Cut Your Risk Of Death By 33%: Consume Foods Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

According to a study published in Journal of Clinical Lipidology, consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of death from any cause by approximately 33%. Moreover, researchers have also found that as compared to cholesterol, blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids are a better indicator of death risk from any cause.

The blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and serum cholesterol levels and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids in 2,500 people were measured by the researchers to determine a person’s risk of developing certain diseases. When the study started, all the participants did not have any cardiovascular disease.

Researchers observed deaths due to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other causes. They mainly concentrated on total death or mortality from any cause as an endpoint. Furthermore, they reported the relations between the risk for any cardiovascular disease occurrence and the levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The 66 year of age study participants were followed by the researchers for disease outcome until the age of 73.

The findings of the study demonstrated that DHA and EPA levels were linked to a lower risk for total coronary heart disease events, total strokes, and total cardiovascular disease events. This finding means that the beneficial health effects of DHA and EPA in a person’s body are not only limited to one pathological process like plaque accumulation in the arteries.

The lead author of the study named William Harris explained that:

“When baseline serum cholesterol levels were substituted for the Omega-3 Index in the same multi-variable models, the former was not significantly associated with any of the tracked outcomes whereas the latter was related to 4 of the 5 outcomes assessed.”

Sources Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are not produced by the body. These essential fats can only be obtained by incorporating foods rich in this compounds. The 3 most important omega-3s are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is primarily found in plants. The other two are EPA and DHA, which are both obtained from algae and animals.

Fish oils, fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds flaxseed oil, and flax seeds are some of the excellent sources of omega-3.

Here Are The Main Health Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Fights Inflammation

Omega-3s lessens chronic inflammation by reducing the production of substances and molecules linked to inflammation. Inflammation is known to contribute to heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

Promotes Brain Growth And Development In Infants

Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy can cause the child to have better communication and social skills, less behavioral problems, higher intelligence, reduced risk of developmental delay, and reduced risk of autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy.

Improves Mental Health

With EPA being the most effective, consumption of omega 3-s may help prevent anxiety and depression as well as health-related mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Supports Skin Health

DHA and EPA can keep the skin healthy. EPA hydrates the skin, fights acne, and prevents premature aging. On the other hand, DHA contributes to the health of cell membranes which make up a large part of the skin. A healthy cell membrane leads to a moist, soft, supple, and wrinkle-free skin.

Enhances Eye Health

DHA may help fight macular degeneration, which can cause vision impairment and blindness.