Omega 3's - for a healthy heart and a longer life

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been shown to slow down the aging process and in supplement form they have been the corner stone of anti-aging enthusiasts for a couple of decades. But new research has now shown that adding Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet can increase the survival rate of those with coronary heart disease. The marker used to determine these findings was a part of the DNA strand called telomeres. The research concluded that high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood slowed the aging process by as much as five years.

Telomeres sit at the end of chromosomes and their purpose is to protect the genes and help them to divide properly. Aging, infection, smoking, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity shorten the length of telomeres. Studies have shown that short telomeres are a risk factor for coronary heart disease and possibly a causal effect of congestive heart failure and strokes.

The recent study conducted at the University of California in San Francisco and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association tested 608 subjects who had coronary heart disease to see how much Omega-3 fatty acids were in their blood. Those with high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood had a slower rate of telomere shortening.

Omega-3 fatty acids are used in anti-aging medicine to assist with memory function and focus but they also have an anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting ability. Omega 3's do not naturally occur in the body in spite the fact they are essential for the function of many tissues in the body, especially the brain, heart and eyes. These acids also lower blood pressure, slow macular degeneration, treat depression, increase joint flexibility, and lower triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acids can only be added to the blood by supplementation and diet.