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Alpha-linolenic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid, a type of good polyunsaturated fat that is linked to heart health. The omega-3 designation comes from the first double bond being three carbons from the end of the carbon chain. This fatty acid is essential, meaning the body can’t synthesize it and it must come from the diet, with plant sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and certain oils. It helps support cardiovascular health in part by serving as a precursor to longer-chain omega-3s (EPA and DHA), though the body converts only a small amount of ALA into those forms. That’s why the label omega-3 fatty acids is the best descriptor for alpha-linolenic acid. In contrast, omega-6 fatty acids are a different family of polyunsaturated fats, saturated fats lack double bonds and tend to be solid at room temperature, and trans fats are altered fats associated with negative health effects.