Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play important roles in your health, such as supporting your heart and reducing inflammation.\n<\/p>\n
While salmon<\/a> is among the best sources of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), providing 1.24 grams of DHA and 0.59 grams of EPA per 3-ounce serving, there are plenty of other shelf-stable alternatives that can make it easier to get your daily dose of omega-3s.\n<\/p>\n Here are 7 of the best omega-3-rich options you can keep stocked in your pantry.<\/p>\n Tanja Ivanova \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n Omega-3 content per serving: Cod liver oil<\/a> is a more concentrated source of DHA and EPA than salmon, providing 1.5 grams of DHA and 0.938 grams of EPA per tablespoon.\n<\/p>\n Consuming cod liver oil regularly has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation<\/a>, like C-reactive protein, and decrease cholesterol levels.\n<\/p>\n Cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamin A<\/a>, which is necessary for immune function, vision, cognitive function, and reproductive health, and vitamin D, which is required for immune function, bone health, and muscle function.\n<\/p>\n How to use it: Cod liver oil is a supplement available in liquid and capsule form. It\u2019s best to talk to your healthcare provider regarding dosing.<\/p>\n Nitas \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n Omega-3 content per serving: Sardines contain a similar amount of omega-3s as salmon, providing 0.74 grams of DHA and 0.45 grams of EPA per 3-ounce serving.\n<\/p>\n Sardines<\/a> are so rich in omega-3s that regularly including them in your diet may reduce the need for a separate omega-3 supplement. They also provide protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and other essential nutrients.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Another bonus is that sardines are lower in the heavy metal<\/a> mercury than salmon. \u201cBecause sardines are relatively small, short-lived, and low on the food chain, they accumulate significantly less mercury than larger fish,\u201d Steph Greunke, MS, RD, CPT, PMH-C<\/a>, told Health.\n<\/p>\n How to use it: Canned sardines can be much more convenient than preparing raw or frozen fish, like salmon. \u201cSimply add them to a salad, mix with mayo and make a sandwich, or enjoy with crackers,\u201d said Greunke.\n<\/p>\n Dorte Fjalland \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n Omega-3 content per serving: Anchovies are tiny fish that are packed with omega-3s, providing an impressive 1.09 grams of DHA and 0.648 grams of EPA per 3-ounce serving.\n<\/p>\n Anchovies are also high in vitamins and minerals, including calcium<\/a>, iron<\/a>, and selenium.\n<\/p>\n \u201cAnchovies also provide iodine, which can be challenging to obtain from other foods,\u201d said Greunke. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and growth.\n<\/p>\n How to use it: Enjoy anchovies by adding them to pastas and salads, or eating them straight out of the can or on toast for a protein-rich snack. \u201cWhen possible, look for varieties that are wild or sustainably sourced and either packaged in their natural oil or water,\u201d recommended Greunke.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n chuchart duangdaw \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n Omega-3 content per serving: Omega-3 supplements are shelf-stable, making them an excellent alternative to salmon. They typically provide between 500\u20132,000 milligrams of combined EPA and DHA per serving\n<\/p>\n Most health organizations recommend a combined intake of 250\u2013500 mg per day of EPA and DHA for healthy adults.\n<\/p>\n How to use it: Omega-3 supplements can be taken at any time and are a good option for people who don\u2019t like seafood, which is a primary source of omega-3s.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Chirila Sofia \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n Omega-3 content per serving: Caviar may be pricey, but it\u2019s a shelf-stable and convenient source of omega-3s.\u00a0Two tablespoons of caviar provide 1.2 grams of DHA and 0.88 grams of EPA, making it a much more concentrated source than salmon.\n<\/p>\n Caviar is also packed with vitamins and minerals, like B12<\/a>, which is needed for neurological function, metabolism, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. It also has choline<\/a>, a nutrient that plays critical roles in neurotransmitter production and fetal brain development.\n<\/p>\n How to use it: Caviar is delicious on crackers or blinis and makes a perfect addition to cheese<\/a> and snack plates.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Svittlana Kuchina \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n Omega-3 content per serving: Flaxseed oil is the richest plant source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) you can eat. It has 7.26 grams of ALA per tablespoon.\n<\/p>\n ALA also has anti-inflammatory effects, and research shows that increasing your intake of ALA-rich foods, like flaxseed oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n How to use it: Flaxseed oil<\/a> isn\u2019t suitable for cooking and should be taken as a supplement or used as a finishing oil for dishes like salads and grain bowls.\n<\/p>\n HUIZENG HU \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n Omega-3 content per serving: Chia seeds<\/a> are highly nutritious, providing a shelf-stable source of ALA, plus\u00a0fiber, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. They provide 5.06 grams of ALA per 1-ounce serving.\n<\/p>\n Unlike animal-based sources of omega-3s, like salmon, chia seeds provide fiber<\/a>, a nutrient that supports gut health. It encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine and keeps bowel movements regular and comfortable.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n They\u2019re also high in magnesium, a mineral that helps you maintain healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels.\n<\/p>\n