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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Omega-3 is vital for your health. These are the signs you're deficient
From reducing your risk of heart disease and staving off dementia to easing joint pain, omega-3 – typically found in oily fish such as salmon and sardines – is often said to have huge health benefits. The latest research to spotlight the power of omega-3 is the Do-Health clinical trial which set out to establish how we can extend our 'healthspan' (our healthy active life). Do-Health recruited more than 2,000 healthy people over 70 from five European countries and measured the impact of various interventions. It had already found that a daily omega-3 supplement reduced participants' rate of infection by 13 per cent and falls by 10 per cent. This month, in a new paper, the research team also concluded that those taking omega-3 for three years had aged three months less than others on the trial, as measured by biological markers According to Parveen Yaqoob, an expert in omega-3 and professor of nutritional physiology at Reading University, our interest in these fatty acids stretches back to the 1950s, when researchers travelled to Greenland to study the Inuit diet. 'They ate huge amounts of whale and seal meat which was extremely rich in omega-3, and the first observation was that the Inuits had a very long bleeding time if they cut their skin,' says Prof Yaqoob. 'It suggested they had quite thin blood. The second observation was that even though whale and seal meat was really high in fat, the presence of cardiovascular disease was really low.' Somehow, this fatty diet was not causing the obesity-related chronic diseases we see here. Despite much evidence of benefit, there is still no recommended intake, and available supplements have wildly different concentrations. NHS guidelines suggest eating two pieces of fish a week, one of which should be oily fish (rich in omega-3). 'Unfortunately, 70 per cent of people in the UK eat no oily fish at all,' says Prof Yaqoob. So what are we missing? And how much do we need? 'They are a particularly unusual family of fatty acids,' says Prof Yaqoob. 'The three main omega-3s are ALA, DHA and EPA, and it's widely believed – though not conclusive – that DHA is more important for brain function, while EPA plays a greater role in cardiovascular health. You really only find EPA and DHA in oily fish.' We need a balance of fats in our diet, and humans evolved on the edges of land masses, eating fish, but the switch to agriculture has meant our diet now contains far more omega-6 fats (which come from vegetable oils). 'The ideal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio should be 3:1,' says Nicola Shubrook, a nutritionist with Urban Wellness. 'Some estimates suggest most people in the UK have a ratio of between 10:1 and even 50:1.' 'It's vital for the grey matter in your brain – every cell in your body has omega-3 in its membrane,' says Geoff Mullan, the chief medical officer at Human People, a longevity specialist healthcare provider. It can play a role in the regulation of blood clotting and also our inflammatory responses. 'That makes it important for the heart, skin, brain, joints and pretty much every system in the body.' The signs are: Dry, brittle skin – rough skin (keratosis pilaris) around the upper arms is a common early sign Dry eyes Joint pain – stiffness and slow recovery after exercise Low mood Cardiovascular: reduces risk of clotting, lowers triglycerides (a type of blood fat) Reduces inflammation – may improve many inflammation-related conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis and dry eye disease Improves mood and cognitive function Reduces all-cause mortality EPA and DHA omega-3s are critical to the development of the foetal brain and retina. This is why infant formula – and breast feeding supplements – contain DHA. There's evidence that omega-3 can ease some of the psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety and lack of concentration. 'Eating whole foods rather than supplements is always going to be better because of all the other nutrients that come with it,' says Nicola Shubrook, a nutritionist with Urban Wellness. 'A piece of salmon doesn't just contain omega-3; it has vitamins and minerals, all that protein, the amino acids.' Oily fish are the best – in some cases, the only omega-3-rich foods. These are the fish that store fat all over their body. How much you need to eat is a grey area. The participants in the Do-Health trial were taking omega-3 supplements of 1g per day. So how much oily fish equates to this? White fish store fat in their liver – not their flesh – so cod liver oil is another source. 'The generations that grew up taking cod liver oil absolutely swear that it has a beneficial effect, especially on keeping their joints supple,' says Prof Yaqoob. One tablespoon (14g) = 1.7g of omega-3 ALA is found in dark green vegetables, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, hempseed and soybeans – all of which are packed with other nutrients too. However, they are not a useful source of EPA or DHA, which the human body needs. 'Humans can only convert 5 to 10 per cent of these, so it's a bit naughty of the food industry to say, 'Get your omega-3 eating flaxseeds'. Actually, you can't,' says Mullan. The only vegetarian source is omega-3 supplements which are derived from algae. 'It's really a nice way to get it,' says Mullan. 'Fish don't make omega-3 either. They eat it from plankton and then store it. The algae supplements are a step farther back, so you're not risking contaminants. You avoid the fishy taste too.' Anyone on blood thinners should speak to their doctor before taking an omega-3 supplement. Unfortunately, there is no agreed answer. The NHS simply advises eating at least one meal of oily fish a week, although the American Heart Association advises on eating two, and adds in a 1g daily supplement for heart disease patients. The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) recommends higher therapeutic doses (2-4g of omega-3 a day) to improve inflammation and autoimmune conditions, while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends daily supplements that have a breakdown of 250mg of EPA and DHA for general health, and a higher dose 2-4g per day for triglyceride reduction. There are lots of reasons for belly fat, and omega-3 is no magic solution, but it can play a role in mitigating some of the harms by reducing levels of inflammation and harmful free radicals. Levels of omega-3 tend to be lower in overweight people. Yes. 'It's very strongly anti-inflammatory, it helps maintain a healthy skin barrier and helps with keratin production,' says Mullan. It can regulate oil production, improve hydration, soothe irritation and improve skin conditions such as eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis and keratosis pilaris. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Statement by Prime Minister Carney on National Indigenous History Month
OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - 'Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of Canada's lands and waters for time immemorial. National Indigenous History Month is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, languages, knowledge, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. 'Indigenous leadership and perspectives will be foundational to how this government delivers its mandate. We will address past harms, take a distinctions-based approach, and advance self-determination, while upholding Modern Treaties and self-government agreements. 'Central to this commitment is the long-term wealth and prosperity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. To that end, we have doubled the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion – and opened it to sectors outside of energy and natural resources to catalyze more Indigenous-led infrastructure, transportation, and trade projects across the country. 'As Canada moves forward with nation-building projects, the government will be firmly guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. 'We will work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples – advancing shared priorities from health care, food security, housing, and education to conservation, climate action, and emergency management. We move forward on the important work of the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Final Report, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Calls for Justice, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.' This document is also available at SOURCE Prime Minister's Office
Associated Press
a day ago
- General
- Associated Press
Message from the Governor General of Canada on National Indigenous History Month
OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, I join Canadians from across the nation in celebrating the beginning of National Indigenous History Month. Our rich and diverse stories—and the resilience and wisdom they embody—have profoundly shaped this land and our national identity. I am encouraged to see more and more Canadians listening and learning from these powerful narratives. Every day, we deepen our understanding of our national history and uncover new truths through the stories of Indigenous peoples, including Survivors of residential schools. Some of these stories contain unspeakable pain, loss of culture and of language, but also tremendous courage and determination. Only by understanding the impacts of our history can we take meaningful steps toward reconciliation and build a more inclusive society for the future. History is being written every day, and with their incredible achievements and positive contributions, Indigenous peoples are writing new chapters that are shaping a vibrant and successful future we can be proud of. On this month and every month, let us honour our past and embrace the history, knowledge and traditions of our First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Mary Simon Stay connected: Follow GovernorGeneralCanada on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Message from the Governor General of Canada on National Indigenous History Month
OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, I join Canadians from across the nation in celebrating the beginning of National Indigenous History Month. Our rich and diverse stories—and the resilience and wisdom they embody—have profoundly shaped this land and our national identity. I am encouraged to see more and more Canadians listening and learning from these powerful narratives. Every day, we deepen our understanding of our national history and uncover new truths through the stories of Indigenous peoples, including Survivors of residential schools. Some of these stories contain unspeakable pain, loss of culture and of language, but also tremendous courage and determination. Only by understanding the impacts of our history can we take meaningful steps toward reconciliation and build a more inclusive society for the future. History is being written every day, and with their incredible achievements and positive contributions, Indigenous peoples are writing new chapters that are shaping a vibrant and successful future we can be proud of. On this month and every month, let us honour our past and embrace the history, knowledge and traditions of our First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Mary Simon Stay connected: Follow GovernorGeneralCanada on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. SOURCE Governor General of Canada View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Statement by Prime Minister Carney on National Indigenous History Month Français
OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2025 /CNW/ - "Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of Canada's lands and waters for time immemorial. National Indigenous History Month is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, languages, knowledge, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. "Indigenous leadership and perspectives will be foundational to how this government delivers its mandate. We will address past harms, take a distinctions-based approach, and advance self-determination, while upholding Modern Treaties and self-government agreements. "Central to this commitment is the long-term wealth and prosperity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. To that end, we have doubled the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion – and opened it to sectors outside of energy and natural resources to catalyze more Indigenous-led infrastructure, transportation, and trade projects across the country. "As Canada moves forward with nation-building projects, the government will be firmly guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. "We will work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples – advancing shared priorities from health care, food security, housing, and education to conservation, climate action, and emergency management. We move forward on the important work of the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Final Report, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' Calls for Justice, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act."
