Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and are mainly found in plants and seafood (fish). Omega 3 fatty acids include DHA and EPA. Human body is not capable of producing these fatty acids. Therefore, they have to be obtained from dietary sources. They are called essential fatty acids (EFA).

Omega 3 fatty acids are major components of brain cells and thus crucial for proper functioning of the nervous system. Deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids has been associated with multitude brain disorders such as depression, learning skills, memory loss.

Fish, for example, eel, lamprey and tuna, have the highest omega 3 fatty acid (EPA).

Below is a list of 300 food items (Table 1 - 6) rich in omega 3 fatty acids and their EPA content. The foods are ordered from high to low EPA content. The food items are from the Nordic region and are analysed by the Finish National Public Health Institute.

Table 1: List of seafoods (fish) high in omega 3 fatty acid EPA (mg/100 grams)