> I was a vegan for 10 years, and found out I had basically zero Omega 3 in my blood
I see your disclaimer, but just for more context, vegans can get Omega 3 without taking pills per se. Flax seeds are an excellent source. I often add a spoonful to a bowl of oatmeal or as a pancake topping along with fruit sauce and granola.
Flax seeds are a very tedious and inefficient way to get omega-3 as a vegan, particularly because they contain ALA, a short chain omega-3, which our bodies are extremely inefficient at turning into long chain fatty acids.
Just get an algae oil based DHA+EPA supplement.
Flax seeds & other seeds provide ALA but not EPA & DHA. You need all 3.
The body has some ability to convert ALA to EPA & DHA, but at extremely low rates (particularly for DHA) - it's not a consideration in practice.
So no, eating seeds will not fulfill your body's requirements.
Flaxseeds are probably the most flavorless things I've ever tasted.
Chia seeds taste ok but you need to prep them by soaking which is a pain (or experience bloating).
All other seeds have more omega 6 than omega 3.
Grind the flaxseed before eating them so your digestive system can access more of the nutrients in flaxseeds.
from https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-maga... :
from https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/must-you-grind-flax...