Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a critical role in maintaining heart and brain health.
Additionally, omega 3s help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease, so they’re a great supplement for supporting your long-term health.
They can be found in fatty fish and certain plants, but many people struggle to eat enough natural sources, so they turn to the best omega 3 supplements.
Omega 3 fatty acids are incredibly important for your overall health and have many beneficial effects on your brain, heart and joints. However, most people do not get the recommended amount of omega-3s in their diets, so dietary supplements are one of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 supplements come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from pure cod liver oil to omega 3 gummies for adults, which mask the taste of omega-3s with sugar and flavorings. These supplements are a convenient and affordable way to take omega-3s, and the best omega 3 gummies let you enjoy all the health benefits without the fishy taste.
Which Omega-3 is Best for Heart Health
There are 11 types of omega-3 fatty acids, but the 3 most important are ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), EPA (EicosaPentaenoic Acid) and DHA (DocosaHexaenoic Acid). Multiple studies show a clear link between omega-3 intake and heart health, but not all omega-3 fatty acids are created equal, so which is the best omega-3 supplement for heart health?
EPA and DHA are the biologically active forms of omega-3 fatty acids and are mainly found in oily fish, so they’re generally unsuitable for vegetarians. In contrast, ALA can be found in many plants, but it is rarely championed in the best omega 3 gummies, so which is best for your health?
ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)
ALA is the most common omega-3 in your diet and is found in many plant foods, such as spinach, broccoli, soybeans, walnuts and tomatoes. ALA is stored as energy like other fats or converted to EPA and DHA in your body. However, this process is inefficient, and you’re better off looking for the best omega 3 gummies for adults rich in EPA and DHA for the best results.
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
Your body uses EPA to produce signalling molecules known as eicosanoids, which help to reduce inflammation and may reduce symptoms of depression and menopause. Chronic inflammation is linked to various conditions like heart disease and osteoarthritis, so EPA is arguably the best omega 3 supplement for long-term health, as it can reduce your chances of developing many chronic diseases.
may help to reduce your chances of developing a chronic disease
DHA (DocosaHexaenoic Acid)
DHA is an important structural part of your skin and retinas, which is also vital for brain development and function at all stages of life. Low levels of DHA are linked to impaired brain function and increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, so the best omega 3 gummies for adults should contain plenty of DHA to support brain health.
Benefits of Omega-3 Supplements for Heart Disease
Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids have many benefits for heart health, and the best omega 3 gummies may help to reduce inflammation, improve heart function and lower the risk of heart disease. In countries where people eat more omega-3s, such as Japan, Greenland and Mediterranean countries, the rates of heart disease are significantly lower than in countries with low omega-3 intake.
RELATED: Omega-3s have many other health benefits, and may help support muscle growth and cardiovascular performance, making them useful in bodybuilding.
Additionally, higher blood levels of EPA and DHA have been linked to lower risks of dying from cardiovascular disease, and the best omega 3 supplements can help:
Lower triglycerides (fat that enters your blood after meals)
Improve blood flow around the body
Prevent blood clots
Lower blood pressure
Improve steady heart rhythm
What is the Best Omega-3 Supplement for Heart Disease?
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are essential for many processes in your body and contribute to heart and brain health. The most biologically active forms – EPA and DHA – are mainly found in oily fish, so many people prefer to use dietary supplements, and the best omega 3 gummies for adults contain effective doses without the fishy taste.
If you don’t regularly eat oily fish, supplements like fish oil are the best way to ensure you get the recommended intake of omega-3s, though many people dislike the taste or smell. Fortunately, many flavored capsules and gummy supplements are available, and the best omega 3 gummies have the best of both worlds, as they contain effective doses of omega-3s without the taste.
RELATED: If you can’t face the prospect of choking down a fishy capsule, read our reviews of the best omega 3 gummies for adults here.
Keep reading to see our picks of the best omega 3 supplements for heart disease and general health:
Sports Research Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil
These softgel capsules contain a whopping 1,040mg of Omega-3 (with 690mg of EPA and 260mg of DHA) in each pill – much more than the recommended minimum intake of 250-500mg of EPA and DHA. Additionally, the omega-3s are sourced exclusively from wild Alaskan pollock and refined to reduce the unpleasant aftertaste, so while these might not taste as fresh as the best omega 3 gummies for adults, they’re darn close.
Formulated from vegan sources of omega-3-6-7-9 fatty acids, including organic flaxseed oil, these are the best omega 3 gummies for vegans. These supplements come in peach, mango, and apricot flavors and are the furthest thing from fish oil, so they’re tasty and easy to use, though they lack the active EPA and DHA of other fish-based supplements.
Nordic Naturals’ ultimate omega supplements feature high-concentration omega-3 fish oil in triglyceride form (the form naturally found in fish) for optimal absorption and are one of the best omega 3 supplements on the market. What’s more, these supplements are sourced from wild-caught fish and flavored with natural lemon extract to give you all the health benefits of omega-3s without leaving a bad taste in your mouth.
These triple-strength fish oil supplements contain an immense 4,080mg of fish oil with 1,200mg EPA and 900mg DHA in each serving, making them far stronger than even the best omega 3 gummies for adults. Like many other fish oil supplements, these are flavored with natural lemon extract to cover up the fishy aftertaste and promise a great-tasting pill without fishy burps, though the 3 pill servings seem a little excessive to us.
In Conclusion: Omega-3s are an Important Tool for Heart Health
Omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively researched and have a wide variety of health benefits, and they are probably best known for for their effects on heart health. As most people in the US don’t eat enough food sources of omega-3 fatty acids, you could benenfit from taking the best omega 3 supplements to support your long-term health.
EPA and DHA are two of the most important omega-3s for heart health, and are scientifically proven to support healthy heart function and reduce your chances of developing chronic heart disease. However, many people don’t like taking omega-3 supplements because they are derived from fish oil and often have a distinctive taste, smell and aftertaste.
Fortunately, there are many flavored alternatives, and the best omega 3 gummies for adults help you get the recommended daily intake of omega-3s without the drawbacks of pure fish oil. If you’re concerned about your heart health, we strongly recommend seeing a doctor, as omega-3 supplements are not approved to treat or prevent medical conditions, though they have many health benefits when used as part of a healthy lifestyle.
My name is Isabella Archie, and I'm an experienced health consultant and author. With a Doctor of Medicine degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and 10 years in the field, I have developed customized health plans for individuals, groups, and organizations. I've written numerous articles and books on various health topics, with a mission to empower people to take control of their health through education, motivation, and support. My ultimate goal is to help people lead healthier and happier lives.
My name is Isabella Archie, and I'm an experienced health consultant and author. With a Doctor of Medicine degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and 10 years in the field, I have developed customized health plans for individuals, groups, and organizations. I've written numerous articles and books on various health topics, with a mission to empower people to take control of their health through education, motivation, and support. My ultimate goal is to help people lead healthier and happier lives.
