Nutrition

What Are The Best Vegan Omega-3 Sources?

There’s been a surge in searches for plant-based seafood alternatives, following the release of Netflix documentary, SeaspiracyProduced by Cowspiracy’s Kip Anderson, Seaspiracy sheds light on the ‘war being waged’ on the world’s oceans – delving into the fishing industry’s environmental impacts on marine life. 

Whether you already follow a plant-based diet or are simply looking to reduce your seafood consumption, we’re sharing the best vegan omega-3 sources, so you can avoid a deficiency in this essential nutrient. Read on to find out more.

How can you reduce your seafood consumption?

If one of the main questions you had after watching the Seaspiracy was “how can I reduce my seafood consumption or cut it out completely?” – you’ll be pleased to know there are lots of great plant-based seafood alternatives on the market now, making it easier than ever before. From fishless fingers to fishless burgers, there’s no shortage of plant-based alternatives to replace seafood in your favourite dishes.

However, while it’s great to see these plant-based seafood alternatives becoming widely availableit’s worth noting that these foods don’t contain omega-3 fatty acidswhich are predominantly found in oily fish. In addition, there aren’t many plant-based omega-3 sources out there, meaning this essential nutrient can be difficult to come by for vegansvegetarians, or those who simply don’t like fish.  

Vegan Omega 3 Sources | Myvegan

What is omega-3? 

Omega-3 is a family of healthy fats that come in three different forms: 

  1. ALA (Alphalinolenic acid) is an organic compound with antioxidant properties. Some observational studies link a diet rich in ALA to a reduced risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses.1
  2. EPA (eicosatetraenoic acid) is used by your body to produce signaling molecules, which play numerous physiological roles and help to reduce inflammation.1
  3. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function3, vision4 and heart health.5

Best vegan omega-3 sources 

Chia Seeds 

One of our favourite vegan omega-3 sources is chia seeds. These small but mighty seeds proudly hold the title of superfood – not only because they’re high in omega-3, but also protein, fibre and calcium tooBest of all, they’re extremely versatile and make a great addition to many plant-based recipes – from porridge and chia puddings, to smoothies and bakes. 

Vegan Omega 3 Sources | Myvegan

Flax Seeds 

The same goes for their friendsflax seeds. Againan omega-3-rich staple ingredient for breakfasts, but also diverse in its oil form. Our Flax Seed Powder is made purely from 100% quality flax seedswhich are finely ground down into a powder. This creates aeasy-to-use ingredient that can be blended into your favourite recipes to give them a nutritious boost. 

Vegan Omega 3 Sources | Myvegan

Vegan Omega-3 Supplement 

Have you ever wondered what’s better for you — using supplements or eating food? It really depends on your goals and which foods you enjoy. If you follow a plant-based diet, then you’ll likely benefit from taking a high-quality vegan Omega-3 Supplement. Our easy-to-take supplement comes in a convenient capsule form, making it easy to get omega-3 into your diet, whenever, wherever.  

Vegan Omega 3 Supplement | Myvegan

Algae 

Spirulina, seaweed, nori, and chlorella are all different forms of algae, which provide numerous health benefits. They are a great source of omega-3 for those on a vegan or vegetarian diet, as they’re one of the few plant groups that contain both DHA and EPA, which contribute to the normal function of the heart.6

Add our Organic Spirulina Powder to your smoothies for a healthful boost. 

Vegan Omega 3 Sources | Myvegan

Walnuts 

Walnuts contain a relatively high percentage of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which makes up around 8-14% of the total fat content. In fact, walnuts are the only nuts that contain significant amounts of ALA, which is especially beneficial for heart health.1

Check out our Chocolate & Walnut Protein Brownies here.

Vegan Omega 3 Sources | Myvegan

Hemp Seeds 

The last mention goes to hemp seeds, a rich source of omega 3-6-9 fatty acids. They also happen to be packed full of protein and an abundance of minerals including potassium, magnesium, and iron – all of which support normal physiological function5, the nervous system6 and immune system.7

Vegan Omega 3 Sources | Myvegan

Summary 

Whether you don’t eat fish because of dietary reasons or personal preference, you can still reap the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. By either incorporating a few omega-3-rich foods into your diet or opting for a plant-based supplement, it’s possible to meet your needs, seafood-free.  

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  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/3-types-of-omega-3
  2. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.
  3. DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function.
  4. DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
  5. Potassium and magnesium contribute to normal muscle function.
  6. Potassium and magnesium contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
  7. Iron contributes to normal function of the immune system.


Jenessa

Jenessa

Writer and expert

Jenessa is Myvegan's Senior Content Executive with a penchant for brutal HIIT classes and thick post-workout smoothies. She spends the majority of her spare time getting creative with plant-based recipes, in the gym or enjoying the odd spot of yoga, and is passionate about making healthy and sustainable lifestyles approachable and accessible for all – no matter one’s background or budget.