There are an increasing number of experts who believe that the nearest thing we are going to get to a fountain of youth is making sure we eat the right kinds of foods.
Eating fish on a regular basis, especially the types that are oily have been shown to be one of the beneficial ingredients in a healthy anti-aging diet.
There seems to be a few discrepancies in some of the claims that the media have come up with in the past, saying that fish and fish oil doesn’t have anything to do with living longer.
Because there have been a number of studies carried out regarding the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids from fish and fish oil supplements, which suggest they have got it a bit wrong.
Protecting Against Aging and Inflammation
Researchers from the University of California found that omega 3s from either oily fish or from supplements played a role in helping human to cells live longer.
This discovery was substantiated when they carried out studies on patients that were diagnosed with heart disease.
It was found that there was a reduction to the amount of damage done to the DNA cells when the consumption of omega 3s was increased.
Regular taking of omega 3s is known to protect against inflammation.
Because of its antioxidant activity it can also help shield against the aging process.
Fish to Help You Live Longer
The DNA in our bodies contains microscopic segments, called telomeres, these tend to get a bit shorter as we get older.
There is a belief among researchers, that if we can slow down the process of the telomeres getting shorter, this could potentially be the key to living longer.
Experts from Ohio State University have carried out a study which has indicated that those tiny DNA segments may be preserved by consuming omega 3 supplements.
The study revealed 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 daily for a period of 4 months showed increased preservation of DNA segments, which were contained in their white blood cells.
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 people age, the cells of their skin tend to become less sticky.
This in turn tends to decrease the skins ability to act as a barrier that prevents moisture from being released, which then results in the skin becoming dry.
Also, because there is a reduction in the protective capabilities of the skin epidermis, it means it is less efficient when trying to repair itself.
Then as a result, the skin will start to progressively show signs of aging such as the appearance of wrinkles.
Including omega 3s in your diet, slows down this aging effect and helps skin stay younger.
What the Experts Recommend We Take
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.
People that suffer from heart problems should take at least 800 mg and up to 1000mg of fish oil every day.
You can get this by either taking supplements or from natural dietary sources.
However it is recommended by the experts that it is better if you get your oils by eating the fish rather than relying mainly on taking some form of supplements.
That way you will also get other important nutrients into your body including protein, rather than just omega 3s.
As far as the UK guidelines currently stand, they only recommend people obtain their omega 3s from fish and no advice given about taking omega 3 supplements.
This is not to say do not take them, because if you are not eating any fish, you should get them from another source.
A few excellent natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids include mackerel, tuna, herring and salmon.