happy gut
Chew the fat
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for our gut microbiota and brain health, explains Nutrition Editor Eve Kalinik
PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS are called ‘essential’ for a reason and that is because they are vital for our health and wellbeing. The three main types are a-linolenic acid (ALA), found in plant-based sources, such as flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts; eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), present in oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies, organic grass-fed meat and marine algae, such as seaweeds. EPA and DHA have a fundamental role in managing inflammation and they form the lipid membrane of every cell in our body, including the myelin sheath that surrounds neurons.