In the News - Fountain of Youth Springs from Running and Fish Oil, New Study

It's clear that exercise is one of the keys to living a vital, healthy, enjoyable life. And if you've been doing the EnergyFirst Program, you know that we focus 70% on nutrition, 5% on supplementation and 25% on exercise (thanks to plenty of experience and research!).

But did you know that exercising can slow the effects of aging? As can a diet high in omega 3s (found in fish oil) combined with the right ratio of lean protein and good carbs! It's true. Let's look at the findings. Then let's look at how we can combine them for a one-two longevity punch!

Recent Findings Show Running Slows Aging

A 20-year study from the School of Medicine recently published findings in the Archives of Internal Medicine showing that people who run regularly are more likely to live longer and with fewer disabilities. The researchers followed 538 runners (age 50+) and compared them to non-runners.

Here's what they found:

• After 19 years, only 15% of the runners had died compared to 34% of the non-runners.
• Even though the researchers expected the runners to have more injuries, the reverse was true. Both groups had disabilities, but they started later for the runners -- 16 years later! And the physical fitness gap increased with time. Even in their 80s, the runners stayed healthier.

Why were the runners vital longer? The researchers attribute it to leaner bodies and healthier habits, leading to fewer cardiovascular deaths and other diseases. Let's take that a step further...

Studies Show Omega 3s in Fish Oil Increase Longevity

Studies on omega 3 fish oil have also created excitement about greater longevity. The findings show that in countries where people eat plenty of oily fish -- like Japan, where they eat eight to 15 times more than in western cultures -- people have fewer heart problems and live longer (even though they smoke more!). One study in the Journal of American College of Cardiology found that fewer Japanese men have clogged arteries than American men (including Japanese-Americans). The American men ate fish twice a week, while the Japanese ate about 3 ounces a day.

In another study, Italian researchers found that treatment with fish oil supplements shows a 45% reduction in the rates of sudden cardiac death.

So What Do You Do To Live Longer? Here's a 3-Point Plan To Get You Started

Staying physically active, giving your body omega 3s, and staying lean by eating the right food ratio can significantly help you live longer and more vitally.

#1  Run at least three times a week or do a similar activity. Brisk walking, hiking, biking or sports like soccer, surfing or volleyball are great options. Pick something you'll actually do and enjoy!

#2  Take the best fish oil supplements. Most western diets don't give us enough omega 3s and our cells can't function without them. Omega 3-starved cells eventually break down and get diseased.

#3  Eat a protein shake for breakfast and plan ahead by having the ingredients on hand. We need to eat the right ratio of foods at every meal to keep our metabolism efficient so we stay lean. The right ratio is a fist-size of lean protein, a fist-size of unprocessed carbs and a thumb-size of healthy fats (like fish oil!).

EnergyFirst Protein Shakes have this optimal ratio. Plus, they taste great, are easy to make and you can have them as a snack or meal. If you eat one in the morning, you jump-start your metabolism to be energized and alert all day, ready to run!

Ready to tap into the fountain of youth? Start by planning an exercise regimen and shopping for fish oil and ingredients for your breakfast smoothie: whey protein, green powder, omega oil, mixed seeds and nuts.