Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to our health, and found in the following plant sources: walnuts, flaxseeds, hemp, chia seeds, pecans, hazelnuts, canola oil, and algae. They are also found in fish.
Links to Plants Containing Omega-3
RESEARCH
WOUND HEALING
- A flaxseed oil omega 3 fatty acid supplement in a study of 60 patients with diabetic foot ulcers over 12 weeks significantly reduced symptoms compared to the placebo. From: Soleimani, Z., Hashemdokht, F., Bahmani, F., Taghizadeh, M., Memarzadeh, M. R., & Asemi, Z. (2017). Clinical and metabolic response to flaxseed oil omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of diabetes and its complications, 31(9), 1394-1400.
CARDIO-PROTECTIVE
- This article reviewed research on the cardiovascular protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed. From: Rodriguez-Leyva, D., Bassett, C. M., McCullough, R., & Pierce, G. N. (2010). The cardiovascular effects of flaxseed and its omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 26(9), 489-496.
BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
- In a study of 60 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, taking a flaxseed omega-3 supplement twice daily for 12 weeks improved insulin metabolism and cholesterol levels with little effect on hormone levels and lipid levels. From: Mirmasoumi, G., Fazilati, M., Foroozanfard, F., Vahedpoor, Z., Mahmoodi, S., Taghizadeh, M., … & Asemi, Z. (2018). The Effects of flaxseed oil omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on metabolic status of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes, 126(04), 222-228.
- In a study of 60 patients with diabetic neuropathy, taking an omega-3 flaxseed supplement for 12 weeks significantly reduced serum insulin, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. From: Soleimani, A., Taghizadeh, M., Bahmani, F., Badroj, N., & Asemi, Z. (2017). Metabolic response to omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with diabetic nephropathy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition, 36(1), 79-84.
CHOLESTEROL
- In a study of 60 patients with diabetic neuropathy, taking an omega-3 flaxseed supplement for 12 weeks significantly reduced serum insulin, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. From: Soleimani, A., Taghizadeh, M., Bahmani, F., Badroj, N., & Asemi, Z. (2017). Metabolic response to omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with diabetic nephropathy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition, 36(1), 79-84.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
- Inflammation was reduced in pregnant women who took an omega-3 flaxseed supplement for 25 weeks. Inflammation declined in both maternal adipose and placental tissue. From: Kordoni, M. E., & Panagiotakos, D. (2018). Can Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Reduce Inflammation in Obese Pregnant Women: A Discussion of a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial. Hellenic Journal οf Atherosclerosis, 8(4).
JOINT PAIN
- A blend of lemon verbena extract in fish oil taken orally reduced joint pain in humans. From: Caturla, N., Funes, L., Pérez-Fons, L., & Micol, V. (2011). A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of the effect of a combination of lemon verbena extract and fish oil omega-3 fatty acid on joint management. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(11), 1051-1063.
Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 12/11/18
