Myth #20: “But I need to eat animals to get my DHA.”
For those who don’t know, DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fat with anti-inflammatory properties that plays an important role in brain and eye function. While the common-held myth assumes that humans must get their DHA from animal flesh (primarily fish), this is actually not the case – with ample amounts of DHA being found in flax seeds, chia seeds, canola oil, walnuts and most dark leafy greens.
On top of that good news, it turns out that DHA is not an essential fatty acid at all. The only two essential fatty acids the human body cannot do without are omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-6 linoleic acid (LA). And surprise, surprise — the only life-forms that can create these two fats are plants, and plant sources is where humans should be getting them.
In essence, researchers have now concluded that the human body is fully equipped to manufacture as much DHA as it needs using ALA, and because ALA is derived from plant sources, there is nothing to worry about as long as you are eating enough fruits and vegetables.
Current status of this Myth: Dismissed
Justification it provides for eating animals: NONE
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