What is omega-3 fatty acid ? and What fatty acids are omega-3 ?

The three main omega-3 fatty acid are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoicacid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as perilla seed, flax seed, soybean, and canola oils.

Why they called omega-3 fatty acid?

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are distinguished from saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids by the presence of two or more double bonds between carbons within the fatty acid chain.The two major classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Like all fatty acids, PUFAs consist of long chains of carbon atoms with a carboxyl group at one end of the chain and a methyl group at the other.

Omega-3 fatty acid (omega-3s) has a carbon-carbon double bond located three carbons from the methyl end of the chain. Omega-3 fatty acid, sometimes referred to as "n-3s", "w-3", is presented in certain foods such as flax seed,perilla seed, and other nuts, as well as dietary supplements such as fish oil. Several different omega-3s exist, but the majority of scientific research focuses on three: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA contains 18 carbon atoms, whereas EPA and DHA are considered "long-chain"(LC) omega-3s because EPA contains 20 carbons and DHA contains 22.

PUFAs are frequently designated by their number of carbon atoms and double bonds. ALA, for example, is known as C18:3n-3 because it has 18 carbons and 3 double bonds and is an n-3, or omega-3 fatty acid. Similarly, EPA is known as C20:5n-3 and DHA as C22:6n-3. Omega-6 fatty acids (omega-6s) have a carbon-carbon double bond that is six carbons away from the methyl end of the fatty acid chain. Linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) are two of the major omega-6s.

What vegetables are high in omega-3 fatty acid?

Here is the list of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Chia Seeds. Chia seeds are known for their many health benefits, bringing a hefty dose of fiber and protein with each serving.

Brussels Sprouts. .

Algae. .

Hemp Seed.

Purslane .

Perilla seed.

Walnuts.

Sea buckthorn

Flax seeds.