They are considered essential, but the body cannot make them. They are found in numerous foods, but Americans, two-thirds of whom are obese, fail to eat enough of them. They have a variety of health-related benefits, but a nutrition-conscious society still falls short in consuming proper amounts.
What are omega-3 fatty acids? Considered essential fatty acids, they are necessary for human health, but with the human body unable to produce them, consumers need to obtain them through food. Omega-3s are found in a variety of fish species, including halibut, salmon and tuna, as well as other seafood, algae and krill, some plants and nut oils. It is one of the principal reasons the American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish: albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, mackerel, salmon or sardines) at least twice a week.