You’ve probably heard a alot about “Omega-3″ in terms of being a “good fat”- one that you must have in order to increase your heart health, and skin health. But did you know how omega-3 fatty acids actually work?

Simply, they contibute to the health and structural integrity of the cell membrane. The cell membrane is the barrier which keeps harmful substances out, while also acting as a pathway or passageway for transfer of nutrients into the cell, and for waste products to leave the cell.

Since the structure of this membrane influences the capacity of the cells to hold water, having a healthy barrier leads to softer, more wrinkle-free skin.

According to Nicholas V. Perricone, MD, the author of The Wrinkle Cure, omega-3 foods also help the body reduce production of compounds which lead to aging of the skin.

Dr. Perricone describes these inflammatory compounds as naturally occurring and directly involved in how the skin looks and feels. The more inflammatory compunds present in the body, the less healthy the skin will look and behave.

Other information suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may also inhibit cancel cell growth.

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds, walnuts, and chinook salmon.