Omega-3 is a necessary fatty acid for the human body. Adults typically need at least 250 to 500 mg of omega-3, specifically EPA and DHA, per day. Omega-3 helps with heart disease, reducing heart attacks, anxiety and depression, along with other benefits.
Hemp seeds, a great source of omega-3 and omega-6.
Typically discussed in connection with taking a fish oil supplement or eating fish, omega-3 is also found in food sources like hemp seeds or oil, flaxseed and walnuts. Additionally, the fish with omega-3 benefits are eating marine algae, or other fish who eat this algae, which can be harvested and consumed directly from the source rather than obtaining omega-3 through a fish filtering system.
For those who wish to obtain omega-3 from a food source, hemp seeds are a great option. Just one tablespoon of hemp seed oil meets the omega-3 fatty acid daily requirement. Hemp seeds provide omega-3 and omega-6 in abundance, both of which are necessary to obtain through a food source since human bodies do not produce these fatty acids on their own.
Flaxseed, another source of omega-3.
Other benefits of omega-3 include brain function development and benefits for vision. Studies have also shown that when omega-3 intake is improved, people displayed improved moods, reduced anger, and reduced anxiety and depression. Additionally, low levels of omega-3 have been linked with more inflammation and depression. Omega-3 also increases cognitive function after 30 days of supplementation.
Omega-3 provides countless benefits to the human body. Consuming food products with omega-3 may improve heart health, mental health and cognitive function. Flaxseed, walnuts and hemp seeds or hemp seed oil are all great options to obtain omega-3s. Hemp seeds and oil provide omega-3 and omega-6 in the ideal balance, making hemp food products a great option for increasing omega-3 intake.
Image from Raw Nutritional. 2019. “5 Best Plant Sources for Vegans to get Omega-3.”