The strong contribution of omega-3 fatty acids have since long been considered as an ideal source to decrease heart disease and avoid cardiac death. Omega-3 is present in fish like salmons.
Only recently have fatty acids been associated to more fundamental longevity benefits. It has been found that heart patients consuming omega-3 fatty acid experience lesser shortening of telomeres. The length of telomeres according to a theory on aging has an important relation to longevity of humans.
A total of 608 patients suffering from coronary-artery blockage has been evaluated by Cardiologist from the University of San Francisco, California as well as other hospitals. The study was conducted over a period of five years. The study showed that patient having a higher prevalence of omega-3 fatty acids in their white blood cells had sustained a longer length of telomeres over the five years. In contrast, those having had a low level of omega-3 fatty acids in their white blood cells experienced a more rapid shortening of telomeres.
According to Ramin Farzaneh-Far, who is an assistant medical professor at UCSF, clinical cardiologist and the lead author of the study says that it demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acid has a relation towards aging. The findings were published in the Journal of American Medical Association. Moreover, only ‘marine’ omega-3 fatty acid was considered such as from fish not those from vegetables. Omega-3 fatty acid is found vegetables such as in walnuts, soybean oil, canola oil or flaxseeds. This omega-3 was not considered as having the same positive effect.
The study did also not shed light on whether fish-oil supplements would have the same effect as fatty fish meals. It is thus undetermined if omega-3 supplement are as effective as fish meals such as salmons.
In general consuming omega-3 fatty acids in supplement or fish has both a strong effect. They reduce the potential risk of cardiac failure as well as any other cause of mortality according to the American Heart Association in 2002. This was communicated in their Journal of Circulation. Moreover, when referring to fish with a high level of omega-3 fatty acids we have herrings, sardines and salmons topping the list.
According to John LaPuma, a Santa Barabar, Calif., physician and nutritionist, the highest nutritious value is found in fish. However, supplements have improved significantly during the last year and do now have a very strong nutritionist value.
The value of omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts are unknown according to Dr. LaPuma. However, the benefits of walnuts and flax are important to lower LDL, which are also known as bad cholesterol.
The new study projected that marine omega-3 fatty acids were the reason for a slower shortening of telomeres. The length of telomeres has been estimated as good indicators for cardiovascular failure as well as other death causes. Dr. Farzaneh-Far has explained in several studies that it is still unknown whether the length of telomeres is just a marker or a cause of cell death. In the study, telomeres were esteemed as a basic feature for cellular aging.
Dr. Farzaneh-Far proposed that a double blind placebo-controlled clinical experiment would be necessary to determine whether omega-3 fatty acids can be confirmed as a protector against cellular aging. The evidence that fatty acids protect patients from heart failure is very strong now. It is thus necessary to confirm the study by conducting randomized test with healthy adults.
Source: The wall Street Journal
Anti Aging, Anti Aging Supplements, Gerontology, Health And Aging, Lifestyle, Longevity
Wed, Feb 10, 2010
Anti Aging, Anti Aging Supplements, Gerontology, Health And Aging, Lifestyle, Longevity