Techinically, omega-3 fatty acids are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that have in common a carbon–carbon double bond. These fatty acids are essential fatty acids and play an important role in the life cycle of cardiac cells.

Well, now that you know what they are chemically, I'm sure it'd be more helpful for you to know what they are and where they can be found, in lamen's terms.

Essential fatty acids play an important role in humans' metabolic processes and, therefore, should be an important part of your daily intake. Other than getting them in pill form, you can also find them naturally in many great tasting foods like salmon, walnuts and olives. Other sources of omega 3 fatty acids are found in shellfish, flaxseed, canola oil, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and leafy vegetables.

Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the "thumbs up" to omega-3 fatty acids. On Sept. 8, 2004, they gave the "qualified health claim" status to two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, the eicosapentaenoic acid and the docosahexaenoic acid. In this claim, they also stated that these acids were shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Having the U.S. Food and Drug Administration give claim to the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids gives an extra boost of support to those of you who are making sure you are getting all of your omega-3 fatty acids.