Omega-3s Protect Against Pollution
New research shows that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective way to protect yourself from the damaging effects of air pollution. Exposure to high levels of vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions are an unfortunate part of modern life. These types of environmental pollutants are known to generate free radicals, which can damage cells within the body and essentially accelerate the aging process.
Air pollution is thought to have particularly negative effects on the heart and may actually inhibit protective antioxidant enzymes within the body.
The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, showed that taking supplemental omega-3-rich fish oil—and to a lesser extent, soy oil—may cause an increase in the activity levels of the antioxidant enzyme, Cu/Zn SOD (copper/zinc superoxide dismutase). The supplements also increased levels of glutathione, an antioxidant containing the amino acid cysteine, which is needed for cellular production of energy and proper immune function. Cu/Zn SOD activity increased by 49% in the fish oil group and by 23% in the soy oil group. Glutathione levels increased by 62% in the fish oil group and by 55% in the soy oil group.
The fish oil supplements were shown to have greater protective effects than soy oil against the havoc air pollution can cause in the body. Why? The researchers say that it may be due to the different types and amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids found in the two supplements. Fish oil is high in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), while soy oil is high in ALA (alpha linolenic acid).
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: It has become more important than ever before to take steps to protect your body from environmental health hazards like air pollution. Minimizing free radical damage to your cells with protective supplements such as fish oil may be one of the most important things you can do to protect your health and extend your lifespan.
