Mood boosting foods are no myth – from fruits and veggies to dark chocolate, certain foods can help you feel good while being good-for-you. And now you can add to that list foods rich in those important Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fight Depression

Recent research shows that intake of Omega-3 fatty acids may help ease and treat symptoms of depression. In one study, researchers pooled the results of more than a dozen studies and found that for patients with major depressive disorder, taking Omega-3 supplements with higher doses of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with antidepressants boosted the benefits.

Depressed? How Probiotics Might Help

In another study, depressed patients who also had high inflammation levels found they benefited from taking the omega-3 fatty acid EPA, which has been shown to reduce inflammation. They improved more with EPA, supporting the idea that anti-inflammatory therapy can help treat inflammation-driven major depressive disorder.

How to Boost Your EPA/DHA Intake

So what can you do to boost your EPA/DHA intake? Plant-based sources like nuts and flaxseed are rich in healthy fats, but skew higher in Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The richest direct sources of EPA and DHA come from fish, including:

• Anchovies, Herring, and Sardines - Anchovies are classic in Caesar salad and on pizza.

• Salmon - Grilled, baked, poached, and cured or smoked on a bagel works, too.

• Bluefin or Albacore Tuna - Yes, sushi counts, as does a healthy Nicoise salad.

• Mussels - Delicious steamed in white wine with butter, shallots, and parsley.

• Trout - Try whole grilled, stuffed with your favorite herbs and slices of lemon.

• Caviar/Fish Roe - It’s ok to splurge if it’s for your health and well-being, right?

• Oysters - Shucked raw or oysters Rockefeller, if you’re feeling fancy.

• Mackerel - Simply grilled with olive oil and lemon is surprisingly tasty.

But if you’re not much of a seafood lover or simply prefer an easier way of getting the recommended amount, taking a supplement like VitaMedica’s Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil can help fill the gaps with 500 mg of EPA and 250 mg of DHA for a total of 750 mg healthy Omega-3s per softgel - similar to a 3 oz. serving of salmon.

Not all fish oils are the same, however, and a high quality fish oil supplement is an absolute must. That's because Omega-3 content can vary wildly across different brands, the fish they use can be high in harmful mercury, and depending on the manufacturing process, you might experience an unpleasant aftertaste or fishy burps. No thanks!

Omega-3 Supplements: What to Look For (INFOGRAPHIC)

While depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, that has become especially true in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet because depression is a highly individualized experience, it can be elusive to find the best treatment path for you. The good news? With the right balance of everything modern medicine and wholesome foods have to offer, you can have good health and the good mood to enjoy it.