5 Omega-3-Packed Recipes That Aren't Fish | Livestrong.com (2024)

5 Omega-3-Packed Recipes That Aren't Fish | Livestrong.com (1)

This salad is packed with omega-3s so you can get the benefits of the anti-inflammatory fat without forking into fish.

Image Credit: Elena_Danileiko/iStock/GettyImages

It's no secret that omega-3 fatty acids are good for our hearts, our immunity and even our brains, from keeping us sharp to boosting our mood. But what if you don't like fish or are vegan? Good news: fish isn't the only source of omega-3s — the healthy fats are found in some plants, too.

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So what are some other sources of omega-3s that you can find above sea level? Chia seeds, flax seeds, tofu, edamame, beans, walnuts and hemp seeds are all plant-based sources rich in ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3. Because ALA isn't used as efficiently by the body as EPA and DHA, two other types of omega-3s typically found in fish and seafood, it's good to get a balance of both.

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Read more: How to Use Chia Seeds for Weight Loss

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We pulled together five fish-free recipes to help you get more omega-3s in your diet.

1. Walnut and Flaxseed Soy Yogurt

This recipe is an omega-3 two-for-one because it includes walnuts and flaxseeds — two ingredients high in omega-3 fatty acids. The earthy and nutty flavor of the nuts and seeds are paired with the creamy yogurt for a perfectly balanced breakfast.

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Aside from their omega-3 content, walnuts really pull their weight when it comes to health benefits. One May 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that replacing saturated fat with walnuts reduced heart health risks, especially when it came to diastolic blood pressure.

Get the Walnut and Flaxseed Soy Yogurt recipe and nutrition info here.

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2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

5 Omega-3-Packed Recipes That Aren't Fish | Livestrong.com (3)

This protein-packed smoothie sneaks in chia seeds for omega-3s and crunch.

Image Credit: Sherrie Castellano/LIVESTRONG.com

To some, chocolate and peanut butter are considered a culinary wonder. We put our healthy twist on this one by adding chia seeds to bump up the omega-3 content. Although they're teeny tiny in size, chia seeds are powerhouses when it comes to fiber, protein and omega-3s. Two tablespoons of chia seeds pack in 8 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein.

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This smoothie has the perfect balance of healthy fats, protein and carbohydrates — deeming it ideal for breakfast or any meal of the day. Pro tip: Use a frozen banana to make your smoothie even thicker!

3. Vegan Artichoke and Edamame Salad

5 Omega-3-Packed Recipes That Aren't Fish | Livestrong.com (4)

Instead of forking into a shrimp salad, try this omega-3-packed edamame salad.

Image Credit: Jenna Butler/LIVESTRONG.com

This recipe is a plant-based take on a creamy shrimp salad. It combines soybeans, pistachios, artichokes and radishes. Edamame provides about 0.3 grams of ALA per half-cup and they're a great option because you can buy them frozen at the grocery store — just use what you need and keep the rest frozen.

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Soy-based foods like soybeans can help to lower LDL-cholesterol levels and blood pressure, according to a December 2016 study published in Nutrients. The paper also suggests there is preliminary research linking soy and a reduction in both breast and prostate cancer.

Get the Vegan Artichoke and Edamame Salad recipe and nutrition info here.

4. Tarragon Tofu "Chicken" Salad

5 Omega-3-Packed Recipes That Aren't Fish | Livestrong.com (5)

Soy products, like the tofu in this delicious salad, pack in plant-based omega-3s.

Image Credit: Jackie Newgent/LIVESTRONG.com

Swapping out meat for a plant-based protein is all the rage right now. And this salad with tarragon, mayo, red onion, celery and sliced almonds knocks it out of the park. While it's trendy to eat more plant-based, it turns out it's good for your health, the planet and animals — a triple win!

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In fact, sticking to a plant‐based may lower your risk of dying from heart disease by 19 percent, an August 2019 study in JAHA found. This recipe swaps chicken for tofu, which is rich in ALA, a plant-based source of omega-3s.

If you're vegan, swap the mayo in this recipe with an egg-free alternative.

Get the Tarragon Tofu Chicken Salad recipe and nutrition info here.

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Read more: Tempeh vs. Tofu vs. Seitan: Your Guide to Meat Alternatives

5. Zesty White Bean and Arugula Salad

5 Omega-3-Packed Recipes That Aren't Fish | Livestrong.com (6)

White beans contain gut-boosting fiber as well as anti-inflammatory omega-3s.

Image Credit: Sherrie Castellano/LIVESTRONG.com

This simple recipe with white beans, arugula and lemon juice makes the perfect accompaniment to any dish. The white beans are the omega-3 star in this dish but all beans are a natural source of the healthy fat. Pulses such as beans, peas and lentils all have notable health benefits. A June 2014 paper published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism found that, thanks in part to the phytochemicals, tannins and saponins found in pulses, this group of plant-based foods is linked to heart health as well as a reduced risk of a cancer and overall inflammation.

Get the Zesty White Bean and Arugula Salad recipe and nutrition info here.

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5 Omega-3-Packed Recipes That Aren't Fish | Livestrong.com (2024)

FAQs

5 Omega-3-Packed Recipes That Aren't Fish | Livestrong.com? ›

Non-animal sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, soybeans, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. Non-animal sources contain the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which your body does not use as effectively as EPA and DHA, both of which come from animal-based sources.

How can I get enough omega-3 without fish? ›

Non-animal sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, soybeans, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. Non-animal sources contain the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which your body does not use as effectively as EPA and DHA, both of which come from animal-based sources.

What foods have omega-3 besides fish? ›

Omega-3 Foods
  • Flaxseed oil. One tablespoon of flaxseed oil has 7.26 grams of the ALA omega-3, more than seven times your daily recommendation. ...
  • Canola oil. ...
  • Chia seeds. ...
  • Salmon. ...
  • Foraging fish. ...
  • Shellfish. ...
  • Walnuts. ...
  • Soybeans.
Aug 30, 2023

What fruit is very high in omega-3? ›

Kiwifruit, papaya, avocados, berries, and oranges contain a good amount of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, one should note that one can't completely rely on these fruits to fulfill their Omega-3 needs! Make sure you also include fish, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds among others in your daily diet.

What food has the most omega-3? ›

Some food sources of omega-3 include seaweed, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fatty fish. Examples of fish highest in omega-3 include mackerel, salmon, and sardines. Omega-3s are a type of essential fatty acid, meaning people must obtain them from their diet.

Are eggs high in omega-3? ›

You bet they do. Eggs are mother nature's incredible and edible source of Omega-3 fatty acids, providing on average, 180mg per serve (2 eggs). Of this amount, 114mg is the long-chain type of omega-3 fatty acid – which represents between 71-127% of the desired intake for adults.

Does peanut butter have omega-3? ›

Remember, omega-3 fats help reduce inflammation, whereas too many omega-6 fats cause inflammation. Peanut butter is high in omega-6 fats and low on omega-3 fats, so that can cause an imbalanced ratio, especially if its consumed in excess.

What vegetable has the most omega-3? ›

Brussels sprouts. In addition to their high content of vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber, Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Because cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts are so rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, they have been linked to many health benefits.

Which meats are highest in omega-3? ›

Omega-3 FA concentration is higher in red meat (beef, lamb and mutton) than in white meat (pork, poultry and turkey), due to the fibre types present in muscle tissues and the specialised digestive systems of ruminants.

Does banana have omega-3? ›

Banana has a high potassium content, a mineral the body needs for conversion of sugars to energy. In addition, bananas contain Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Omega-3 fatty acids and fibre - all of which solve tiredness and dehydration.

Are avocados high in omega-3? ›

Avocados are not considered a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, containing no EPA or DHA and even less ALA (162g on average) than salmon.

What medications should not be taken with omega-3? ›

Possible interactions include:
  • Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, herbs and supplements. These types of drugs, herbs and supplements reduce blood clotting. ...
  • Blood pressure drugs, herbs and supplements. ...
  • Contraceptive drugs. ...
  • Orlistat (Xenical, Alli). ...
  • Vitamin E. Taking fish oil can reduce vitamin E levels.

What should I eat daily to get enough omega-3? ›

Fish and other seafood (especially cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines) Nuts and seeds (such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts) Plant oils (such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil)

Which cooking oil is highest in omega-3? ›

Flaxseed and canola oils are typically the highest in omega-3 fatty acids while avocado olive and sesame oils are typically lowest in omega-6. If you want to boost your omega-3 to omega-6 ratio stick with these oils.

How do I get 100% omega-3? ›

Top 10 omega-3 rich foods
  1. Mackerel. 4.9g per fillet (90g) or 5.5g per 100g. ...
  2. Salmon. 4.8g per fillet (120g) or 4g per 100g fresh salmon. ...
  3. Cod liver oil. 24.4g per 100g. ...
  4. Kippers. 5.2g per fillet (160g) or 3.3g per 100g. ...
  5. Sardines. 2.7g per tin (90g) or 3g per 100g. ...
  6. Trout. 2.2g per fillet (130g) or 1.7g per 100g. ...
  7. Sea bass. ...
  8. Flaxseeds.
Mar 27, 2023

Can you buy omega-3 without fish oil? ›

Vegan omega 3 commonly comes from algae oil that's extracted from marine algae. This plant-based organism naturally produces omega 3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA. If you've ever wondered how fish get their omega 3's, it's through consuming phytoplankton that consumes micro algae!

What is the cheapest source of omega-3? ›

Affordable fish that are very rich in those acids are either canned tuna, anchovies, or even sardines. Eggs are a very affordable as they have many more nutrients and help your cholesterol. Products that have soy, like tofu, or even soy beans are a good option. A couple of bean you can try are navy beans or lentils.

How do you get omega-3 if you are allergic to fish? ›

Fish-free sources of omega-3
  1. chia seeds.
  2. flaxseeds.
  3. soybeans.
  4. walnuts.
  5. hemp seeds.
  6. Brussels sprouts.
  7. purslane.
  8. spinach.
Feb 5, 2019

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