You’ve heard of omega-3s and fats with health benefits, but do you know what they are and how they are beneficial to your diet? Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to help with your body and brain function and it’s easy to incorporate them in your daily diet.
What is Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
To put it simply, omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as fish and flaxseed and in dietary supplements like fish oil. According to the National Institutes of Health, the three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean and canola oils. DHA and EPA are found in fish and other seafood.
Consuming these fatty acids [or “omega-3s”] is essential to your daily diet because unlike other healthy fats, your body cannot produce some omega-3 fatty acids by itself. Since our bodies cannot make them, you must get them from the foods and beverages you consume.
Omega-3s are found in nuts, avocados, flax seeds, chia seeds, salmon and canola oil. Did you know that just three ounces of cooked salmon contains about 21.62 grams of protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids – including 0.34 grams of EPA and 1.22 grams of DHA? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend two servings of seafood per week, which is eight ounces total.
Sockeye salmon is at Season’s peak in late June through early August. Fresh sockeye is available during this peak time and frozen options are available year-round. Sockeye salmon is rich in flavor and has a firm, moist texture.
Cook and Enjoy!
Boost your intake with our recipes created by Aprons below.
Spiced Salmon with Mango Salsa and Cauliflower Rice
Flaxseed Salmon with Cucumber-Tomato Salsa
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