Many reports have come out over the years detailing the importance of incorporating Omega-3 fatty acids into a healthy lifestyle. The spread of information that's been perpetuating the importance of omega-3 fatty acids over the years has fueled a rise in consciousness regarding omega-3s, contributing to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of omega-3 supplements in recent years.
The market for omega-3 supplements is estimated to be worth around $60 billion. India and China are reportedly expected to be driving a large portion of the demand in the coming years.
Numerous studies and articles have suggested that there are a myriad of potential health benefits linked with omega-3 consumption. Among those benefits are claims that omega-3s might help to alleviate depression, improve eye health, brain health, and decrease your risk of heart disease.
To get more omega-3s incorporated into the diet, many people have turned to taking supplements. But some studies have suggested that the supplements might not be as effective as you'd think.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), they haven't found sufficient evidence to support the use of supplements as a preventative measure against heart disease. They have previously admitted to finding no benefit from omega-3 supplements in preventing stroke, heart disease, heart attacks, or death, for those who don't have a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
Other studies have similarly claimed that there might be little-to-no benefit to be reaped from taking fish oil supplements regularly.
The Real Deal
A new study from Tufts University suggests that omega-3s might play a critical role in fostering a a healthier mind and body. They found that people with higher levels of omega-3s circulating in their body would stay healthier as they got older.
The study involved over 2,600 participants and those who took fish oil supplements were excluded from being involved in the study.
The researchers measured biomarkers for a variety of fats, including DHA, EPA, and ALA. At the beginning of the study they were tested, then again tested after 6 years, then again after 13 years. As far as healthy aging, meaning they didn't have any chronic illness of cognitive dysfunction, only 11 percent of the participants fell under this category.
The rest? The other 89 percent had all experienced some form of difficulty with their health over the years.
Participants had been split into 5 groups ranging from highest omega-3 levels to lowest. What they had found was that those with the highest levels had a lower risk of unhealthy aging compared to the others.
Despite many reports suggesting that there might not be any significant benefit to be found with taking fish oil supplements though, millions of people continue to take them on a regular basis which might mean that they're throwing their money down the drain.
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The information that is posted above is not intended to be used as any substitute for professional medical advice, or diagnosis or treatment. The above is posted for informational purposes only.
