Can Fish Oil Supplement Your Longevity?

Can fish oil supplements increase longevity? In Japan the Okinawa islands had almost 750 folk who were over 100 years old. That was back in the year 2006. As you would expect most of these people were women. Still, compared to the western world, this represented 5 centurions per 10 thousand population as compared to one or two for the same population in the developed world. What could possibly account for this massive difference?

The longest going study of longevity ever conducted in the world among those island people revealed amazing healthy constitutions . To get to the bottom of this longevity riddle, the study looked into genetics, life style and diet. Almost 1000 older ones on the island were studied extensively.

Dementia, heart disease and cancer rarely showed up in the studies of those Okinawan people; arteries were clean with most body shapes tending towards leanness.

Eating to satisfaction or about 80% full was a normal part of their lifestyle. Moderation in alcohol usage and being complete non smokers were additional factors along with a diet rich in vegetables,fruit fiber and fish oil omega 3 fatty acids.

Eating to satisfaction is a biblical command. However it is very tempting to eat beyond that point since it takes 20 minutes before the brain receives a signal from the stomach indicating that it is full. But nevertheless, these Japanese folk seem to stop eating at the first sign of fullness.

A positive flexible outlook along with strong social integration helped them to handle stress well. Modest physical activity, including that of walking and dancing, all made their contribution to an islanders increased quality of life.

Interestingly, fish oil supplements are renowned for their mood enhancing properties along with their ability to strengthen the nervous system. Keeping the arteries flushed clean and nourishing the heart are additional important properties.

Fish omega 3 oils also give energy and strengthen the immune system. Hence, they can help towards a very healthy mind set, which the Okinawans have for several reasons, one being their diet which was rich in fatty fish.

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Superfoods & Longevity

The hope for the future is to be able to tell someone what diseases or maladies they might be genetically predispositioned to, early on, so their diets can be focused accordingly.  We’ll know which ones to add, which ones to avoid, and be able to take a proactive role in preventing or deterring a genetic disease.  In the meantime, many foods have been determined to pack a punch to the aging process & greatly assist in quality longevity.

Lycopene, the pigment that makes tomatoes red, also appears to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and macular degeneration. It’s also been associated in greater self-sufficiency in elderly adults. While fresh tomatoes have a good hit of lycopene, the most absorbable forms are found in cooked tomato products, such as spaghetti sauce and soup and prepared salsas. Pink grapefruit, guava, red bell peppers, and watermelon are also rich in lycopene. 

Eating at least two cups of orange fruits like sweet potatoes, squash and carrots boosts intake of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, essential for healthy skin and eyes, and which may also reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Lutein and lycopene, also found in orange produce, also help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and may protect skin from sun damage and even reduce wrinkling as well. Mangos and cantaloupes are also beta-carotene endowed.

And if you don’t do anything else to change your diet, eat your dark leafy greens. They have been showed to significantly reduce your risk for heart disease and may also save your eyesight. Dietary guidelines advise at least three cups of greens a week. Organic!

Don’t forget the mental aging process either. The heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids have also recently been shown to keep your brain sharp. A recent study found that a higher intake of fatty fish significantly reduced mental decline.  If fresh fish isn’t an option, go for canned tuna, salmon, and sardines.

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