Omega-3 and Omega-6: Essentials in Your Diet

From salmon and sardines to cashews and corn oil, the fatty acids that you should be eating are in a range of common foods. Are you getting them regularly?

Know your essentials

When you’re digesting food and its many components, fatty and otherwise, there are two types of unsaturated fatty acids – known as omega fatty acids – that you should be getting:   

• Alpha-linolenic acid, the precursor of omega-3 fatty acid. ¹
• Linoleic acid, the precursor to alpha-linolenic acid. ¹  The human body is quite inefficient when it comes to fatty acids, and when it comes down to these two essential fatty acids we just can’t make or store them for very long. So that’s why it’s essential that we get these essential fatty acids from our diet!  

Fish is the main source for omega-3

Where you get your omega-3 fatty acids matter. “Fatty” fish will give you the highest amounts of omega-3. To learn more about which fish sources measure up, read our article: Omega-3: Does the type of fish matter?   

Best fish sources for omega-3*^1,2     

•  Salmon 
•  Mackerel 
•  Sardines 
•  Anchovies  

*Note that different cooking methods can affect how much Omega-3 you get from your food.  

Alternate sources of omega-3   

•  Chia seeds, walnuts, linseeds 
•  Edamame 
•  Kidney beans and black beans 
•  Pumpkins  

Where to find omega-6^1,2   

•  Vegetable oils including sesame, soybean and corn oil 
•  Walnuts 
•  Sunflower seeds 
•  Almonds 
•  Cashew nuts 
•  Leafy green vegetables   A well-planned diet can provide the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that you need. But if you’re not getting these essentials regularly through your diet, supplements can be helpful.