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Omega-3 Fatty Acids

By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com

Updated: May 2, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: Healthy polyunsaturated essential fatty acids found in fish, flax, canola oil, pumpkin seeds and walnuts. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids raises HDL cholesterol levels and may help to prevent cardiovascular disease.

There are three main dietary omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid both found in fish and seafood, and alpha linolenic acid found in plants.

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