Krill Oil Benefits
These days we’re all well aware of the importance of
including Omega 3 fatty acids into our diets. By now we’re
also well aware that krill oil is a great source to get your
dose of Omega 3s, particularly EPA and DHA.
We can’t deny that the most common source of Omega 3 fatty
acids can be found in fish and that fish are also a good
source of these essential fatty acids; however, krill has
some advantages over fish oil which make it the ideal
supplement.
One main difference is that krill contains a rich source of
astaxanthin, a red pigment found in aquatic livestock such
as krill, shrimp, lobster, mussel, crab and other seafood
sources. Astaxanthin is known as a very powerful anti
oxidant which can help rid the body of free radicals that
contribute to various diseases and illnesses. Astaxanthin is
also known for its anti-aging capabilities. Another unique
attribute to krill oil is that its Omega 3 structure is
linked together in a different form compared to fish oil.
The essential fatty acids in fish oil are made up in
triglyceride form whereas in krill, they are hooked together
in phospholipid form (the same structure as the human body)
which makes absorption of krill’s Omega 3s faster and
easier.
Though there are countless reasons why krill oil should be
included as part of your daily regimen, we’ve narrowed it
down to four:
Krill oil can help improve PMS symptoms: Studies reveal that the high consumption of foods rich in Omega 6 (especially in the Western / North American diet) may contribute to inflammatory responses hence causing pain and cramping during menstruation. Research indicates a link between the lack of Omega 3s in women and the occurrence / severity of PMS symptoms. A study conducted by the University of Montreal followed the progress of 70 patients diagnosed with PMS. Some participants were given krill oil, others fish oil and some a placebo. Experts also took note of the dosage of pain relief medication used by participants as well as other diagnostic tests to compare the effectiveness of krill oil, fish oil and other methods used to address conditions associated with PMS. Results concluded that women taking krill oil used less pain relief medications than the fish oil group. Findings also revealed that krill oil “significantly reduces dysmenorrhea” and the emotional symptoms of PMS. Above all, krill oil was found “more effective than fish oils for the complete management of premenstrual symptoms.”
Krill oil improves cardiovascular health: Findings from a study conducted at McGill University in Montreal indicate that krill oil is beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study examined 120 patients who were diagnosed with high fat levels in the blood. Participants were divided into four groups: group 1 was given .5 - 1.5 grams of krill oil daily; group 2 was given 2 – 3 grams of krill oil daily; group 3 was given fish oiling consisting of 120 mg of DHA and 180mg of EPA at 3 grams daily; group 4 was the placebo group. Research concluded that those who taking 500 mg of krill oil daily resulted in a 300% improvement in cholesterol, LDL (bad fats) and HDL readings. It appears that patients taking 500 mg of krill oil experienced similar results to patients who took 3 grams of fish oil daily.
Krill oil can help with inflammatory symptoms: The results of a Canadian study published in the American Journal of Nutrition highlighted the effects of krill oil with chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms. The study was conducted by Western and McMaster Universities. The participants involved included 90 patients who were diagnosed with inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and / or osteoarthritis. Results indicated that krill oil “significantly inhibits inflammation and reduces arthritic symptoms within a short treatment period of 7 and 14 days.” Researchers found that krill oil reduced pain scores by 28.9%, stiffness was reduced by 20.3% and functional impairment was reduced by 22.8%.
Krill oil improves cognitive function: Researchers from the
University of California, Berkley, suggest a strong link
between cognitive issues and low levels of Omega 3s,
particularly DHA and EPA. Findings indicated that
supplementation of Omega 3s especially sources rich in EPA
and DHA, considerably improves cognitive function. In
addition, the patients surveyed who were taking krill oil,
experienced 48% improvement in mental health compared to 15%
improvement from patients taking fish oil. Furthermore, a
study of 30 adults with attention difficulties showed 46%
improvement in mental concentration and 48.9 % mental focus
after 90 days of taking krill oil supplements.
Truth be told are a “must have” in our
daily diets as they are filled with vital nutrients the body
needs to maintain overall health and wellbeing. We can’t
deny that krill oil is a rich source of Omega 3s, vitamins
E, A and D as well as astaxanthin, a very effective anti
oxidant.
All in all, perhaps krill oil is fast becoming the new fish
oil.