Flax seeds are a great food, but as mentioned, they need to be ground. However, avoid the pre-ground seeds, as flax loses much of its nutrient value within a few days, as the fats go rancid very quickly. For maximum benefit, grind them fresh right before using them. They can be kept ground in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but after that they should be discarded. Hemp and chia seeds are also great options.

While flax is a great source of omega 3's, plant sources aren't as good as animal sources. Plant sources have LA and ALA, which have to be converted to EPA and DHEA by your body. Animal sources have EPA and DHEA. However, while fish have a lot of omega 3's, due to heavy metal contamination, they aren't safe to eat. Krill oil supplements are the best source, since they're more bio-available than fish oil, and they last longer.