Lately we’ve been hearing about the limitless health
benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids and how we need to
incorporate more of them in our diets.
Omega 3 fatty acids
are a chain of essential polyunsaturated
fats, in other words, “good fat” that the body needs but
cannot produce on its own and therefore can only be obtained
from food sources.
Popular sources of these fats include fish oil from types of
fatty fish like salmon, cod, tuna, herring, sardines and the
like as well as oil from mussels, algae, seal and krill in
addition to other sources. In fact, krill has become the
newest sensation when it comes to getting your source of
Omega 3s.
What is krill oil?
Krill are a type of ocean crustacean that very closely
resemble shrimp but are smaller in size. Krill can grow up
to five centimeters in length and due to their miniscule
size, krill are a food source for fish, whales, squid,
penguins and seals. Like fish oil found in fish, krill oil
is extracted from krill because of its rich supply of Omega
3 fatty acids.
Though krill can be found in oceans all over the world, the
largest commercial fishing of krill takes place in the
waters of Japan and Antartica.
Why is Krill oil so popular?
Just like fish oil, krill oil contains rich sources of EPA
and DHA, two chains of polyunsaturated fats that the body
needs for optimal health benefits. While fish are a good
source of Omega 3s, there are some things that tip the
scales in krill’s favor; one of which is the fact that krill
oil contains astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid (a red
pigment found in salmon, shrimp, lobster and other marine
sources) that is known for its powerful anti-oxidant
abilities.
Many studies suggest that astaxanthin effectively helps the
body eliminate free radicals that contribute to illness and
chronic diseases. Research from around the world indicates
that supplementing the diet with krill enhances immune
function, cardiovascular health, brain development, skin,
eye, bone & joint, mental health and a slew of other
benefits too numerous to mention.
Is Krill Oil The Best Option to Maintain Your Health?
Much like technology adopts advances for optimal
performance, krill oil can be considered as an ‘upgraded’
form of Omega 3 fatty acids. While fish oil is still a
decent source of Omega 3s, krill has some added benefits
compared to fish oil such as the presence of astaxanthin and
Vitamins A, D, E and K in addition to its rich supply of
Omega 3s. Another advantage is that krill are less likely to
be contaminated with pollutants such as mercury or PCBs
since they are at the lower end of the marine food chain.
The bottom line is Omega 3s need to be included in our daily
diets. If you’re wondering whether you should be taking
krill oil supplements as a way to get your dose of Omega 3s,
now is as good a time as any to start.