One supplement in particular is key when it comes to improving your life expectancy, according to an expert, and it’s alarming how many Brits are deficient
Life expectancy is influenced by a myriad of factors, ranging from unavoidable elements like genetics to lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise habits.
While we can’t change our DNA or prevent all illnesses and injuries, we do have control over what we consume, our physical activity levels, tobacco use and alcohol intake. According to an expert who graced Thomas DeLauer’s YouTube channel, one essential element for enhancing life span could be a spoonful away.
Biochemist Dr Ronda Patrick espoused the virtues of omega-3 supplements, underscoring their vital role in maintaining heart, lung, blood vessel, and immune system health as she discussed the necessity of these “healthy fats”. Since our bodies can’t naturally produce omega-3 fatty acids, it is crucial to seek them out via diet or supplements.
Thomas questioned: “Dr Ronda Patrick, what is possibly worse than smoking when it comes down to life expectancy?” Highlighting the severity of omega-3 deficiency, Dr Patrick responded, revealing that low omega-3 levels could rival smoking’s negative effects on our longevity.
Shocked by her findings, Dr Patrick recounted: “It sort of blew my mind to see some data. This is out of Bill Harris’s group that looked at life expectancy and the omega-3 index, which is a really good way of measuring your omega-3 levels.”
She stressed the universal awareness of smoking’s dangers before shedding light on the lesser-known but equally significant peril of ignoring omega-3 intake, reports the Express. Dr Patrick added: “However, when you look at life expectancy and you sort of stratify the data according to smokers and non-smokers, smokers with a high omega-3 index have the same life expectancy as non-smokers with low omega-3.
“If you look at the data there’s this beautiful graph, the life expectancy curves overlay where those two are the same and it’s just kind of mind-blowing.” Dr Patrick’s reference is to compelling research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, dated 2021. In the study, 2,240 participants were followed over an 11-year period – their blood samples taken to track various fatty acids.
Interestingly enough, the figures indicated that those at the bottom rung of omega-3 levels experienced a 4.7 year reduction in lifespan – mirroring the average loss seen in smokers compared to their smoke-free counterparts.
Concluding with conviction, researchers found that “a strong association” exists between longevity and omega-3 levels, suggesting that “dietary choices that change omega-3 [levels] may prolong life.”
For those looking to up their omega-3 intake, oily fish like mackerel, salmon, and sardines come highly recommended. Plus, if you’re after a boost, you can easily snap up supplements at most health shops or online.
