Omega-3 oils, which have been somewhat of a buzz-word the last few years, do in fact appear to improve health and survival in those with heart disease. Omega-3 fats have also been found to ward off heart disease in the first place. Researchers aren't exactly sure how and why omega-3s protect your heart, but a new study does provide some clues to this mystery.

It's all about reversing a cell's age

In trying to find the link between a healthy heart and omega 3 oils, the researchers studied the length of 'telomeres'. Telomeres coat both ends of each strand of DNA, they're a bit like the plastic ends of shoelaces, which stop the lace from unwinding.

Researchers have found that the length of a telomere is one way to measure the age of cell. This is because, as the cell ages the telomere shrink, they become shorter. So the shorter the length of the telomere the older the cell is. And when the telomere shrinks so much that it can no longer protect the ends of the DNA from damage, the cell enters into a 'resting phase' or simply dies, it's then replaced by a new cell.

More omega-3 oils, younger cells?

A research study examined 608 subjects who had a stable heart condition. Each subject had their white blood cell telomere length measured at the beginning of the study and once again when the study ended 5 years later. The subjects also had their omega-3 blood levels measured too.

The study's results showed that the participants who had the highest levels of omega-3 fats in the their blood at the inception of the study experienced the slowest rates of telomere shortening in the 5 year study period. The shortening telomere rates were much more rapid, in those participants that had the lower levels of omega-3 in their blood.

The study conclusions indicate that omega-3 oils may be helpful in protecting cells from premature ageing, and could be a possible explanation as to why omega-3 oils are so beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart, even with those who have heart disease to start with. The researchers conclude that more studies are needed in this area.

Omega-3, are you taking enough?

The risks of cancer and other chronic diseases could also be lowered by taking omega-3 oils.

Super foods are an excellent source of Omega-3 oils, including spirulina, chia seeds, wheatgrass powder, bee pollen, barley grass powder. They're easy to add to your diet so you can make sure you're getting enough omega-3. Other food sources include walnuts, linseeds, olive and rape seed oil, and other nuts and seeds.