Impossible-to-Ignore Benefits of Omega 3/Krill Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids have been thoroughly researched over several decades, and each study that’s ever been done has only served to further emphasize the importance of taking an omega-3 supplement to promote overall health and wellness. Omega-3 fats are essential to the health of the heart and the brain, but humans cannot produce omega-3 in their own bodies. Instead, they must rely on their dietary choices and supplements to enjoy the many benefits that these three important fatty acids, i.e., ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) can bring.

Omega-3 is typically derived from fish and seafood, including krill and algae, as well as from some plants and nut oils. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids, Omega-3 plays an important role in maintaining good brain function; in promoting growth and development, and in helping reduce the risk of heart disease.  

According to research, both fish oil and krill oil contain omega-3 fatty acids, but krill oil has been shown to be far superior to both the fish- and plant-derived ones.

Krill Oil versus Fish Oil:  The Amazing Difference

Why krill oil?

Krill oil is exceedingly more potent than fish oil. Krill oil contains phospholipids, one of the principal compounds in HDL (high density lipoprotein), also known as good cholesterol which, or course, we want our bodies to have more of. When the omega-3 fats are in a form that can be absorbed quickly by the body, the essential fats can then cross the blood-brain barrier to reach important brain structures much faster. The main difference between krill oil and a standard fish oil is that you would need far less of the former than you would of the latter to reap the same if not better health benefits.

Heart health.

Krill oil omega-3 fat has also been associated with improved cardiovascular health.  It lowers LDL (or bad cholesterol) and reduces triglyceride levels.  It also has an anticoagulant effect that helps prevent blood clots that could cause heart attacks and strokes. It has also been associated with the prolonged survival of patients with coronary heart disease.

Antioxidant properties.

Fish oil has been known to be easily perishable and prone to oxidation which leads to the formation of free radicals.  This increase in turn boosts the need to take more antioxidants.  Krill oil contains astaxanthin which is a proven potent antioxidant – this makes it stable and resistant to oxidation and its resulting aftereffects.

Uncontaminated.

Oils sourced from fish may be contaminated with mercury and other heavy metals.  Krill are not affected by this contamination, due to their place in the marine food chain – they consume solely phytoplankton, which does not contain any mercury.  Krill oil is thus the probably the purest source of omega-3 fatty acids one can find.

Sustainable.

Krill are also far more sustainable as a food and supplement source than fish as they are the world’s single largest biomass, weighing in at approximately 500 million tons.  Since only a fraction of the total biomass is used for oil extraction and research, it is a uniquely abundant and sustainable source of omega-3.

Anti-inflammation.

Krill oil’s fatty acids have been found to be effective in the prevention and reduction of inflammation before it can do damage to tissues.  The omega-3 is converted by the body into eicosanoids which are powerful hormones that release anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Research has shown that it can reduce pain and muscle stiffness, thus translating to relief for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.  This anti-inflammatory property has also been linked to a reduction in the physical symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) which afflicts women everywhere in varying degrees.

Fights Metabolic Disease.

Krill oil was also found to be effective in combating some metabolic symptoms which include elevated fat levels in the heart and liver. According to research, it reduces the risk for metabolic syndrome, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes.

Improves Brain Function.

The DHA and EPA in Krill oil can help protect the brain of both young and old alike. The DHA is converted by the body into neuropectins.  Alzheimer’s disease sufferers have been found to have a serious shortage of neuropectins.  The protective sheath covering the brain’s neurons, known as myelin, is made up of 70 percent fat which is important for people of every age.  A study found that older adults with higher blood levels of omega-3 fat were less likely to develop some forms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia than those with lower levels. These fatty acids in krill oil can lessen a variety of brain and mental disorders, including autism, dyslexia, memory loss, brain aging, cognitive dysfunction, and ADHD. The DHA protects the cells from gene mutations that can lead to Parkinson’s.

Anti-depression.

Omega-3 krill oil supplements have also been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, mood swings, and mood disorders. A boost in these fatty acids could lead to an increase in corticotrophin-releasing hormone levels coupled with a boost in dopamine and serotonin levels in its users. This could lead to an improved quality of life for those suffering from the effects of depression.

Healthy pregnancy.

Krill oil omega-3 fats are also important to infants and children for their proper cognitive development and vision. Pregnant mothers are often encouraged by their doctors to supplement their omega-3 consumption as the brain, central nervous system and eyes of infants, both unborn and newborn, rely heavily on these for strong development.

Lastly, there is higher taste tolerance for krill oil rather than fish oil, which are notorious for having an unpleasant lingering aftertaste. The much smaller size of the krill oil capsules also makes it easier to swallow, leaving little to no aftertaste at all.

Krill Oil is Nature’s Wonder Healer

All the positive results that numerous scientific studies about the health benefits of krill oil simply cannot be ignored or disregarded. It is a natural and bountiful gift to humans that is currently known to prevent or even reverse up to twenty-five different diseases. With more research and scientific studies going on about omega-3 fats derived from krill oil, we can all look forward to a healthier and brighter future.