The quest for longer, healthier lives has been a central concern for many throughout human history. People have strived to achieve this in many ways, whether practicing with a bow and arrow to avoid falling prey to predators in one swift strike or by analyzing our diets to ensure we eat the best foods.
In recent years, there has been an exciting change in the longevity landscape, and it all comes down to a certain essential fatty acid, called C15:0. This journey began in an unexpected place – while helping US Navy dolphins – before sparking a wealth of studies supporting C15:0’s health benefits for humans. Now, this remarkable discovery is shared in a new book that makes it accessible to everyone.
If you want to dive deeper, The Longevity Nutrient: The Unexpected Fat That Holds The Key To Healthy Aging is out now. Written by Dr Stephanie Venn-Watson, the book unfolds like a detective story, taking readers on the wild ride of how the essential fatty acid called C15:0 was discovered.
What is the “longevity nutrient”?
C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid discovered in over 90 years – all thanks to US Navy dolphins.
It all started when Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist, and her team noticed that some older dolphins were developing age-related conditions. For example, one in three older dolphins they studied were developing fatty liver disease.
Through further metabolomic studies comparing healthy, aging dolphins to their counterparts, one molecule stood out among the healthiest dolphins: C15:0. This fatty acid is present in the skin and heads of fish. When aging dolphins were provided a higher-C15:0 diet, their health improved.
C15:0 is an odd-chain fatty acid. This is important as fatty acids are essential in cell signaling, maintaining cellular membrane stability, and activating brain receptors that regulate sleep, immunity, mood, and metabolism.
Why is C15:0 important in humans?
Following the discovery of C15:0 deficiency in dolphins, researchers turned their attention to humans. This has led to numerous peer-reviewed studies – ranging from large-scale research that tracked tens of thousands of people over decades to double-blind trials and human cell-based studies.
Overall, the research has suggested that many humans are also C15:0 deficient. Those with lower levels often have poorer physiological health and a higher risk of mortality. This condition is now known as Cellular Fragility Syndrome and is estimated to affect one in three people globally.
For humans, C15:0 is found in whole-fat dairy products like cow’s milk and butter. However, since 1977, US dietary guidelines have recommended reducing saturated fat intake, meaning many people may not get enough of this essential nutrient. As a result, supplementation may be necessary to restore healthy levels.
Studies have repeatedly shown that healthy C15:0 levels are associated with a lower risk of fatty liver disease, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Beyond association, C15:0 has numerous key activities that directly counteract the effects of aging, including strengthening cell membranes against age-driving lipid peroxidation, all of which support our long-term health and wellness.
Why should I read The Longevity Nutrient?
The Longevity Nutrient.
Image courtesy of Simon Element
This book delves deeper into the groundbreaking discovery of C15:0, revealing how an unexpected breakthrough in dolphin research could hold the key to human longevity. It explores the science in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand, making complex research accessible to everyone.
It has also received significant praise:
The book entertains as it enlightens, with impressively robust science that has positively affected my own life, and I guarantee you won’t look at saturated fat the same way again.
Dr Mark Hyman
“Dr Stephanie Venn-Watson has made a groundbreaking, once-in-a-century discovery that changes how we can age for the better, at all stages of life. While improving the health of older dolphins, she unexpectedly discovered the crucial ingredient we all need to slow aging and fight chronic aging-associated diseases. The Longevity Nutrient tells the rest of the story. The book entertains as it enlightens, with impressively robust science that has positively affected my own life, and I guarantee you won’t look at saturated fat the same way again,” said Dr Mark Hyman, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Function Health, 15x New York Times bestselling author of Young Forever, and Host of The Doctor’s Farmacy Podcast, in a statement.
If you’re curious about the science behind longevity and want practical insights into improving your health, The Longevity Nutrient is a must-read. Published by Simon Element, the book is available now – because it’s never too early (or too late) to start taking control of your health.
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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Source Link: The Longevity Nutrient With A Surprising Origin Story
