What are omega-3 fatty acids and why are they called "essential fatty acids?"

Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fats, one of three basic types of fat that the body derives from food. (Saturated fat and monounsaturated fat are the others.) All polyunsaturated fats, including the omega-3s, are increasingly recognized as important to human health. However, the body cannot produce them on its own. For this reason, omega-3s must be obtained from food sources like fish, thus making these fats "essential."

Two high-quality types of omega-3s, DHA and EPA, can only be found in fish.  So it’s critical to include at least two fish meals per week in a balanced diet to get the best quality omega-3s while enjoying a delicious, low calorie, high protein food.