Is Fish Oil Concentrate the Key to Longevity?

by Anthony McRae

An interesting question to say the least but does the question imply an underlying truth? To read the current published information and believe the popular media culture one would certainly think that it is the truth. The reality is that fish oil concentrate and its many cousins do promise significant health benefits if selected carefully and ingested consistently.

Fish oil (or marine lipid) is derived from the flesh of deep water fish. The oil of these fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids which have proven to carry many of the described health benefits. Specifically, the Omega-3 fatty acids can broken down into two groups, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are precursors to eicosanoids (substances that reduce inflammation in the body). The fact that we humans are believed to have originated in the sea and that these beneficial chemicals are also derived from the sea adds credence the truth to fish oil being a key to good health.

Fish concentrated oil is known to effectively lower bad cholesterol levels while at the same time increasing the amount of good cholesterol. Furthermore, it’s also been shown to reduce blood pressure. Because of these benefits, it is believed that fish oil can help to reduce the risk of heart attack and other heart related conditions, thus helping to increase the average life expectancy.

There have been many studies on the effects of marine lipid in the body. Researchers continue to document the many benefits. Dr. Alexander Leaf of Harvard Medical School believes that the oil can be a significant preventative for heart attacks with as little as eating eating an oily fish product two times a week. That can be a tuna fish sandwich or a small can of sardines.

The same benefit has also been shown to occur for stroke prevention. Many studies have shown that having the Omega-3 in the diet tends to dissolve blood clots before damage can occur. Fish oil also has been shown to have an impact on joint pain. This means that many people who suffer from arthritis can get relief by having these natural chemicals in the diet.

Adding to the list, the oil concentrate keeps the brain intact by aiding memory and recall. This is very hopeful for people who have Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

A Caveat About Selection

It would certainly seem that having listed all of these benefits that fish oil concentrate is the key to longevity and only time will tell that it is as great as it seems to be. The only problem that we consumers need to be aware of is that the quality of fish oil on the market varies quite a bit. We have to be very selective in the products that we chose and only chose the very best. The bottom line is; you should only ever purchase health supplements from a reputable source.