What is the main dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids?

Fatty fish, such as salmon, serve as the primary dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These types of omega-3s are crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation in the body. Fatty fish are rich in these essential fatty acids, which are not produced efficiently by the human body; therefore, they must be consumed through diet.

While nuts and seeds, like flaxseeds and walnuts, also contain omega-3 fatty acids, they primarily provide ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a different form of omega-3 that needs to be converted by the body into EPA and DHA, and this conversion process is not very efficient. Whole grains and leafy green vegetables do not offer significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, making them unsuitable as primary sources for these essential nutrients. Thus, fatty fish are recognized as the most direct and abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.