Eating the right fats is critical for health, so it’s not surprising that recent studies have found that the essential fatty acid (EFA) omega-3 can slow down the aging process. This research suggests that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, found in flax and fish oils and usually deficient in the modern diet, helps to prevent a biological process related to aging—the shortening of telomeres.

Telomeres are caps at the ends of chromosomes found in each cell. Like the tips on the ends of shoestrings, they keep DNA strands together so they don’t unravel. Telomeres tend to shorten over time as cells divide and reproduce. If they become too short, they can no longer keep DNA strands together, and cells no longer produce healthy new cells, resulting in cell death, cancer and/or loss of function associated with aging.

The good news is there is much we can do to preserve our telomeres. Taking multivitamins and getting enough B12/Folate and regular exercise have all been associated with preserving longer telomeres.

A recent study, found that higher ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the blood were associated with longer telomere lengths. Commenting on this study, lead author Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser, PhD of Ohio State University, said, “The telomere finding is provocative in that it suggests the possibility that a nutritional supplement might actually make a difference in aging.”

Well, imagine that—a supplement making a difference!

There are two classes of EFAs—fats that must be supplied by the diet because the body cannot make them. These are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The standard modern diet supplies far too many omega-6s and not enough omega-3s. Deficiencies in omega-3s affect up to 90% of the US population, leading to an unhealthy omega-6:omega-3 ratio and a host of health problems, including premature aging. Supplementing with omega-3 fats can correct this ratio and has been shown to help reverse many health problems.

If you’ve been on a standard American diet, heavy on meat and vegetable oils, your EFA ratio is almost guaranteed to be imbalanced, and you need an “oil change.” Cut out processed vegetable oils, greatly reduce meat consumption,