Vitamin D is found in many dietary sources such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil. The sun also contributes significantly to the daily production of vitamin D, and as little as 10 minutes of exposure is thought to be enough to prevent deficiencies.

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.[1]

In a recent study, a team of European researchers has demonstrated that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with improved cognitive function in middle-aged and older men.

The study compared the cognitive performance of more than 3,000 men aged 40 to 79 years, and found that those with higher levels of vitamin D performed consistently better in a test that assesses an individual’s attention and speed of information processing.

The experiment took into account factors such as depression, season and levels of physical activity.

“Previous studies exploring the relationship … produced inconsistent findings, but we observed a significant, independent association between a slower information processing speed and lower levels of vitamin D,” says lead author Dr. David Lee from the University of Manchester School of Translational Medicine.[2]

Since vitamin D is primarily synthesized in the skin following sun exposure, and not many people get enough exposure to sunlight on a daily basis, and because of our fast paced lifestyle, nutritional supplements may be the best means to receive this all important vitamin.

Some of the better vitamin D supplements on the market provide multiple forms of chelated calcium, bone-fortifying vitamins and minerals, 100% RDI of Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin D, within Chlorophyll-coated tablets that protect the valuable nutrients, and which are time-releasing for optimal absorption.

To learn more about vitamin D and the effects it has on your body, contact me, or you can find Vitamin D and other great supplements at My TriVita Business Site.

Sources
[1] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind
[2] http://www.betterhealthresearch.com/news/vitamin-d-rich-foods-may-help-maintain-good-memory-19206501/

The faster your metabolism runs, the more calories you burn. The more you burn, the easier it is to drop pounds. And get this – you can make your metabolism work harder, a lot harder, 24 hours a day.

Getting your metabolism to work at a higher degree is just part of the weight loss process. However, it’s what most nutrition experts say is the fastest way to lose those unwanted pounds.

A weight loss system (WLS) that I’ve written about before helps you increase your metabolism. The WSL capsules are made with nutrients – not stimulants – that promote lean body mass while helping reduce body fat. These fat-burning capsules help you avoid storing carbs and sugar as fat, while reducing food cravings.

“You have a huge amount of control over your metabolic rate,” says John Berardi, Ph.D., C.S.C.S., author of The Metabolism Advantage. “You can’t affect how many calories it takes to keep your heart beating, but you can burn an extra 500 to 600 calories a day by exercising properly and eating right.” And by making a few changes to your routine. [1]

There are approximately 50 million Americans who go on diets each year – yet only 5 percent keep the weight they lose off. Many people trying to lose weight continually struggle to find an effective weight loss method. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand someone can use to lose weight and/or to keep the weight off. Some experts say that the only proven way to lose weight and keep it off is by making permanent lifestyle changes. You must eat healthier, watch portion sizes and be active.

As part of your lifestyle change, I suggest trying three step system to weight loss. The WLS capsules are no ordinary “diet pills.” They are clinically proven to help reduce body weight and fat and are made with natural, stimulant-free ingredients, and have a fat burning accelerator (FBA).

Fat is really just stored energy. When you consume more energy – in the form of food – than your body can use, it is stored as fat. There are about 3,500 calories of energy stored in every pound of excess fat. The nutrients in this fat burning accelerator targets this stored energy and releases it.

The FBA liberates fat from your diet and your fat cells, and prepares it to be used as energy. Nutrients break down the fats into packets of fuel in your bloodstream and help your cells receive this fuel. Once the fuel enters your cells, it is burned and its energy is released.

Those WLS capsules do much more than convert fat to energy. They also help:

• Limit cortisol production – the stress-caused hormone that can lead to belly fat
• Control appetite by minimizing sweets and carb cravings
• Use the carbs and sugar you consume as energy, rather than storing them as fat, which helps with blood sugar balance

Plus, those WSL capsules are convenient and easy to use. Simply take the capsules with meals or as a healthy snack.

To learn more about this 3 part weight loss system, contact me.

Find weight loss supplements and other great supplements at My TriVita Business Site.

The life expectancy of people has increased considerably during the last 50 years. To make sure that your senior years are lively ones it’s imperative that you lead a healthy lifestyle through a balanced nutritional diet. It’s also vital to get enough sleep and exercise on a regular basis. Taking nutritional supplements plays an important role in reducing the risk of disease as well as supplying the body with anti-aging nutrition, improving its energy and health.

Finding the proper vitamin supplements that fits your needs can be difficult. Not all vitamin supplements are the same. For example, all-in-one or one-a-day type vitamin supplements are not the best source of vitamins and minerals. They cram all the required vitamins and minerals into just one small tablet. In all reality, it’s a great marketing concept, but a waste of time and money.

It’s imperative to be aware of the fact that the nutritional requirements of men and women does differ from one another. Be sure to find out which vitamin supplements are right for your sex. It’s been stated by several nutrition experts that women 30 years and older need to take supplements containing nutrients that help stabilize the female hormones, whereas men ideally need nutrients that benefit prostate health. Whether male of female, you will not find the proper nutrients in an all inclusive multiple vitamin.

To ensure that you’re taking the proper vitamin supplements it’s wise to seek the advice of a nutritional expert. If you do not know one, surf the Internet in the area of nutrition, or nutritional supplements. There are plenty of web sites that offer great products and free advice about what vitamin supplements your should be taking. Make sure you research the pros and cons of any vitamin supplements before spending your hard earned money.

Looking for vitamin supplements? contact me, I can steer you in the right direction for the best vitamin supplements, or you can browse for vitamin supplements at My TriVita Business Site.

To many, it’s a known fact that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have plenty of positive affects on the human body. Nutritionists and medical professionals would probably all agree that eating foods, like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are more healthy than eating any type of meat. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not like fish.

According to experts, and a new study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there are three primary reasons for a high ranking of omega-3 deficiency as a risk factor for preventable death:

1. Omega-3s are proven to prevent stroke, second heart attacks, and sudden cardiac death, which is responsible for half of all heart-related deaths.
2. Omega-3s appear to reduce depression, which is linked to heart disease and suicide.
3. Omega-3s are critical to proper immune function.

The study revealed “that a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet causes up to 96,000 preventable deaths annually in the United States.” The researchers also went on to say that “low omega-3 intake ranked as the sixth greatest killer, responsible for about 84,000 preventable deaths in 2005.”

Causing 84,000 preventable deaths, low omega-3 intake was found a greater risk factor than high intake of trans fatty acids (82,000 preventable deaths), found in hydrogenated vegetable oils (Danaei G et al. 2009).

What is the recommended daily requirement of omega-3 fatty acids?

Most world health authorities recommend taking 500mg or more per day, and the American Heart Association recommends that heart patients take 1,000mg per day under medical supervision.

If fish is your best source of EPA and DHA’s, and your not a fish eater, how else can you get this all important polyunsaturated fat?

Many brands of omega-3 oils and supplements are available in grocery stores and vitamin shops. If you choose fish oil, be sure the brand you select is mercury free. I suggest taking an omega-3 supplement, one gives you the needed fatty acid to maintain a healthy omega-3 balance.

Many omega-3 supplements meet the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, and many don’t. So always use only the best of the best. One daily dose usually provides the amount of Omega-3 recommended by the AHA for healthy individuals, as well as for those who have heart disease or the risk of it.

Before taking any supplements, first and foremost, ask your health professional then read as much as you can about the additional fish oil benefits. You’ll find that they provide an amazing array of health benefits.

Contact me for additional information on omega-3 supplements.

Shop for Omega-3 Supplements

Sources:

Danaei G, Ding EL, Mozaffarian D, Taylor B, Rehm J, Murray CJ, Ezzati M. The preventable causes of death in the United States: comparative risk assessment of dietary, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors. PLoS Med. 2009 Apr 28;6(4):e1000058. Epub 2009 Apr 28.

Why do some people lose weight on their own, while others need the support of an easy to follow structured program? Motivation! Some overweight people are successful at losing weight on their own because they know that it can reduce the threat of heart disease. On the other hand, some overweight people may not see that as a motivating factor.

Becoming, and staying, motivated to lose weight may be easier with a structured weight loss program. Let’s take a look at what you should look for in such a program.

Before joining any structured weight loss program, make sure they will teach you how to change your eating habits and lifestyle factors permanently. For example, make sure they focus in on the importance of physical activity, and how the lack of that activity has contributed to your weight gain.

Make sure that the staff made up of a variety of qualified counselors and health professionals such as nutritionists, registered dietitians, doctors, nurses, psychologists, and exercise physiologists. Before undertaking any weight loss program you want to be evaluated by a physician. It’s important for them to know if you have any health problems, are currently taking any medicine, or plan on taking any medicine, or plan to lose more than 15 to 20 pounds. If your weight control plan calls for a very low-calorie diet, an exam and scheduled follow-up visits to a doctor are suggested.

The program should provide long-term strategies to deal with weight problems you may have in the future. These strategies might include things like setting up a support system and establishing a physical activity routine. After all, the reason for joining a weight loss program is to, not only lose weight but, keep it off.

So make sure you choose a program that teaches skills and techniques to make permanent changes in eating habits and levels of physical activity to prevent weight gain.

Many weight loss methods that rely on diet aids like drinks, prepackaged foods, or diet pills typically don’t work in the long run. However, there is one weight loss system that I’ve found to be very effective. It’s sad to say that registered trademarks prevent me from naming the weight loss system by name, so I’ll just use the initials, WLS.

The WLS products are scientifically formulated and physician approved. They are natural, nutrient based, and contain no stimulants. The WLS has been clinically proven for optimal, healthy weight loss. The WLS system of products is convenient and easy to use!

The reason the WLS has been so effective is because of its three part process. This is not your “take one pill a day” claim to weight loss. It’s a system! It’s a process! It’s a steady, slow process, that gets results. Anything worth while, including weight loss takes time, a conscious effort, and a strong weight loss motivation. It does not happen overnight!

Remember, quick weight loss methods DO NOT provide lasting results. Whether you lose weight on your own or with a group, the most important changes are long term. Furthermore, no matter how much weight you have to lose, modest goals and a slow course will increase your chances of both losing the weight and keeping it off.

To learn more about the WLS weight loss system, contact me, or visit My TriVita Business Site.

According to experts, the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables are five servings for children, seven servings for women and nine servings for men. If you’re like most people you probably never reach your goal on a daily basis. And, if you’re like most of us, your fruits and vegetables did not come from an organic source; so, it’s possible that the fruits and vegetables (if you happened to eat them) may have been lacking in nutritional value.

Most nutritionists will agree that staying on top of our nutrient reserve is important. Since our bodies make millions of new cells every day: heart cells, brain cells, bone and blood cells, it’s important to replace a cell every time a cell dies. Again, experts say, if we don’t have the right amount of nutrients to construct a new cell we will either make an incomplete cell or none at all. In either case, the outcome is bad. So in all reality, we need to keep all nutrients on board at all times. This is I, and many nutritionists suggest a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement.

So, what are Supplements: According to some science experts, “The word supplement means in addition to something – to make up for a deficiency.” And many health experts suggest vitamin and mineral supplements should be taken in addition to a healthy diet, because they make up for the deficiency we face due to the poor nutrient density in our foods. Supplements also help out when our diet is less than perfect.

The health experts also suggest the simplest way to help support your nutrition is to take a general multi-vitamin and mineral supplement that provides a broad range of nutrients at standard nutritional levels.

However, they maintain that you keep the following points in mind:

Some supplements contain very high doses of certain nutrients. When you take nutrients in extremely high doses, you are no longer in the world of nutritional supplementation and have passed into the riskier world of megadose treatment.

Calcium and magnesium minerals are very bulky, and few multi-vitamin/mineral supplements provide the daily requirement. These minerals generally must be taken in the form of additional pills. Note: It isn’t possible for your body to absorb a day’s worth of calcium in a single dose. At least two doses are necessary.

The most common nutritional deficiencies are calcium, chromium, folgate, magnesium, vitamin b6, vitamin c, vitamin b12, vitamin d, vitamin e, and zinc.

Through my research, it seems very few of us are probably so deficient of these nutrients as to show symptoms of outright malnutrition. However, subtle deficiencies may increase the risk of a number of conditions. For example, insufficient intake of calcium and Vitamin D may increase your chances of developing osteoporosis, and inadequate folate and Vitamin B-6 may speed the development of heart disease.

We know that food contains many substances other than vitamins and minerals that may enhance your health. It’s a well known fact that supplements probably won’t make up for bad dietary choices. We all know the importance of fruits and vegetables, and we must just learn to eat more of each. If we can be honest with ourselves, we don’t have perfect diets. So, it is important to add a good vitamin and mineral supplement to our diet.

IF you’re looking for a vitamin and mineral supplement, please contact me, or visit My TriVita Business Site.

It’s no secret to the importance of Vitamin C. Ever since you were a child your mother was probably giving vitamin c, and as you grew older she probably reminded you to take your vitamin c.

Here is the science behind it;

Vitamin C is required in the synthesis of collagen in connective tissue, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, carnitine, conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and enhances iron bioavailability. Ascorbic acid is a great antioxidant and helps protect the body against pollutants.

Because vitamin C is a biological reducing agent, it is also linked to prevention of degenerative diseases – such as cataracts, certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

Ascorbic acid also promotes healthy cell development, proper calcium absorption, normal tissue growth and repair – such as healing of wounds and burns. It assists in the prevention of blood clotting and bruising, and strengthening the walls of the capillaries.

Vitamin C is also needed for healthy gums, to help protect against infection, and assisting with clearing up infections and is thought to enhance the immune system and help reduce cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and preventing arteriosclerosis.[1]

So what happens when there is a deficiency of vitamin C? According to experts, a variety of problems could occur, although scurvy is the only disease clinically treated with vitamin C. However, a shortage of vitamin C may result in “pinpoint” hemorrhages under the skin and a tendency to bruise easily, poor wound healing, soft and spongy bleeding gums and loose teeth.

Edema (water retention) also happens with a shortage of vitamin C, and weakness, a lack of energy, poor digestion, painful joints and bronchial infection and colds are also indicative of an under-supply.

Now I’m no doctor of medical expert, but I do remember the advice from me mother about vitamin C, and the importance of taking it daily, especially during the cold and flu season. I still take vitamin C today, and will continue to do so as long as I’m alive.

According to nutritionists, the best sources of vitamin C come from fruits and vegetables. Although most people are constantly on the go, in turn, they very rarely eat the proper amount of fruits and vegetables. That’s why when someone asks me, I always recommend taking vitamin C on a regular basis.

Some vitamin C supplements are made with crystalline cells, which are a primary advantage compared to many tablet Vitamin C supplements. That’s because the six-sided, crystalline cell structure provides much more surface area than finely-ground granulated cells. This in turn allows for more thorough and complete nutrient absorption by the body, before the supplement is eliminated.

In other words, the crystalline form of Vitamin C releases more of the full potency of the nutrient into your body compared to other forms, even the finely-ground granulated form.

Some popular vitamin C supplements use the crystalline cell form of Vitamin C. Typically, the crystalline cells come in a loose, powdered form. Time-released tablets, are typically a better choice, especially if the crystalline cells come in a compressed tablet form.

For superior Vitamin C potency, your body is better served with crystalline cells (in either the loose or tablet form) versus the finely-ground, granular form.

Find Vitamin C and other great supplements at My TriVita Business Site.

References:
[1] http://www.anyvitamins.com/vitamin-c-ascorbicacid-info.htm#Enemy%20of%20vitamin%20C

Every day we encounter situations, especially the stressful ones that zap the energy from our bodies. Our bodies use too much of the amino acid, phenylalanine, so we become exhausted and irritable from the stress. Oxygen which optimizes energy production and ignition to add the essential spark needed for energy, clarity and vitality.

Having more energy now will give you the alertness and mental clarity you need. There is an energy product that is rich with natural phenylalanine – fueling brain function and providing you with the alertness and mental clarity you need to live life to its fullest. However, due to trademark infringements, I cannot mention it by name.

Oxygen balance inside cells is critical to feeling your best. To prevent oxygen starvation within your cells, this product includes the natural antioxidant polyphenols from green tea and cocoa which increase oxygen delivery and gives your body what it needs for maximized energy production.

The spark in your energy cycle comes from your nervous system, including your brain. Your brain relies on B Vitamins to fuel its processes and provide a nutrient-rich environment for mental clarity, mood balance and energy production. The CoQ10, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5 and B-6 vitamins found in this energy product assists in this process, and provides the ignition your brain needs to recharge its energy supply.

If you lack energy, or your days are filled with stress, start taking a daily supplement. When you feel more energetic you’re in a better mood. When you’re in a better mood your days will go better. It’s a never ending cycle that most people experience on a daily basis. Stop feeling exhausted and irritable; become more alive and energetic.

NOTE: IF YOU HAVE PKU OR ARE TAKING MAO INHIBITORS, DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that is characterized by an inability of the body to utilize the essential amino acid, phenylalanine. Amino acids are the building blocks for body proteins. Some people do find these medications to be lifesaving. For these people MAO Inhibitors can be the best treatment. As long as they are vigilant about their diet they can get real relief from their depression.

Contact me to learn more about how you can have more energy now.

Find energy supplements and other great supplements at My TriVita Business Site.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight or live an active healthy life style, nutrition, vitamins, and exercise are vital to your health. We have become as a whole in the western culture, a couch potato, slow moving, over weight and flaccid society. Of course there will always be that smaller percentage of people who get it right and remain fit and healthy. The ones that get it right make a conscious effort with the proper diet and exercise. Congratulations if you’re in that category!

If you consider yourself, non active, take the first step, and make a decision to become healthy and fit. Once you have firmly made that decision you are on your way. Now take the time to evaluate your lifestyle and really look at it. Be honest with yourself about your eating habits and activity level.

You may want to start with a diet program; there are many popular programs out there. The Zone, the Blood Type Diet, Atkins, the South Beach Diet, Weight Watchers and the list goes on. They all have had their share of successes so it is hard sometimes to know what to do. I can only say, do your homework. You will find the right one that works for you and you will be more likely to stick to it.

On the other hand, if you’re not into diet programs, and you just want to get into shape, exercise and the proper nutrition does work. Changing your diet (the food you consume, not a diet program) to eating healthy whole foods is a good way to start. It’ll not only help you lose weight and help you feel better, but it will enhance your quality of life. You’ll have more energy and life just feels better when you are healthy.

Eat raw fruits and vegetables as much as you can especially dark greens. Cooked veggies lose some of their nutrients so eating a salad every day would benefit you. Most of your vitamins and minerals are going to come from fresh fruits and leafy green vegetables. And try to stick to organic on this to avoid the pesticides and chemicals.

Cutting down to smaller portions can help tremendously. A great way to eat less food at one sitting is to drink a glass of water before you eat and then drink more water with your meal. Water takes up a lot of space in your stomach so you will feel full faster and water won’t give you any extra calories.

Find an exercise regimen that you like and will stick to. Pretty much any exercise program will help you lose weight if you stick with it. You will see on TV all the equipment people want to sell you but after watching for a bit you usually know what appeals to you or not. You may just want to pop in a video and exercise with that. If that doesn’t work, go out and play basketball or soccer, or go for a jog.

Some food is deficient in nutrients from growing in poor over used soil, so it might be a good idea to get some good vitamin supplements to assist in getting your daily requirements. Getting the proper vitamins and nutrients in food is the best, but that’s hard to do. If you’re struggling to come up with the proper regiment, find a qualified nutritionist to help. They will help you in selecting what’s best for you.

The proper nutrition, vitamins, and exercise are very important to maintaining a healthy body. The three go hand in hand, but it’s almost impossible to get the necessary vitamins and nutrients through food alone. I recommend that you take a daily vitamin supplement.

Find all your nutritional vitamin supplements at My TriVita Business Site, contact me for additional information.

Food is more powerful than any prescription weight loss pills. The food that you eat can either make you thinner or fatter. One myth that keeps surfacing is “you get fat because of the lack of exercise.” I don’t buy that. You get fat because you don’t eat the right foods at the proper time each day.

The time you choose to eat your meals each day is more powerful than any prescription weight loss pill. The reason this is true is because your body is like an “engine”, it needs certain foods at certain intervals of each day. If you don’t eat the right foods at the right times then it won’t burn the calories needed to loose weight. You body will wind up storing those calories as fat tissue.

The plain fact is, you gained weight and/or became overweight by eating the wrong foods. No the good news; You can slim down, or loose weight, by eating the proper foods at the proper intervals each day. Yes, it is possible to loose weight by eating food that your body requires to function properly.

If you’re like most people, constantly on the go, and eating fast food, it’s hard to eat the proper food. If that’s the case, you may need a weight loss system to help you loose those unwanted pounds.

That brings me to weight loss systems, and what to look for. Look for a system that offers the most advanced weight loss products and an easy system to follow. Having the proper products and system will help you lose weight the smart and healthy way!

Finding products that are scientifically formulated and physician approved are also very important. Make sure they are natural, nutrient based, and contain no stimulants. Finding products that have been clinically proven for optimal healthy weight loss can go a long way in your decision making process.

Many top notch weight loss products will help you lose the weight you’ve dreamed of. So, if you can’t loose weight by eating the proper food at the proper time, do some research and find a weight loss system, or ask me. I have one in mind that may just work.

Find weight loss and other great supplements at My TriVita Business Site, or contact me for additional information.

Omega-3s from Fish Linked to Healthier Aging

22-year study tied higher omega-3 blood levels to better health outcomes

11/01/2018     By Craig Weatherby

Harvard researchers once estimated that the average American’s lack of omega-3 fatty acids from seafood could cause up to 96,000 premature deaths annually in this country.

Out of a dozen dietary, lifestyle and metabolic risk factors, the Harvard team ranked low omega-3 intakes as the sixth most dangerous risk factor for premature death (Danaei G et al. 2009).

In fact, they ranked low omega-3 intake as a bigger risk factor than high intake of trans fatty acids, also known as trans fats. To learn more, see Omega-3 Deficiency May Cause 90,000-Plus Deaths Annually.

Now, the results of an extraordinarily long, reliable study link higher omega-3 blood levels to healthier aging, by reducing the risks for diseases known to cripple or kill people as they grow older.

New study links higher omega-3 blood levels to healthier aging

For the study, Tufts University researchers lead colleagues from the University of Pittsburgh, the universities of Texas, Washington, New Mexico, and Oregon, and more.

The team, led by Heidi Lai of Tufts, looked for any links between blood levels of specific omega-3 fatty acids — three from seafood plus one found only in plants — and healthy aging (Lai HT et al. 2018).

Their analysis was based on blood test and health data gathered from 2,622 adults who’d taken part in the U.S. Cardiovascular Health study from 1992 to 2015.

Among the volunteers — whose average age was 74 years — 63% were women and 11% were from non-white ethnic groups.

At the outset of the original Cardiovascular Health study, the researchers conducting that investigation measured the participants’ blood levels of various omega-3 fats, whose levels were measured again six and 13 years later.

The blood tests measured four different omega-3 fats — EPA, DHA, and DPA from seafood, and ALA from plant foods — whose differences we describe under “Important distinctions among omega-3s”, below.

Based on those measurements, the participants were divided into five groups (quintiles), based on omega-3 levels that ranged from lowest to highest.

After reviewing the participants’ medical records, the researchers found that 89% experienced unhealthy aging over the study period, while 11% experienced healthy aging — which was defined as being free of major chronic diseases and mental or physical dysfunctions.

Comparison of each participants’ omega-3 blood levels to their health status revealed that those with the highest levels of seafood-derived omega-3 EPA were 24% less likely to experience unhealthy aging, compared to those the lowest EPA levels.

In addition, the participants who fell into the top three quintiles of seafood-derived DPA blood levels were 18-21% less likely to experience unhealthy aging.

Surprisingly, neither seafood-derived DHA nor plant-derived ALA were associated with healthier aging.

The authors said that the link between high EPA levels and low risk for unhealthy aging might relate to EPA’s role in regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation.

However, DHA also plays a key role in regulating inflammation, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, dementia, and other conditions associated with aging — which makes the lack of a link between DHA and healthy aging very surprising.

It’s important to note that this was an observational study, and as such doesn't allow any firm conclusions about a cause-effect relationship between omega-3 levels and health outcomes.

And although the results of the analysis were adjusted to account for the known health effects of various social, economic, and lifestyle factors, some of the observed links between omega-3 levels and health risks might be related to other, unmeasured factors.

That said, the study was unusually long (up to 22 years of monitoring), and relied on blood tests, rather than mere estimates of omega-3 intakes based on diet questionnaires.

When all was said and done, the researchers’ analysis linked higher blood levels of omega-3s from seafood — EPA and DPA — to a lower risk of unhealthy aging.

As they wrote, “These findings … support guidelines [that call] for increased dietary consumption of fish among older adults.”

We’d add that the findings also support higher consumption of fish amongst people of all ages, because it takes decades for diseases to develop, and it makes no sense to wait.

New findings fit with those of prior studies

In addition to the 2009 Harvard study described at the beginning of this article, two similar ones verify the anti-aging benefits of omega-3s from seafood.

Five years ago, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health linked higher omega-3 blood levels to reduced risk of death from any cause — especially deaths from coronary heart disease — in older adults (Mozaffarian D et al. 2013).

That same year, a separate study from the Harvard School of Public Health linked higher blood levels of omega-3 DHA and EPA — but not higher levels of omega-3 ALA or omega-6 fatty acids — to reduced risk for cardiovascular disease (de Oliveira Otto MC et al. 2013).

The findings of that second study undermine persistent advice to replace animal fats like butter and lard with vegetable oils, without making important distinctions among various vegetable oils.

Unfortunately, most of the cheap vegetable oils consumed in the US are very high in omega-6 fatty acids — a fact that explains America’s extremely excessive, hence pro-inflammatory, intake of omega-6 fats.

Rather than corn, soy, safflower, and sunflower oils, which are very high in omega-6 fats, it’s better to choose oils that are high in monounsaturated oleic acid and/or omega-3 ALA.

The best choices are extra-virgin olive oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, macadamia nut oil, and canola oil (look for non-GMO canola).

Important distinctions among omega-3s

Seafood is the only good source of EPA, DHA and DPA, while considerably smaller amounts of ALA are found in certain plant foods — especially leafy green vegetables, walnuts, and flax seeds or flaxseed oil.

Omega-3 DHA and EPA are both essential to immune function — especially inflammation control — while DHA is essential to brain and eye function and child development.

Our bodies can only convert very small proportions — one to 10% — of dietary ALA into EPA and can only turn small proportions of that EPA into DHA.

That limitation explains why it’s a very good idea to either eat ample amounts of seafood — especially fatty species like salmon and sardines — or take supplemental fish or krill oil.

While ALA is modestly healthful, studies don’t find it nearly as beneficial as DHA or EPA, which are the only omega-3s the human body requires to survive and thrive.

In fact, virtually all dietary ALA that isn’t used to make EPA and DHA gets “burned” as fuel.

Sources

• Danaei G, Ding EL, Mozaffarian D, Taylor B, Rehm J, Murray CJ, Ezzati M. The preventable causes of death in the United States: comparative risk assessment of dietary, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors. PLoS Med. 2009 Apr 28;6(4):e1000058. Epub 2009 Apr 28.
• de Oliveira Otto MC, Wu JH, Baylin A, Vaidya D, Rich SS, Tsai MY, Jacobs DR Jr, Mozaffarian D. Circulating and dietary omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and incidence of CVD in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. J Am Heart Assoc. 2013 Dec 18;2(6):e000506. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.113.000506.
• Lai HT, de Oliveira Otto MC, Lemaitre RN, McKnight B, Song X, King IB, Chaves PH, Odden MC, Newman AB, Siscovick DS, Mozaffarian D. Serial circulating omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and healthy ageing among older adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study: prospective cohort study. BMJ. 2018 Oct 17;363:k4067. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k4067. Erratum in: BMJ. 2018 Oct 23;363:k4445.
• Mozaffarian D, Lemaitre RN, King IB, Song X, Huang H, Sacks FM, Rimm EB, Wang M, Siscovick DS. Plasma phospholipid long-chain ω-3 fatty acids and total and cause-specific mortality in older adults: a cohort study. Ann Intern Med. 2013 Apr 2;158(7):515-25. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-158-7-201304020-00003.
• Zhu Y, Ferrara A, Forman MR. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and healthy ageing. BMJ. 2018 Oct 17;363:k4263. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k4263

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