M A N A G E A G E I N G
You may remember that I have recently been taking part in an experiment for Seven Seas to highlight the importance of Omega-3 in your diet for the Seven Seas live your #TRUEAGE campaign.
At the beginning of the experiment my Omega-3 level was measured, by taking a small blood sample through a simple finger prick test. This was then used to calculate a percentage of Omega-3 fatty acids in my body's blood cell. The higher the index, the more Omega-3 you have in your body, which is beneficial in supporting your overall health including normal heart function, normal vision, normal bone and normal brain function.
My Omega-3 level was above the threshold of concern ( my full results can be seen here) but there was room for improvement and to do this, I took a daily Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Maximum Strength Capsule (available at Boots on the 3 for 2 offer here). Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Maximum Strength contains natural source fish oil with cod liver oil, rich in Omega-3 and Vitamin D.
D A I L Y D O S E
This post was brought to you in partnership with Seven Seas
My Omega-3 level was above the threshold of concern ( my full results can be seen here) but there was room for improvement and to do this, I took a daily Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Maximum Strength Capsule (available at Boots on the 3 for 2 offer here). Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Maximum Strength contains natural source fish oil with cod liver oil, rich in Omega-3 and Vitamin D.
D A I L Y D O S E
So, along with my morning cup of tea and took my daily dose of Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Maximum Strength. Although as a family, we eat a healthy diet I was more mindful throughout the experiment period when shopping to include fish such as mackerel and salmon in our weekly diet which are both rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
After the 3 months my levels of Omega-3 were measured again.
M Y R E S U L T S
Fatty acids have been measured in AW’s red blood cells prior to beginning a period of daily use of omega-3 supplements and again after four months. The omega-3 fatty acid content of red blood cells – the fatty acids are in the membrane of the cells – is considered to be a good indicator of how much omega-3s are being eaten. The omega-3s of greatest interest are EPA and DHA. A higher intake of EPA and DHA, and so a greater content in red blood cells, is linked with better health, including heart health. This is because the amount of EPA and DHA in red blood cells mirrors the amount in tissues like the heart. Researchers have defined the omega-3 index as the combined amounts of EPA plus DHA in red blood cells and suggest that this index be used as an indicator of heart health, just like blood cholesterol or blood pressure might be used. An omega-3 index of 4 or below would be a cause for concern, while an index of 8 or above would be a good sign.
AW’s sample of 27/4/17 gave an omega-3 index of 6.0. Although this is above the threshold for concern of 4, it is still below the threshold for greatest benefit of 8. Thus, there was room for improvement and most likely AW was not eating enough EPA and DHA.
AW’s sample of 28/8/17 taken after four months of daily use of an omega-3 supplement gave an omega-3 index of 7.3, a significant improvement from 6.0. This index is much closer to the desired value of 8 and would be associated with improved heart health. A great result.
In simple terms I have increased from a score of 6 to 7.3 in 3 months and my aim is to continue with taking the supplements to get to the ideal level of 8.
T H E B E N F I T S
The benefits of having increased Omega-3 in your system is beneficial in supporting your overall health. The visible signs I could see where my skin and hair which were in much better condition. I suffer from a little eczema on my arms and I have tried numerous creams without success, but it has recently cleared up and I think the Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Extra Strength has contributed to that.
L O O K I N G A F T E R O U R S E L V E S
We lead such busy, stressful lives these days and we do need to look after ourselves and take time to eat healthy. Our skin is often where the first signs of ageing appear. Try to increase your antioxidants by eating more fruit and vegetables which make your skin look for youthful and radiant. Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water (something I need to improve on) to keep your skin moisturised and get plenty of sleep. Eating salmon and other cold water fish which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, will help to nourish the skin. Along with dark green vegetables and foods high in vitamin C to help replenish collagen. To add to this a daily dose of Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Omega-3 supplement will help too.
We can't stop our skin and bodies from ageing, but we can the slow the process by taking care of ourselves and at Seven Seas they believe age is nothing but a number.
#T R U E A G E
You can live agelessly and do whatever you want, no matter what stereotypes and prejudices about ageing are. The only age that matters is the age you feel inside, your true age.
If you are interested in taking a quick and easy test to find out your own Omega-3 levels you can do so on the Seven Seas Website.
Annmarie
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Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil Maximum Strength Capsules (RRP £7.99) are available nationwide, and can be found at Boots within their 3 for 2 offer section.
P.S You can learn more about the #TRUEAGE movement by taking a look at Seven Seas Facebook page or their Twitter page.
This post was brought to you in partnership with Seven Seas