The right fats can keep you happy and healthy at any age!
Want to live a long, productive life? You need to slow the destruction of telomeres (protective structures on the end of chromosomes) that experts say control the body’s biological clock.
A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that increasing your dietary intake of omega 3-rich fats will do just that. In addition, Marine-based omega 3s can improve lung function during and after exercise, which (in itself) is a terrific way to fighting aging. And much more!
“Memory loss is a prominent health concern,” write researchers in a recent issue of Current Alzheimer Research, “second only to heart disease.” Numerous studies show that DHA in fish and algae-based oils protect memory while raising HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering resting heart rates and triglyceride levels.
You don’t need to grow old, though, to enjoy these brain benefits. Matthew Muldoon, MD, at the University of Pittsburgh, says that DHA in omega 3s protects memory throughout human life span “and a deficiency of omega 3s may have implications for neuropsychiatric disorders.”
Hormonal changes during and following pregnancy can make women depressed—just when they ought be radiantly happy. Recent research in the journal Pharmacology finds that omega 3 fats impact serotonin production, fighting depression. Unlike pharmaceutical antidepressants, omega 3 fats are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding—and even give baby a little cognitive boost too!
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
It certainly looks like the omega 3s are the fats that really keep on giving!
For decades I’ve written about the critical need for essential fats, and Fat Flush for Life seasonal programs include omega 3s from fish and fish oil, as well as chia and flax seeds. If you’re concerned about mercury and other toxins in fish, then opt for chia, flax seed oil, and/or ground flax seeds in foods—especially smoothies.
Omega 3 fats also protect vision, according to the Blue Mountain Eye Study, so enjoy a handful of omega 3 rich walnuts every day. And a recent review of human studies shows that omega 3 fats improve liver health and function, while increasing insulin sensitivity in overweight individuals at risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Anyone with chronic kidney disease, which ups the risk for heart disease, may see improvements in blood pressure and heart rate after taking omega 3 fats. No wonder that Harvard University researchers list deficiency in these oils as the sixth biggest killer in the United States.
Don’t Forget Omega 6s
I believe for optimal nutrition, youthful skin, and heart protection, you also need “the good” omega 6s too!
Avoid supermarket oils, however, which typically use the wrong kind of omega 6s in the form of processed and refined corn oil. I like the biologically active omega 6s, found in GLA-90 (gamma linolenic acid), which is incredibly popular with Fat Flushers. GLA reduces inflammation, morning stiffness, and keeps skin moist and fresh, even during weight loss. GLA-90 is also great for activating brown fat for longer lasting weight control.
Sources
Fat Flush for Life
Smoothie Shakedown
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20145438
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20085953
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20099994
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20088810
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20079384
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19433717
