Omega-3s may protect against aging
The Gene Smart Program emphasizes the many health benefits of oily fish and fish oil supplements which contain high levels of the Omega-3s, EPA and DHA. And, Gene Smart has pioneered a home blood test that provides a measure of these two Omega-3s as an important predictor of an individual's risk of heart disease and especially sudden cardiac death.
Now, breaking research suggests these same Omega-3s may protect your cells against the aging process.
The connection to longevity is based on building evidence that associates part of our chromosomes called telomeres with cellular aging. The discovery of telomeres and its connection to aging was awarded The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009. Telomeres are protective caps of DNA at the tips of a chromosome that get shorter the more times a cell divides. In human blood cells, the length of telomeres ranges from 8,000 base pairs at birth to 3,000 base pairs as people age and can be as low as 1,500 in elderly people. Over time, telomeres can be damaged and shortened due to inflammation, smoking, obesity or lack of exercise. When the telomeres are too short, the cell can no longer divide, and will become inactive or "die." The shortening of these telomeres has been identified as an emerging biomarker of biological age.
Now in a new study, patients with high levels of the Omega-3s EPA and DHA in their blood appear to have a slowing of the biological aging process as measured by telomere length. Furthermore, individuals with the lowest levels of Omega-3s EPA and DHA experienced the fastest rate of telomere shortening. The study, published in JAMA, was conducted among patients with cardiovascular disease over a 5 year period. Watch video.
What's your risk for heart disease and aging? You can find out by testing your Omega-3 levels with the Gene Smart Omega-3 Index Home Blood Test. The convenient at home blood test kit provides a simple and easy way to find out more about your risk for heart disease, chronic inflammation and aging. Check your Omega-3 Index today. It may be the most important number you will ever know.
Now, breaking research suggests these same Omega-3s may protect your cells against the aging process.
The connection to longevity is based on building evidence that associates part of our chromosomes called telomeres with cellular aging. The discovery of telomeres and its connection to aging was awarded The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009. Telomeres are protective caps of DNA at the tips of a chromosome that get shorter the more times a cell divides. In human blood cells, the length of telomeres ranges from 8,000 base pairs at birth to 3,000 base pairs as people age and can be as low as 1,500 in elderly people. Over time, telomeres can be damaged and shortened due to inflammation, smoking, obesity or lack of exercise. When the telomeres are too short, the cell can no longer divide, and will become inactive or "die." The shortening of these telomeres has been identified as an emerging biomarker of biological age.
Now in a new study, patients with high levels of the Omega-3s EPA and DHA in their blood appear to have a slowing of the biological aging process as measured by telomere length. Furthermore, individuals with the lowest levels of Omega-3s EPA and DHA experienced the fastest rate of telomere shortening. The study, published in JAMA, was conducted among patients with cardiovascular disease over a 5 year period. Watch video.
What's your risk for heart disease and aging? You can find out by testing your Omega-3 levels with the Gene Smart Omega-3 Index Home Blood Test. The convenient at home blood test kit provides a simple and easy way to find out more about your risk for heart disease, chronic inflammation and aging. Check your Omega-3 Index today. It may be the most important number you will ever know.