DHA and EPA

Two other vital omega-3 fatty acids in our diets are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). These two fatty acids, DHA and EPA, are essential for heart and brain health, cognitive health, and eyes.

 

DHA and EPA are found primarily in fatty fish. Almost the only source of DHA and EPA is seafood, especially fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardine, halibut, bluefish, trout, and tuna. Lean fish like haddock, cod, flounder, and sole contain only small amounts of DHA and EPA. DHA and EPA are not found in any plant foods. For children, eggs and milk are fortified (The process of enriching foods with nutrients) with DHA and EPA.

 

DHA is an essential nutrient for healthy eyes and brain as DHA is found in high concentrations in the retina of your eyes and your brain and is especially important for proper vision and brain development during pregnancy and infancy. In addition, DHA and EPA are excellent for heart health. They may help reduce blood pressure, clots, and triglyceride levels. DHA and EPA are also vital for cognitive health and are used to lessen symptoms in people with depression.