Summer often means more time outside, more movement, and more meals built around fresh foods. It can also be a good time to build simple daily habits that support your overall nutrition.
One habit to consider is adding omega-3 fatty acids to your routine. Omega-3s are essential fats, which means your body needs them but cannot make them on its own; you must get them through foods or supplements.
Here’s why summer is a great time to focus on omega-3s, and how Barlean’s makes them easy to add to smoothies, salads, snacks, and family routines.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3s are a group of essential fatty acids that support general wellness as part of a balanced diet.* The three main types are:
ALA: A plant-based omega-3 found in flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and flax oil. Barlean’s Organic Flax Oil is a convenient source of ALA.
EPA: A marine-sourced omega-3 found mainly in fatty fish and fish oil.
DHA: A marine or algae-derived omega-3 that is an important structural fat found throughout the body. Barlean’s Vegan Softgels offer algae-derived DHA for those who prefer a plant-based option.
Because omega-3s are part of daily nutrition, consistency matters. Summer foods like smoothies, salads, grain bowls, and chilled snacks make it easier to include them regularly.
1. Omega-3s Fit an Active Summer Lifestyle
Summer often brings more movement, from hiking and swimming to sports and weekend travel. A consistent nutrition routine can help support your body during active days.
Omega-3s are commonly studied in sports nutrition and overall wellness research. Adding them to your routine can be a simple way to support a balanced nutritional foundation during a busy season.*
Try It
Add a serving of Barlean’s Seriously Delicious® Omega-3 to a post-activity smoothie. Its creamy texture and fruit flavors make it easy to blend into cold drinks.
2. Omega-3s Pair Well with Summer Skin Nutrition
Summer usually means more time outdoors. While sunscreen, shade, and hydration are important, nutrition also plays a role in supporting overall skin health.
Research has explored the relationship between omega-3 intake and areas such as skin barrier function, hydration, and moisture retention.* ALA, the plant-based omega-3 in flax oil, has also been studied in relation to skin nutrition.*
Barlean’s Organic Flax Oil is an easy way to add ALA to summer meals without cooking.
Try It
Drizzle Barlean’s Organic Flax Oil over a chilled grain bowl, cucumber salad, or fresh tomato salad. Use it in no-heat recipes to help preserve its quality.
3. Summer Makes Omega-3 Habits Easier
The best routines are the ones that are easy to repeat. Summer foods like smoothies, yogurt bowls, fruit, and chilled drinks make it simple to add omega-3s without changing much.
Barlean’s Seriously Delicious® Omega-3 comes in flavors like Mango Peach, Strawberry Banana, and Piña Colada, making it easy to blend into foods and drinks you already enjoy.
Try It
Blend Barlean’s Seriously Delicious® Omega-3 Mango Peach with frozen pineapple, coconut water, and spinach for a bright summer smoothie.
4. Omega-3s Complement a Nutrient-Dense Summer Diet
Summer produce is at its peak, with options like berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and fresh herbs. These foods pair well with healthy fats, lean proteins, whole grains, and omega-3s.
Plant-based omega-3s from flax oil work well in salads, dips, smoothies, and grain bowls. For plant-based households, Barlean’s Vegan Softgels and Oils offer plant-based EPA and DHA (no fish)!
Try It
Build a summer grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a dressing made with Barlean’s Organic Flax Oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
5. Omega-3s Can Be Part of a Family Routine
Omega-3s can fit into routines for both adults and children when used as directed. Barlean’s offers several options for different ages, preferences, and formats.
Omega Pals™ is made for children ages 1 and up. Barlean’s Seriously Delicious® Omega-3 is a convenient option for adults who prefer a flavored liquid. Barlean’s softgels are available in both fish-sourced and flax-derived options.
Try It
Keep Barlean’s Seriously Delicious® Omega-3 front and center in your refrigerator as a daily reminder. Add it to smoothies, stir it into yogurt, or take it by the spoonful as directed.
How to Add Omega-3s to Your Summer Routine
Getting started does not need to be complicated. Choose one daily touchpoint and build from there.
Morning: Add Barlean’s Seriously Delicious® Omega-3 to a breakfast smoothie.
Midday: Drizzle Barlean’s Organic Flax Oil over a lunch salad or grain bowl.
Evening: Take a Barlean’s softgel with dinner.
For kids: Add Omega Pals™ to a smoothie or stir it into yogurt, following label directions.
The Bottom Line
Summer is a natural time to build a daily omega-3 habit. Smoothies, salads, chilled bowls, and fresh seasonal meals all make it easier to include omega-3s in your routine.
Whether you choose Barlean’s Seriously Delicious® Omega-3, Organic Flax Oil, Omega Pals™, or softgels, small daily steps can help support your family’s nutritional foundation all summer long.
Shop Barlean’s Omega-3 Products →
FAQ
What are omega-3 fatty acids and why are they important?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that your body cannot produce on its own. They must be obtained through foods or supplements. The three primary omega-3s are ALA, EPA, and DHA, each of which plays a role in overall nutrition and wellness.
What is the difference between ALA, EPA, and DHA?
ALA is a plant-based omega-3 found in foods such as flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. EPA and DHA are long-chain omega-3s found primarily in fish and algae.
Barlean's Organic Flax Oil provides ALA, while Barlean's fish oil and algae-based products provide EPA and DHA.
Can I add Barlean's Omega-3 products to foods and drinks?
Yes. Barlean's Seriously Delicious® Omega-3 is designed to mix easily into smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, parfaits, and other cold foods and beverages.
Barlean's Organic Flax Oil is best used in no-heat applications such as salad dressings, dips, and drizzled over finished dishes.
Is Barlean's Omega Pals™ suitable for children?
Omega Pals™ is formulated for children ages 1 and up. Follow label directions and consult your child's healthcare provider before introducing new supplements.
Does Barlean's offer vegan omega-3 options?
Yes. Barlean's Vegan Softgels provide EPA and DHA sourced from algae, offering a plant-based alternative to fish-derived omega-3 supplements.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Barlean's products are dietary supplements. Individual results may vary. This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Research references in this post describe the general state of the science and are not intended to imply that any Barlean's product has been proven to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or supplement routine.
Share:
5 Easy Ways to Add More Nutrition to Your 4th of July Spread