Can omega-3 fatty acids increase life expectancy?

Omega−3 fatty acids, also called Omega-3 oils, are polyunsturated fatty acids. They are widely distributed in nature, being important constituents of animal lipid metabolism, and they play an important role in the human diet and human physiology. A new study has explored whether or not there is any connection between omega-3 and human life expectancy.

It is a known fact that this specific fatty acid has a load of health benefits. These acids, which contribute to forming cell membranes, are considered “essential” since the body cannot make them on its own. The three types of omega−3 fatty acids involved in human physiology are α-linolenic acid (ALA), found in plant oils, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Some sources of omega-3 are:

• flaxseed oil
• soybeans
• canola oil
• certain fish, including salmon, tuna, and sardines
• chia seeds

The new research involved 2,240 participants. The participants were divided into 4 groups:

• people with a high omega-3 level who did not smoke
• people with a high omega-3 level who did smoke
• people with a low omega-3 level who did not smoke
• people with a low omega-3 level who did smoke

According to their analysis, people with high omega-3 levels in their blood who did not smoke had the highest survival estimate. People with high omega-3 levels who did smoke and those with low omega-3 levels who did not smoke were almost identical in terms of survival estimates.

“Having higher levels of these acids in the blood, as a result of regularly including oily fish in the diet, increases life expectancy by almost 5 years.

– Dr. Alex Sala-Vila

Resource