Because of the importance of functional food factors for the nutrition of humans and animals, an increasing scientific interest has emerged in health related effects occurring as a consequence of their content in diet. Therefore, in this paper we tried to present the state of the art concerning nutritional aspects as well as health benefits of the most important and widespread ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids. Furthermore, we reviewed nonfish alternative sources of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids as well as their occurrence in domestic oil seeds, rare and medicinal herbs. Recent attempts to incorporate higher levels of ω-3 fatty acids into food and feed are also presented.