Eating Oily Fish Can Extend Life, Study Suggests | HuffPost Life

Could Eating Oily Fish Extend Your Life?

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Eating oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can add years to your life, a study has shown.

Higher blood levels of omega-3 reduce the chances of dying from heart disease by more than a third, according to the research.

They cut the overall risk of dying by as much as 27%.

Scientists found that people with the largest amounts of the fatty acids in their blood lived on average 2.2 years longer than those with lower levels.

"Although eating fish has long been considered part of a healthy diet, few studies have assessed blood omega-3 levels and total deaths in older adults," said lead researcher Dr Dariush Mozaffarian, from the Harvard School of Public Health in the US.

"Our findings support the importance of adequate blood omega-3 levels for cardiovascular health, and suggest that later in life these benefits could actually extend the years of remaining life."

Could This Reduce Your Stroke Risk?

The scientists analysed 16 years of data from around 2,700 US adults aged 65 and older taking part in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS).

Participants gave blood samples and were questioned about their health, medical history and lifestyle.

Three key omega-3 fatty acids, both separately and together, were associated with a significantly reduced risk of death.

One, docosahexaenoic acid ( DHA) , was linked to a 40% lower risk of death due to coronary heart disease. This was especially true for deaths caused by heart rhythm disturbances.

Another omega-3 compound, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) was strongly associated with a lower risk of death from stroke.

The third type of omega-3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was linked to a reduced risk of non-fatal heart attack.

Overall, participants with the highest levels of all three types of fatty acid had a 27% lower risk of death from all causes.

The findings appear in the online edition of the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Oily fish, such as mackerel, tuna and sardines, is the most important source of omega-3. The fatty acids can also be found in flaxseed, walnuts and rapeseed oil.

Tell us in the comments, what you eat to live longer..

Foods To Boost Energy

Coffee(01 of10)

Caffeine and its most popular delivery system, coffee, is an obvious pick-me-up. While we don't recommend drinking it in the late afternoon, when it can interfere with bedtime, a cup of joe can certainly help with alertness and focus. And longterm studies show that java is a good thing for overall health, reducing risk of dementia, heart failure and even some cancers. (credit:Flickr:rockindave1)

Dark Chocolate(02 of10)

We're talking really dark here. If you're eating chocolate for energy, you want the highest cacao concentration possible. That's because cacao has nutrients that fight stress and boost energy and focus. And dark chocolate has a kick of caffeine, helping to boost energy levels quickly. (credit:Flickr:Chocolate Reviews)

Citrus Fruit(03 of10)

Chock full of immune-boosting Vitamin C, these fruits help enhance energy and improve alertness just from their scent, according to Marie Claire. (credit:Flickr:Helena Jacoba)

Water(04 of10)

We believe in the power of drinking water for many reasons, but energy is chief among them. If you're feeling sluggish, it could be from dehydration, which counts fatigue as a common symptom. So a good first step in the fight for greater wakefulness is to drink some H20. (credit:Shutterstock)

Bran Cereal(05 of10)

Thanks to a healthy dose of B-complex vitamins and complex carbohydrates with the sustaining effect of fiber, bran cereal is a food for lasting energy. (credit:Shutterstock)

Salmon(06 of10)

This oily fish is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which are used by the body as building blocks for muscle and other tissues, and for energy. (credit:Shutterstock)

Eggs(07 of10)

Thanks to their richness in choline, an essential nutrient in the B vitamin family, eggs contribute to energy in several ways: Choline is involved in metabolism and also helps the central nervous system to function. (credit:Shutterstock)

Beans(08 of10)

B vitamin-rich beans also pack a punch when it comes to protein and complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy throughout the day. (credit:Shutterstock)

Dark Leafy Greens(09 of10)

Kale, chard, watercress and other nutrient-packed greens help promote energy with high levels of brain-boosting Folate, Vitamins C and K and calcium and beta-carotene. (credit:Alamy)

Walnuts(10 of10)

Walnuts have the most omega-3 concentration of any nut, making them a great energy builder. (credit:Shutterstock)

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