Omega-3 fatty acids are of essential in boosting both brain health and heart health, ensuring general bodily functions are maintained. These healthy fats build structure into cell membranes, assist cognitive functions, provide enhancement in mood stability, and boost immunity. Since the body cannot make all types of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary incorporation is very important.

Omega-3 contents vary with species but, in general, provide adequate DHA and EPA.

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to maintain optimal mental and physical well-being. While fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and anchovies are great sources of EPA and DHA, there are plant-based options such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans that are rich in alpha-linolenic acid or ALA. Adding these 13 foods to your diet will greatly improve heart health, brain function, and your overall well-being. Whichever your preference, fish, legumes, seeds, or even plant-based alternatives, you can find an omega-3.

Here are 13 foods that are very high in Omega-3 fatty acids and are nutritious:

1. Salmon

Salmon is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available and a top source of omega-3 fatty acids. It is rich in both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), two critical types of omega-3s. Besides, salmon offers many essential nutrients, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. Some research findings reveal that consuming salmon regularly will lower your risks for heart diseases, dementia, and mental problems, like depression. Salmon is indeed the epitome of versatility. Salmon may be grilled, baked, smoked, or poached, but will fit into almost any diet.

Omega-3 content: 2,150 mg of EPA and DHA (combined) per 3.5 oz (100 g) serving.

2. Cod Liver Oil

Although technically a supplement, cod liver oil deserves mention for its exceptional concentration of omega-3s.

Extracted from the liver of cod fish, this oil is an incredibly efficient source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. It is also loaded with vitamins A and D. One tablespoon of cod liver oil delivers 170% of the daily recommended value of vitamin D and 453% of vitamin A. It should be consumed in moderation, though as excess vitamin A can cause damage to your body. Cod liver oil has been shown to promote heart health, even brain functioning, and improve bone and immune system response.

3. Oysters

Oysters are a popular shellfish and are an excellent source of zinc, copper, and vitamin B12. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. They can be consumed raw, grilled, or baked and provide the best option for those looking for a nutrient-dense appetizer or main dish. Nutritionally, oysters are potent due to their combination of omega-3s and essential trace minerals, which help with heart health, immunity, and recovery from fatigue.

Contains omega-3 content: 500 mg per 3 oz serving

4. Sardines

These small oily fish pack a nutritional punch. Sardines are nutrient-rich and are an excellent source of omega-3s. When eaten whole, you also get the calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D that they are so rich in. They come usually canned and can be added to pasta dishes, salads, or eaten alone as a healthy snack.

Omega-3 content: 1,463 mg of EPA and DHA (combined) per cup (149 g) of canned sardines.

5. Anchovies

Anchovies are small, oily fish with both a good taste and nutritional value. They are usually sold canned or dried and have a very pungent flavor, making them suitable for use as ingredients in sauces, pizza toppings, or any other dishes. Not only do anchovies contain an impressive amount of omega-3 fatty acids, but they are also a good source of niacin and selenium. They also contain a good amount of calcium when consumed with bones.

Omega-3 content: 2,053 mg of EPA and DHA (combined) per 3.5 oz (100 g).

6. Shrimp

Shrimp is an ambrosial seafood food widely consumed by people across the world. It has very low calorie levels and high protein, rich in omega-3. It can be grilled, boiled, or mixed with salads and pasta to be a heart-friendly dish. Besides the richness of omega-3, it has a high content of potassium that helps the heart maintain health.

Omega-3 content: 0.12 g of DHA and 0.12 g of EPA per 3 oz (85 g) serving.

7. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a fantastic plant-based source of ALA, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. They're also super versatile and can be used in a number of dishes. With its high fiber and protein content, chia seeds are excellent for digestion and satiety. Commonly used to make chia pudding, sprinkled over salads, or added to smoothies.

Omega-3 content: 5.055 g of ALA per 1 oz serving.

8. Flaxseeds

Other top plants from where sources are gotten include flaxseeds, which contain omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed are extremely loaded with fiber, protein, magnesium, and manganese to mention a few. Flaxseed oil is also fantastic since it contains 6.703 g of ALA per tablespoon. Flaxseeds are easy to be included in your diet because they can be easily put on cereals, oatmeal, or salads.

Omega-3 content: 6.703 g of ALA per tbsp.

9. Edamame Beans

Edamame beans are young soybeans, usually eaten as a snack or side dish. A good source of protein, they also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which boost heart health and overall wellbeing. They can be simply steamed, boiled or added to stir-fries, soups, and salads to give an easy, nutritional boost.

Omega-3 content: 0.28 g of ALA per 1/2 cup serving.

10. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a staple for hearty stews, chili, and other comfort foods. While not as high in omega-3s as fish sources, they are still a good plant-based option. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestion and heart health.

Omega-3 content: 0.10 g of ALA per half-cup serving.

11. Soybeans

Soybeans are versatile legumes rich in fiber, vegetable protein, and several essential vitamins and minerals. Though better known for their omega-6 fatty acids, they do provide a decent amount of omega-3s. Tofu and soy milk products are good sources for heart-healthy benefits and add to the overall intake of omega-3s.

Omega-3 content: 670 mg per serving.

12. Walnuts

Walnuts are an excellent source of ALA omega-3s and are a favorite for their versatility. They can be eaten on their own, mixed into granola, or added to salads and other dishes. Walnuts also provide a hearty dose of healthy fats and contribute to better brain function, cardiovascular health, and overall wellness.

Omega-3 content: 3.346 g of ALA per 1 cup.

13. Seaweed and Algae

For vegetarians and vegans, seaweed and algae are great plant-based sources of omega-3s. They are rich in both EPA and DHA and are widely consumed in sushi, soups, and supplements. Adding seaweed and algae can be a good way to meet daily omega-3 needs without consuming fish.

Ways You Can Add Omega-3 Rich Food To Your Diet

Incorporate these omega-3-rich foods into your daily diet with simple swaps and additions.

Begin by enjoying two servings of fatty fish like salmon, sardines, or shrimp a week.

Sprinkle chia seeds or flaxseeds into smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt for a plant-based ALA boost. Add edamame or kidney beans to your salads or soups to enhance protein and omega-3s. Use walnuts in your granola, trail mix, or as a snack. Replace regular oils with flaxseed or fish oil for cooking or dressings. Take cod liver oil as a supplement. These little changes will make a big difference in supporting overall health.

As climate change intensifies, researchers have predicted that arsenic in rice could increase and trigger a major public health crisis. Rice is a staple in many countries. In Asia, particularly in Japan and Korea, it is an important component in all meals. A rise in the arsenic, therefore, could seriously exacerbate deadly diseases, including cancer.

What is Arsenic?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metallic element, widely distributed in the Earth's crust and found in various forms, like inorganic and organic. Research shows that it is toxic and does lead to severe health issues like cancers of the bladder, lung and skin, as well as several cardiovascular and neurological diseases.

Why is arsenic content in rice increasing?

Researchers from Colombia University, stated that an increase in temperatures above 2 degrees Celsius combined with rise in carbondioxide in the atmosphere can alter the soil chemistry, favouring arsenic, which gets more easily absorbed in rice grain. Contaminated soil and irrigated water while growing rice are known to increase inorganic arsenic in rice.

What Did Researchers Say?

The study was conducted by researchers from Columbia University and published in The Lancet Planetary Health. The study explained that an increase in temperatures above 2 degrees Celsius and rising levels of carbon dioxide could be causing changes in soil chemistry, favouring arsenic, which gets more easily absorbed into a rice grain. Contaminated soil and irrigated water from that area, while growing rice are known to increase inorganic arsenic in rice.

"Our results suggest that this increase in arsenic levels could significantly elevate the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and other non-cancer health effects," said author Lewis Ziska, associate professor of environmental health sciences, Columbia University, said. "We found that temperature and CO2 act synergistically to increase arsenic concentrations in rice, compounding dietary arsenic exposures for rice consumers and leading to projected cancer cases in the tens of millions among populations of Asian countries in 2050," according to the study.

Are there any mitigation strategies?

There are ways to mitigate arsenic exposure. This includes breeding plants to minimise arsenic uptake and improved soil management in rice paddies, along with health initiatives. THE US FDA also recommends replacing cereals from rice with those with whole grains. Published studies, including research by the FDA, show that cooking rice similar to how pasta is cooked can reduce 40 to 60 per cent of the inorganic arsenic content, depending on the type of rice. However, this method of cooking rice in excess water—using 6 to 10 parts water to 1 part rice and then draining the excess water—also results in lowering the nutritional value of enriched polished and parboiled rice

Bryan Johnson, the 47-year-old tech entrepreneur who is known for his anti-ageing techniques and for his quest to reverse his biological age has finally ditched the medicine that has kept him young. He had recently been featured in Netflix documentary Don't Die: The Man Who Wants To Live Forever, where he has shown his various attempts on achieving more time on the planet, his quest for longevity.

To live 'forever' he had been consuming 13 milligrams of immunosuppressant rapamycin for the last five years. However, he has now given it up after he found out that the side effects outweighed the advantages.

As per the opinion article published in Impact Journals, titled Rapamycin for longevity, it can extend maximum life span nearly three-fold. It can also prolong life in normal mice as well as in yeast, worms, and flies, and prevents age-related conditions in rodents, dogs, nonhuman primates and humans. It has been FDA-approved for humans and has been used safely for decades. In 2006, it was suggested that rapamycin could be used immediately to slow down aging and all age-related diseases in humans. However, another study published in Oncotarget, titled About-face on the metabolic side effects of rapamycin, it can lead to metabolic defects, including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance and increased incidence of new-onset type 2 diabetes.

Now without the medicines, what all does Johnson do to keep his quest for longevity going? He focuses on what he eats!

ALSO READ: Can You Reverse Aging? Man Claims Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Made Him 10 Years Younger, With Some Downsides

The Diet For Longevity

On a podcast with Jay Shetty on his show On Purpose, he revealed that he ensures his daily diet is roughly of 2,500 calories per day and his meals are all between 6 am and 11.30am. The NHS also recommends that an average man needs 2,500kcal a day.

His day starts with 54 supplements and an hour in the gym. He also revealed that he has never had cheat meals in his life ever. "Now the idea of eating a piece of pizza or a whole pizza or like a doughnut or something just makes me sick. Because if I'm going to do it, there'll be like five seconds of maybe enjoyment and then you've got like an entire day of misery."

What does he eat? He consumes "A lot of broccoli, cauliflower, lentils, hemp, pea protein, hemp protein, berries, nuts, seeds."

What Are The Three Meals In 6-Hours He Eats?

The Supper Veggie

This consists of broccoli, cauliflower, black lentils, ginger, and garlic.

The Nutty Pudding

This is made with macadamia nuts, walnuts, flax seeds, pomegranate juice, and berries, combined with pea and hemp protein.

A Mix Of All

The third meal can vary, but it usually includes a mix of all, vegetables, berries, nuts, and seeds.

ALSO READ: Bryan Johnson Launches New Religion 'Don't Die'- Here's How To Become A Member

The Extra Virgil Olive Oil On The Side

He also revealed that additionally, he also consumes a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with each meal and 6g of pure cocoa. "We’ve tried to construct a perfect diet, so every single calorie I consume has a specific objective," he says. This is a "stack superfoods across the board".

He is currently consuming 80 grams of protein, after he struggled at 120 grams of protein. His gut health could not take it.

Johnson also compared extra virgin olive oil to Ozempic, due to its potential health benefits and benefits in weight management and glucose control.

In one of the episodes of All The Diary Of A CEO podcast, he said, “What things can I do in my life that are easy and actionable, and have a high impact? Extra virgin olive oil is very close to number 1. It is better than Ozempic. It is.”

Johnson says that both Ozempic and extra virgin olive oil can stimulate the release of GLP-1, which is a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. The extra virgin olive oil is a high-quality oil that is extracted from the first pressing of olive and is thus considered the purest and healthiest oils due to its rich nutritional profile.

“There is a study, where people lost 5.2 pounds consuming EVOO for nine weeks (in addition to what they are currently eating). I think the quantity for the study was 45 ml daily or something like that; it is between 30-60 ml daily. But there's things, for example, like it reduces by over 60 percent invasive breast cancer, it reduces your blood sugar levels by 60 percent post a meal and your oxidised LDL levels. The bad thing is that your body is causing damage by 80 percent post a meal. So, I have a tablespoon (of olive oil) with every single meal and it is like the super of superfoods," he said.

Robert F Kennedy Jr has been a longtime critic of synthetic additives. He has, from time and again emphasized that Americans are consuming artificial chemicals without their knowledge or consent. "Four years from now, we are going to have most of these products off the market - or clearly labeled so you know what you are buying," he stated during a press briefing.

Now, a major announcement was made on Tuesday by the Trump administration on its plan to phase out petroleum-based artificial food dyes from the US food supply. The Trump administration and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), headed by Robert F Kennedy Jr., described this as a "significant milestone". The initiative is part of the broader health campaign which is branded "Make America Healthy Again".

The move is set to initiate a nationwide transition toward natural color alternatives in food production.

The National Standard

The HHS, in collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that they will establish a national standard to help the food industry move away from synthetic petrochemical dyes. This also is said to include a timeline, which will be set to replace these dyes with safer, plant-based or naturally derived alternatives.

The Dyes That Could Be Affected

The first major regulatory action under this plan involves revoking authorization of two dyes, namely Citrus Red No.2 and Orange B. The officials have also selected six more synthetic dyes to be eliminated by the end of 2026. These include FD&C Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, and Green No. 3.

The FDA is also planning to approve four new natural color additives shortly after a review of the additional alternatives.

FDA Commissioner Martin Makary said that for decades, American children have been "living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals." The administration's latest steps, he noted, are a strong move towards the elimination of petroleum-based food dyes.

Are Food Dyes Safe For Us?

As of now, the FDA defines food dyes or color additives as any substance that imparts color to food, drugs, cosmetics, or the human body. These dyes are commonly used to enhance visual appeal and to help consumers identify flavors.

While FDA guidelines state that color additives are generally safe when used correctly, there is growing concern. Some studies have linked artificial dyes to behavioral issues in children, including hyperactivity. Kennedy remarked that there are “shockingly few studies” on many of the ingredients in widespread use, calling for more thorough research.

To that end, the administration announced a partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the impact of food dyes and additives on children's development and health.

What Has Been The Response?

The plan, as of now, does not impose immediate legal restrictions. The government, however, is working closely with food manufacturers to implement the changes. Kennedy reported a positive response from industry leaders and said there is a general "understanding" of the need for reform, even if no formal agreements are in place.

Consumer and advocacy groups have praised the announcement. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) called the move “long overdue,” citing decades of evidence linking synthetic dyes to health issues. States like California and West Virginia have already passed laws restricting the use of artificial dyes in school meals and packaged foods.

However, not everyone is on board. The Consumer Brands Association, representing food and beverage companies, warned against removing what they consider safe, FDA-approved ingredients. While expressing appreciation for federal leadership, the group insisted that science and product safety must not be compromised.