Omega-3 confirmed to delay signs of aging

Saturday, 24 September 2011 00:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Latest research into maintaining youthful looks points in the direction of our DNA. According to expert opinion, exercising our DNA enables us to stay younger for longer. They maintain that the strands of DNA in our bodies are protected by telomeres, which work like plastic ends on shoelaces, slowing down their wear and tear.

Telomeres play an important role in protecting our chromosomes from critical damage. The shortening of the telomere disrupts vital cellular function and promotes the previously seemingly inevitable onset of aging and various diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Britain’s widely read newspaper Daily Mail quoted Chief Medical Education Officer of T.A. Sciences Dr. Dave Woynarowski on the research that confirms telomeres can slow down and protect the strands of DNA; which in turn reduces the risk of age related diseases. He describes ageing as a disease, “As yet we can’t cure it, but we can already slow it down far more dramatically than most people realise,” he told the newspaper.

Factors such as fast food, stress, lack of exercise and generally a faster paced life have all been linked to accelerating the ageing process. However, including certain vitamins and minerals in the diet, such as Omega-3 is said to slow this process down.

Dr. Dave Woynarowski goes on to suggest that the Omega-3 found in cod liver oil can help protect against cellular ageing by slowing down the rate at which these telomeres shorten. The research indicated that higher levels of Omega-3 shielded the DNA contained within the telomeres, helping protect against inflammation and other ageing processes.

Omega-3 is regarded as ‘essential’ as it cannot be produced by the body and can therefore only be obtained through the diet. For many, it is not always possible to include oily fish in their daily diet; thankfully, there are easier ways of ensuring we achieve the levels of Omega-3 in the form of cod liver oil, which is a rich natural source.

“In Sri Lanka, we have always trusted and known cod liver oil for generations,” says Family Physician Dr. B.H Maya S. De Silva, who adds that the natural, trusted goodness of cod liver oil should ideally be included in one’s daily intake.

Experts confirm that cod liver oil is one of nature’s richest sources of Omega-3 that helps maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. Omega-3 fights the signs of ageing and promotes good health and vitality. For women, this new research comes as welcome news in the continuing quest to retain the youthful look and delay the onset of ageing.