Can Vegetarians Get Enough Essential Fatty Acids From Their Food?

The presence of high levels of the essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6 in fish makes it relatively easy for non-vegetarians to boost their intake of these vital nutrients. However, there are excellent plant based sources of omegas 3 and 6.  Omega 6 can be found in many vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and fruts. Omega 3 is found in a similar range of foods. Particularly good sources are linseeds, pumpkin seeds, walnut oil, mustard seeds and soya beans. Linseeds, also known as flaxseeds, are said to contain twice as much per equivalent weight as found in fish oils. However it is quite hard to eat large quantities of linseeds. You can mix them into muesli and seek them out in speciality bread (or bake your own seeded loaves). Many people choose to supplement their diet with a spoonful or more of an oil derived from seeds or nuts high in essential fatty acids. Many commercial mixes with high levels of EFA s are now available but any oil made from the right ingredients will do.

I have been a vegetarian since 5 March 1973.

Yes, vegetarians get get all essential vitamins, minerals and so on from foods which do not include dead bodies. Obviously, a vegetarian needs to know exactly what they are eating and what benefits each product has for them, as well as watching their health - especially when it comes to iron deficiency, for example - and ensure that their sport / fitness is up to scratch too.

In our modern world there are also many suppliments that one can take (can, I don't), especially while still learning what to eat and when.

I have been a vegetarian since November 1988.

Another great source of Omega 3 and Omega 6 is Hemp Seeds. Hempseed Butter is way more nutritious than Peanut Butter. You can buy the hemp seeds and toast them. They are great on salads. I put them in cereal. There are also a ton of great, healthy (and very tasty) hemp based products out there.

And don't worry, you CAN NOT get high from eating hemp products! Learn the truth at www.votehemp.com