Omega-3 Fatty Acids-Paving The Way Towards Increased Longevity.

In today’s society many of us have been searching for ways to increase our longevity. Exercise and diet are just a few of the ways where consumers have been trying to prolong their lives. Cardiovascular disease for example, is the second leading cause of premature death in the U.S. next to Cancer. These diseases alone reduce our life span dramatically. In addition the majority of the population; including children are overweight. And literally speaking, we have for the most part turned into coach potatoes.

In turn leading sedentary life styles and lack of a proper diet will eventually lead us to a trip to the Doctor’s office, if not an early grave. Prescription medications for Diabetes, Cardiovascular disorders and other health related conditions, will without fail be written, as a result of not taking care of our health. And why is this, one may ask? Is it because of our own naivety or self-neglect? Or maybe it’s because we have been caught up within modern civilization; plagued by all of its fast food restaurants along the super junk food highways.

We cannot totally rely on prescription medications to cure all of our ills and for good reason. Many of us know that we need medicines to help us when we’re sick. But we often forget that prescription medications for the most part, do more harm than good. Many do more harm than good, in that they often carry with them serious side-effects that often leave us debilitated.

In light of this eye opening fact, many individuals have been turning to alternative medicine, or natural remedies, to ward off disease. One particular natural remedy that has been with us since the dawn of man, are Omega-3 fatty acids. We find Omega-3’s in the foods which we eat…fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish to name but a few. Many studies have shown, that by taking in enough Omega-3 fatty acids, one can reduce their chances of premature death by as much as eighty-five percent in fact.

As you increase your intake of Omega-3’s from fish oil and flax seed oil for example-It is just as important to lower your levels of Omega-6 fatty acids. These types of acids are found in meat and dairy products. In today’s typical diet, there is a four to one ratio, of Omega-6 fatty acids, compared to that of Omega- 3’s. This is not only bad for our health and well-being, but it can also lead to more cardiovascular related disease, Cancer and a slew of other illnesses. And in turn-not enough of the good, will without doubt, lead to premature death and decrease our overall longevity.

So as you can see, Omega-3 fatty acids are our friends. Additional health benefits that Omega-3’s provide through the way of fish oils are many. Fish oil, being one of the essential Omega-3’s has multiple benefits, beside warding off premature death and increasing our longevity. A few of these many advantages of fish oil are, combatting stress and the resulting cortisol damage, that often accompanies the stress because of pituitary gland damage. Hindering Cancer development in its early stages is also a resulting benefit from ingesting more Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to fighting heart disease and dangerous cardiac arrhythmias; Omega-3’s have also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.

Depression and anxiety can lead to premature death often, because suicidal tendencies are often precipitated by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Prescription medications given in conjunction with 1000 mg of Omega-3’s twice a day, in the form of fish oil supplements, has helped many with chronic depression. Besides improving brain health, Omega-3’s also prolong longevity by assisting with the reduction of inflammation. Inflammation in most case is the result of inflammatory cytokines. These inflammatory cytokines can speed up low-grade inflammation significantly. This in turn can cause the body to age more rapidly.

Omega-3 fatty acids role is definitely one of utmost importance; especially in the fight to increase our life span, by also decreasing inflammation within our bodies. The overwhelming evidence is nothing less than circumstantial; when it comes to proving that Omega-3’s can prevent premature death. To help you achieve your goals and lead a healthier and longer life, you can start by taking 1000 to 2000 mg. of Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of a fish oil supplement. Supplements are great for those individuals who cannot eat fish for certain reasons. If you can consume fish; then I recommend a few of the following: Salmon, which is probably the highest in Omega-3’s, Tuna, Halibut, Swordfish and Sardines. All of these fish are high in Omega-fatty fish oils.

In addition to fish and fish oils, Olive oil and flax seed oil, used in cooking and placing over your favorite salad, are also relatively high in Omega-3’s. Some other good sources of Omega-3’s are navy and kidney beans, as well as walnuts and other nuts. Adding a generous portion of these foods to your diet along fruits, vegetables and various grains, will help you reach a ripe old age; along with maintaining a proper weight and getting enough exercise. But if you’re not willing to get up off the coach and rely totally on modern medicine and prescription drugs to combat disease. Then you’re only really hurting yourself in the long run, by not optimizing your body with Omega-3 fatty acids, in the fight against mortality.