Omega-3 fatty acids are a healthy type of fat found in fish such as salmon, trout, and sardines. They’re available in supplement form and are sometimes called fish oil capsules. According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers have found that people who have low levels of two brain chemicals found in fish oil supplements may be at an increased risk of depression. It’s ideal to get a higher ratio of DHA to EPA, which are both types of omega-3 fatty acids.
In addition to taking fish oil supplements to get omega-3 fatty acids, you can also increase the amount of fish you eat. Eating fish three times a week can increase your omega-3 fatty acids without the aid of supplements.
Keep in mind that some fish can have high levels of mercury. These include swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark. Avoid these in favor of fish with lower levels of mercury, such as light canned tuna, salmon, freshwater trout, and sardines.