Are Your Omega 3 Supplements Really Helping You? And is 70 Really the New 60?

In today’s email:

• Fishy Business: Unpacking the truth behind fish oil headlines – are they friend or foe?

• Brain Boost: Uncover a potential new key to fighting Alzheimer's: brain cell renewal!

• Age Erasers: Are we getting healthier as we age? This study says older adults may have more pep in their step

TOP STORY

Fish Oil: Friend or Foe? Cutting Through the Confusion

Okay, let's dive into the world of fish oil! It's been praised for years as a heart-healthy supplement, packed with omega-3 fatty acids. But lately, some studies have been causing confusion, even suggesting it might be harmful. So, what's the real deal?

Recently, a large study made headlines, claiming that fish oil could actually worsen heart problems for some people. Yikes! The media went wild with warnings. But before you toss out your supplements, let's break down what the study really said.

Here's the gist:

• Afib Risk: The study did find a slightly higher risk (13%) of developing atrial fibrillation (Afib), a type of irregular heartbeat, in people taking fish oil regularly.

• But wait! Fish oil didn't increase the risk of other major heart issues or death. In fact, for people who already had Afib, fish oil seemed to offer some protection against more serious heart events and even death.

• Specific Events: The study also showed that for healthy people, fish oil might lower the risk of heart failure but slightly increase the risk of stroke.

• So, is it good or bad? The study suggests that if you're perfectly healthy, fish oil might not be beneficial and could even have a small downside. However, for people with existing heart problems, it might offer some protection.

The Big Picture:

It's important to keep things in perspective. That 13% higher risk of Afib sounds scary, but it's a relative risk. The actual difference in risk between fish oil users and non-users might be very small. One expert estimated the absolute increase in Afib risk was only 0.6%!

Also, the study only focused on one potential negative effect (Afib) while ignoring four potential benefits also shown by the research. And the truth is, tons of research over the years has supported the idea that omega-3s are good for your heart.

The Real Takeaway:

Don't panic because of one study! It's important to look at all the evidence. Many studies show that fish oil can lower the risk of heart disease and even death from heart problems. Focus on a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s. If you have concerns about heart health, talk to your doctor before making any drastic changes to your supplement routine.

*Summarized from a briefing on the benefits of Omega-3’s by Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

Alzheimer's: Could the Key Lie in Brain Cell Renewal?

Alzheimer's disease is a major worry as we get older. For a while now, scientists thought it was mainly caused by buildup of certain proteins in the brain. However, current treatments don't really stop the disease, they just help with the symptoms.

Some researchers are suggesting a different approach. They think a problem with how our brains make new brain cells, called adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), could be an early cause of Alzheimer's.

Here's what they're thinking:

• New Brain Cells: AHN is when the brain makes new neurons in a part called the hippocampus, which is important for memory.

• Early Stages: The new theory suggests that problems with AHN might happen even before the protein buildup that we usually associate with Alzheimer's.

• Notch and HSPGs: Two things that might be important in this process are the Notch signalling pathway and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). These help control how stem cells turn into new brain cells.

• A Fresh Look: By focusing on AHN, scientists hope to find new ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer's.

It's important to remember that this is just one theory, and more research is needed. But it offers a new and exciting way to understand this complicated disease. Instead of just treating the symptoms, it might be possible to target the root of the problem.

Together with longevityfor.life

70 is the new 60? Are we really getting healthier as we age?

We're living longer, that's no secret. But are we really healthier as we age, or just surviving longer with more health problems? A new study suggests that the answer might be more positive than we thought!

Researchers looked at data from studies in England and China, comparing the "intrinsic capacity" of older adults from different generations. Intrinsic capacity basically means your ability to do the things you want to do – things like thinking clearly, moving around easily, seeing and hearing well, and feeling good emotionally.

Here's what they discovered:

• Healthier Generations: More recent generations of older adults are entering their senior years with higher levels of intrinsic capacity than previous generations.

• Slowing Down Decline: Not only that, but the age-related decline in these abilities seems to be happening more slowly in these newer generations.

• Big Improvements: The researchers found that a 68-year-old born in 1950 had higher intrinsic capacity than a 62-year-old born just 10 years earlier!

• Why? The reasons are likely complex, but could include better access to healthcare, improved treatments, and possibly even better nutrition and education in early life.

The Bottom Line:

While we can't say for sure that "70 is the new 60," this study offers some encouraging news. It suggests that we're not just living longer, but also staying healthier and more functional for longer, which is great news for all of us!

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