Final answer:
The richest dietary source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid, can be found in flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and dark green leafy vegetables. Flaxseed is particularly high in ALA. Consuming these along with EPA and DHA rich foods like fatty fish is beneficial for health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The richest source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid, is found in certain plant oils, nuts, and seeds. Excellent food sources of ALA include flaxseed and flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds, and dark green leafy vegetables. While the body can convert some ALA to the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the conversion rate is low. Therefore, it is beneficial to also consume direct sources of these fatty acids, which are mostly found in fatty fish such as salmon, trout, and tuna.
Many Americans consume plenty of omega-6 fatty acids from common ingredients like corn and soybean oil but need to incorporate more omega-3-rich foods into their diets. Since ALA and other omega-3 fats are less common in the average American diet, adding ALA-rich foods can contribute to better health by reducing the risk of heart disease and inflammation, among other benefits.