New research from UCSF shows that omega-3 fatty acids can slow the aging process. Patients with coronary heart disease that high higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, had an associated lower rate of telomere shortening (JAMA. 2010 Jan 20;303(3):250-7). Telomeres are structures at the end of chromosomes that protect the DNA from degrading. Telomeres progressively shorten as we age and, therefore, are a biological marker for aging.
It is well known that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, mainly by lowering triglyceride levels. But could it be possible that omega-3 fatty acids may delay the aging process and this, in part, is why it reduces the risk of age-associated diseases? The association between omega-3 fatty acids and telomere length seem to indicate it might be possible.
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