all around the country on how to manage clinical cases of adverse exposure to supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and agricultural products. After 7 years in this role and a further year working as a drug safety officer in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhupesh joined Holland & Barrett as a Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate in 2019.
    Bhupesh specialises in vitamins & minerals nutrition, health benefits & safety of botanicals and traditional herbal medicines. View Bhupesh’s LinkedIn profile.

    In his spare time, Bhupesh likes to cycle and has been learning to speak Korean for several years.

    Sources
    1 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/3-types-of-omega-3
    2 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-omega-3-rich-foods
    3 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthiest-way-to-cook-fish
    4 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-omega-3-rich-foods
    5 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-omega-3-rich-foods
    6 https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/are-sardines-good-for-you
    7 https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/are-sardines-good-for-you
    8 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-omega-3-rich-foods
    9 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-omega-3-rich-foods
    10 https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/
    11 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-omega-3-rich-foods

    Tweet
    Follow on Instagram
    Food Nutrition Omega 3

    You may also like

    5 reasons to swap soy sauce for tamari

    Article

    5 reasons to swap soy sauce for tamari

    Tamari is an increasingly popular ingredient in the UK, but perhaps you’re not sure exactly..

    READ MORE...
    Your ultimate guide to tapioca flour + 8 top uses

    Article

    Your ultimate guide to tapioca flour + 8 top uses

    What is tapioca flour? Native to South America, tapioca flour is made by crushing a..

    READ MORE...
    Is egg the best source of protein?

    Article

    Is egg the best source of protein?

    Fitness fanatics love protein-rich diets for helping them to maintain muscle mass and give them..

    READ MORE...

    Connect with us

    • Log in Register
    • rewards for life

    Customer service

    • Store locator
    • Contact us
    • Site feedback
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Delivery & returns
    • Site map
    • My account

    About us

    • Who we are
    • Working at Holland & Barrett
    • Press room
    • Privacy & cookie policy
    • Terms & conditions
    • Holland & Barrett More
    • Holland & Barrett International

    Brands

    • Holland & Barrett
    • Bootea
    • Dr Organic
    • Precision Engineered
    • Manuka Doctor
    • Good n Natural
    • Miaroma
    Register
    Click to verify if this website is operating legally

    Copyright © Holland & Barrett Retail Limited, 2017. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.com is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Retail Limited,. Registered office: Samuel Ryder House, Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7RH. Registered in England: company no. 2758955. Registered VAT no. 211727395.