Healthy Red Blood Cells? Here’s Why You Need More Omega-3’s…

Omega 3 levels are associated with greater overall health according to a new study. Published in the journal Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, the new findings from the Fatty Acid Research Institute looked at blood samples analysed as part of previous studies to determine if cell sizes for ‘healthier’ individuals are more narrow. [1]

The results of over 25,000 blood samples found that Omega-3’s were associated with an overall health improvement when it comes to red blood cells.

How The Study Was Conducted 

A graph determining the broad distribution of sizes was measured along a wider-based bell curve. This helped to determine the number of disease conditions, nutritional deficiencies, along with any potential risk of heart disease amongst other issues.

Researchers theorised that more EPA and DHA in the cell membranes (Omega-3 Index measures) are associated with more resilient blood cells. These have fewer odd sizes and shapes on the distribution graph, meaning they easily move through the circulation system.

What Are Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells have the important task of carrying oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, in exchange for carbon dioxide which they carry to the lungs to be expelled. Being formed in the red bone marrow of bones, red blood cells are often used to diagnose blood related conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia (where there’s less red blood cells than normal).

The level of red blood cells you have in your body determines the amount of oxygen delivered into your body’s tissues, along with how well they work. Red blood cells also tend to decrease with age and women in particular usually experience a lower red blood cell count than men. For men, a normal red blood cell count is between 4.7 to 6.1 million cells per microlitre (cells/mcL) and for women it’s 4.2 to 5.4 million cells/mCL.

Being the most abundant cell type in the body, red blood cells perform the critical function of delivering oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide. To achieve this, red blood cells need to move through the capillaries that are only half the width of the average cell. This means they must be able to accommodate significant levels of stress.

Researchers discovered that low Omega-3 levels (<5.6%) were associated with potentially unhealthy distribution of red blood cell sizes. Scientists have therefore concluded that EPA and DHA play a significant role in maintaining red blood cell structure in healthy individuals. They propose that maintaining a healthy omega-3 index balance can help to maintain normal red blood cell size distribution.

How To Get Healthy Omega-3 Levels

To ensure you get enough healthy Omega-3’s, it’s recommended to take a supplement containing ultra-pure omega fatty acids to help support the body’s anti-inflammatory processes.

Krill Oil is a super rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids that have many potent antioxidant properties to support your overall health.

Sustainably harvested from Krill, a shrimp-like crustacean found in the Southern Oceans, Krill Oil has been tested by scientists and proven to be 8x more powerful than traditional fish oil – with fish oil being 50% less absorbable in comparison.

Why Take Omega-3’s?

Omega-3’s provide many amazing health benefits and scientific research supports that they can provide:

• Neuroprotective properties
• Relieve Depression
• Prevent Dementia
• Support Heart Health by Lowering Triglycerides
• Plays an Important Role in Weight Loss Management
• Fights Inflammation
•  Eye Health Benefits

Other Nutrients For Optimal Health and Longevity 

Along with taking an Omega-3 supplement, you may want to consider taking the following nutrients as part of a healthy lifestyle…

Organic Minerals

Fulvic mineral complexes are being referred to by many nutrition and health experts as “The Missing Link of Nutrition”. Fulvic Minerals are naturally derived elements formed over millions of years from organic plant matter. High fulvic acid content contains more than 70 trace minerals, trace elements, electrolytes, amino acids and additional organic acids.

Fulvic Minerals are known to  balance and energise cell life and biological processes, along with supporting a wide range of health benefits. This includes a more restful sleep, clearer mind and brain function, balanced appetite along with better absorption of nutrients from foods and supplements.

Astaxanthin

As a potent antioxidant, Astaxanthin plays a powerful role in protecting brain health. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment and free radical scavenger, derived with algae and DHA from a pure plant source. It may help to protect skin from UV radiation and multiple studies show it can reduce inflammation in the body by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Multivitamins

Taking a full spectrum multivitamin/mineral supplement can provide a comprehensive range of nutrients and antioxidants that can support the body’s optimal health processes at every stage of life. A good quality multivitamin can provide a solid foundation for all of your nutritional needs.

Serrapeptase

As a naturally occurring proteolytic enzyme, Serrapeptase can support the body’s anti-inflammatory processes, allowing for natural relief for a wide range of health conditions. Serrapeptase can safely and effectively dissolve dead scar tissue and inflammation that may otherwise be causing blockages in the body.

Bergamot

For heart and cardiovascular health, Bergamot is recommended. Clinical research supports that Bergamot can lower “bad” cholesterol by 36% and increase “good” cholesterol by 40% in just 4 weeks. Along with blocking cholesterol production, it can protect arteries due to its inflammation-fighting polyphenols and has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels that can otherwise contribute to triglyceride formation.

References:

[1] https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0952327821001381

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