A western-style diet barely contains any fatty acids. For example, the acids in canned and instant foods are leached out by the hydrogenation process, which gives a long shelf life to these products.
Getting your fatty acids through fresh, unprocessed foods will give you the full benefits.
Fatty acids can be found in certain plants and fish. The list below includes some of the sources for Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids:
- Oily fish like Salmon, Halibut, Tuna
- Ground flax seeds and Flax oil (linseed oil)
- Safflower oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Soybean oil
- Mustard oil and Mustard greens
- Walnut oil and walnuts
- Wheat Germ Oil
- Pumpkin seeds
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Spinach
- Seaweed
- Sesame Seeds
Although oily fish are a good source of fatty acids, ensure that you heed some precautions if you intend on relying on fish to provide them:
-> Studies reveal that fish is prone to high levels of contamination via PCBs, radioactive poisons, heavy metals, and industrial pollutants such as mercury. Eating farm-raised fish usually eliminates this issue.
-> The EPA and the FDA have also warned that eating certain types of fish and shellfish can harm young children as well as nursing and pregnant women.
-> What's more, oxidants are added to fish oil in processing to prevent it from becoming rancid. Obtaining your fatty acids from many different sources would be more beneficial for you.
Taken in the right amounts, fatty acids help you stay healthy, smart, young, and fit. Eating a variety of fresh foods with these beneficial nutrients is one of the best things you can do for yourself!