- There are two essential fatty acids that humans must obtain from their diet: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (LA, an omega-6 fatty acid).
- Good plant-based sources of ALA include chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, canola oil, and walnut oil. While LA is more abundant and found in many plant foods like nuts and seeds.
- These essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated and cannot be made by the body, but they are important for metabolic processes and converting into longer chain omega-3s like EPA and DHA.