Omega-3s are superstars at supporting all aspects of health. But the real challenge is to consume sufficient Omega-3s to arrive at an optimal status.
This nutrient is found in marine sources and plants. It was already known that fatty acids are good for the heart. But now, science is suggesting that Omega-3s are equally great for longevity.
The importance of high Omega-3 levels
A published study discovered that individuals with high marine Omega-3 levels have the lowest rate of telomere shortening in five years. Telomeres are the chromosomal tips that shield the DNA from stressors.
Science indicates that the telomere length is an indication of biologist’s age, and long telomeres signify longevity. This concludes that boosting the Omega-3 levels can allow you to live a long and healthy life.
- Heart
With age, it becomes important to support the heart with exercise, diet, and lifestyle choices. Sufficient Omega-3 levels support everything from an inflammatory response to the vascular system and cardiovascular health.
It also decreases triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and resting heart rate. Particularly, DHA and EPA regulate cardiovascular factors.
These healthy fats are linked to low hypertension and decreased risk of coronary heart disease.
- Cognitive Health
Regulating cognitive abilities and working memory is important for longevity. Omega-3 fatty acids are responsible for supporting the brain.
Since the brain is the fattiest organ, it demands fatty acids to function optimally, especially DHA, which is the most common fatty acid in the brain.
DHA is significantly found in gray matter, and taking DHA supplementation supports cognitive abilities and mental health.
Oily fishes are abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids, and regularly eating this source promotes gray matter in adults.
- Eye Health
Aside from the responsibility towards the brain, DHA is also the most common fatty acid abundant in the eyes. It’s crucial for the optimal working and regeneration of rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is a visual pigment that transforms light into visual images.
So, the growth and development of eyes in infants and older adults can be promoted by taking Omega-3 fatty acids. If your diet is rich in this nutrient, you’ll be less likely to face age-related vision problems.
- Joint Health
With age, the joints become less comfortable to move and stiff. But fortunately, Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly marine Omega-3s, help anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways to boost comfort, health, mobility, and function of joints. In a 2017 analysis, it was discussed that, on average, taking marine oil supplements offers advantages to joints.
The Bottom Line
We all want to live long and healthy. This can be achieved by consuming Omega-3s on a consistent basis. If you think about whether you should add some other supplements into your routine for longevity, you can buy the ones from David Sinclair’s list:
- Metformin
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin K2
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
- Statin
- Coenzyme Q10
Sinclair is a geneticist from Harvard and is a professor there. What’s more, he has been studying aging for enough time to achieve the trust of millions of people globally.