A growing number of experts believe the closest thing to a fountain of youth is through the consumption of the right kind of foods. Regular consumption of fish, especially oily fish, has been shown to be one of the pillars of a healthy, anti aging diet.
Despite some claims of the media that fish and its oil has nothing to do with longevity, several studies about the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids from fish and fish oil supplements suggest otherwise.
Protection Against Inflammation and Aging
A group of researchers from the University of California discovered that omega 3s either from fish or from supplements play a role in helping human cells live longer. This was proven when they conducted a study on patients diagnosed with heart disease.
They found out that increased consumption of omega 3s correlated with a reduction in the occurrence of damage to their DNA cells. Regular intake of omega 3s is known to protect against inflammation. Due to its antioxidant activity is will also help shield against the aging process.
Fish for Better Longevity
Our DNA contains microscopic segments, called telomeres, which tend to shorten as a result of the aging process. Researchers believe that if the process of telomeres shortening can be slowed it could potentially be a key to longevity. A study by experts from Ohio State University indicated that taking omega 3 supplements plays a role in preserving those tiny DNA segments.
This was based on findings which showed that healthy but overweight middle-aged individuals and older adults who were asked to take 2.5 grams or 1.25 grams of omega 3 supplements every day for a period of four months showed increased preservation of DNA segments, which were contained in their white blood cells.
Fish for Improved Skin Health
Omega 3 fatty acids are also known for their anti skin-aging effects as they benefit the skin’s outer layer, called epidermis. As a person becomes older, their skin cells will become less sticky, decreasing its ability to serve as a barrier that prevents moisture from being released, resulting in dry skin.
In addition, a reduction in the protective capabilities of the skin epidermis also means less efficiency in repairing itself. As a result, the skin will then start to show signs of aging such as the appearance of wrinkles. Consuming omega 3s counters this aging effect and helps skin stay younger.
Experts’ Recommendation on Omega 3 Intake
According to a report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, compelling evidence has already been collected about the benefits of fish oil. Experts advise that people should take 500mg of omega-3 fish oil daily. Individuals with heart problems should take at least 800 mg and up to 1000mg of fish oil every day.
This can be obtained either from supplements or natural dietary sources. However, experts recommend that people should ideally consume fish rather than rely solely on taking supplements.
In doing so, people can also obtain other important nutrients from fish besides omega-3. UK guidelines only recommend people to obtain their omega 3s from fish and no advice given about taking omega 3 supplements. Some excellent natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids include mackerel, tuna, herring and salmon.
