Krill oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and an antioxidant known as astaxanthin, making it suitable as a dietary supplement in capsule form. Before taking, always consult with a healthcare provider first before beginning.
Studies have demonstrated that krill oil can significantly decrease cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose while increasing HDL or “good” cholesterol levels; furthermore it may assist with fertility issues.
1. Lowers Cholesterol
Krill oil benefits include helping to decrease cholesterol by decreasing harmful triglycerides and increasing beneficial HDL-cholesterol. Furthermore, it improves your blood sugar levels and decreases atrial fibrillation occurrence – an abnormal heart rhythm disorder which increases stroke and other health concerns risk.
Krill oil offers many of the same nutritional benefits as fish oil, yet may be easier for your body to digest and assimilate. Furthermore, its “fishy” taste has been reduced considerably while taking it with food can minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects.
No matter which omega-3 fatty acid supplement you select, be mindful if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and allergic to seafood products. Also consult with a medical provider prior to taking any dietary supplement (including krill oil) so as to ensure its safety for use.
2. Lowers Inflammation
Krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin, both powerful antioxidants known to help decrease inflammation. Research shows it to have reduced levels of harmful triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plaque buildup in the arteries; additionally it has been used as a treatment for arthritis, depression and premenstrual syndrome.
Studies demonstrate that krill oil may help alleviate symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and help slow its progress into osteoarthritis, often caused by wear-and-tear on joints. Furthermore, it may protect against certain cancers while helping regulate blood sugar levels.
However, as krill are an essential part of ocean ecosystem and food source for various marine animals, it is crucial that consumers choose sustainable products when purchasing krill oil supplements. Prior to beginning any new supplement regimen (including krill oil) it is advisable to consult a registered dietitian or healthcare provider.
3. Supports Cardiovascular Health
Krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that have been shown to support cardiovascular health, such as helping lower triglycerides, blood pressure, resting heart rate and supporting healthy cholesterol levels by raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol while simultaneously decreasing LDL “bad” cholesterol.
Choline is another essential nutrient found in krill oil that supports cardiovascular health by improving blood clotting. If you take blood thinners or suffer from bleeding disorders, however, prior consultation should always take place before beginning to use krill oil supplements.
Avoid Krill Oil If You are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always follow dosage instructions on the bottle; for additional support consult a registered dietitian who can recommend safe krill oil supplements.
4. Supports Brain Health
Studies have demonstrated the many health benefits of Krill Oil to brain health, thanks to its Omega 3 DHA and EPA content. These omega-3 fatty acids support brain structure while improving cognitive performance.
These fatty acids are stored in phospholipids, enabling them to cross the blood-brain barrier more readily than fish oils’ triglycerides and improve brain communication pathways.
Studies have also demonstrated the positive results of Krill oil supplements for working memory, mental performance and alleviating symptoms of depression in certain individuals. These effects could be attributable to its high concentration of choline that helps prevent exercise-induced drops in choline levels while providing antioxidant benefits such as astaxanthin for memory and cognitive health.
5. Supports Athletes
Athletic competition at any level – be it professional sports or weekend warrior training for their next big race – places great demands on our bodies. Antarctic krill oil helps athletes of all levels perform at their peak by protecting against muscle damage, reducing inflammation and activating protein synthesis to promote immune health while providing athletes with the fuel to be their best day after day at training or competition.
Recent pilot research with athletes competing in Norway’s Norseman Xtreme triathlon revealed that those with an Omega-3 Index exceeding 8 percent were better able to recover more quickly after such an exhausting race and return more rapidly to intensive training than their counterparts with lower Omega-3 Indices.
Krill oil’s high concentration of choline plays a key role here, helping prevent depletion of phosphatidylcholine during exercise by increasing its availability exogenously. Meanwhile, astaxanthin promotes antioxidant properties while aiding absorption by binding tightly to gut phospholipids.