Krill oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids and it is easy to digest. If you are unaware of its benefits, leaf through the following article which explains what is krill oil and what are the advantages of this oil.
Shrimp-like crustaceans belonging to the order Euphausiacea are known as krill. They are found in almost all oceans of the world and they play the role of whale food (or food for larger marine animals) in the natural world. Scientifically, krill are recognized as Euphausia superba and are a superb source of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids. They are abundant in Antarctica’s deep water and hence are referred to as Antarctic krill. Krill oil, extracted from the fat obtained from the bodies of these tiny marine creatures, is richer in nutrients than traditional fish oil.
Health Benefits of Krill Oil
Krill oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Large krill, carrying eggs are used to make delicious soups and seafood salads. Krill oil contains phospholipids which promote easy absorption of the oil in intestines. This is one of the reasons why it is considered superior than fish oil. Krill nutrition facts inform us that krill is packed with antioxidants astaxanthin (the red pigment), vitamins A, E and D. Krill are a storehouse of astaxanthin. They acquire it from phytoplanktons (algae) they feed on.
Krill oil being 100% esterified, is easily digested by our bodies. It prevents eyesight degeneration, in fact, regular consumption of the oil improves vision. It helps maintain hormonal balance and keeps our eyes and skin healthy. It protects the eyes and skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. It also plays an important role in women’s health. It helps lower the symptoms of PMS. Women are more prone to hormonal imbalance and consuming krill oil can prove to be beneficial for them.
One of the most important advantages of krill oil is that it promotes weight loss. The nutrients present in the oil help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels. It prevents unnecessary accumulation of fats. Thus, it helps maintain heart health also. The oil promotes prostate health and helps prevent prostate cancer. Enlarged prostate is common in elderly but regular consumption of this oil helps reduce the symptoms of ill prostate health.
Krill oil supplements have become popular in all the parts of the world as the oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, mainly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Pregnant women need DHA for the development of the brain and eye of the fetus. DHA plays an important role in minimizing the risk of heart attacks by lowering cholesterol levels.
It also minimizes the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. It prevents high blood sugar levels and helps alleviate the symptoms of inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis. EPA helps in the synthesis of prostaglandins which help enhance the function of the brain and the nervous system. Therefore krill oil supplements are recommended to people diagnosed with brain and mental disorders like autism, dyslexia and other cognitive problems.
The oil protects the nervous system from the adverse effects of free radicals. It inhibits the growth of brain tumors and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. As krill oil benefits include improving the health of the nervous system, it is used to treat symptoms of depression and mood swings. It works great for personality disorders arising due to imbalances in the brain.
The Japanese have been harvesting krill since the 19th century. Asians include dried krill in their routine diet. The antioxidant astaxanthin is not found in fish oil. Moreover, taste of krill oil is more palatable than fish oil and it has a longer shelf life too. Heavy metal contamination is possible with fish oil and not with krill oil. Harmful traces of mercury are not likely to be found in the oil obtained from krill.
Thus, its benefits outweigh those of fish oil and though it is expensive than normal fish oil, its popularity is increasing day by day. Some people (mostly those who are allergic to it) may experience side effects of the oil. You should consult your doctor before taking the supplements of this oil.
