Omega-3s are commonly found in seafood, particularly fatty fish. When it comes to choosing fish, functional medicine doctor and mbg Collective member Mark Hyman, M.D., recommends sticking to SMASH (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, herring, and sardines), which keep mercury levels to a minimum. But what about vegetarians or plant-based eaters?
While fish are a great source of EPA and DHA omega-3s, there are plenty of plant-based sources of the nutrient. Flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, soybeans, and sea veggies, to name a few.
“The study supports the notion that EPA and DHA intake contributes to cardioprotection, and that whatever patients are getting through the diet, they likely need more,” study author Carl Lavie, M.D., says. In other words, while diet is critical, supplementation can also help.