Krill Oil Benefits

Krill Oil Benefits

With more and more people becoming health conscious and adding natural supplements to their diets, krill oil has become increasingly popular for numerous reasons. To better understand the benefits of krill oil, we need first to know what a krill is.

Krill are small crustaceans that resemble a shrimp. They are most predominant in the colder oceans like the Antarctic and the North Pacific Ocean. They are fairly small, normally only one to five centimeters long. They are eaten by whales, seals, penguins, among other oceanic life. Before krill oil became popular, krill were harvested to feed aquatic life in aquariums, bait, and food called okiami for the Japanese.

Isn't fish oil the same thing? One might think so, but there are major differences. Fish oil has a very short shelf life, and does not have the antioxidant properties that krill oil has. When compared to fish oil, krill oil was discovered to be forty-eight times more potent.

The benefits of krill oil have been studied for a long time. Some research dates back twenty years. A number of those studies involve how krill oil affects cholesterol. The results were very positive showing that krill oil actually reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) by thirty-four percent and increases good cholesterol (HDL) by forty-three percent. Fish oil percentages were not nearly as impressive, remaining in the single digits.

Fish oil and krill oil both have the beneficial Omega III fatty acids that are important to cardio-health reducing the risks of possible heart disease.

Aside from aiding in cholesterol levels, krill oil offers other benefits. Such as the following:

~    Better concentration and memory.
~    Controlling blood sugar levels.
~    Aids in keeping joints healthy.
~    Decreases the signs of aging.
~    Promotes brain and nervous system health, function, and development.
~    Increased cell membrane protection.
~    Promotes liver health.
~    Gives relief for premenstrual symptoms.
~    Boosts the immune system.
~    Aids mood disorders
~    Encourages healthy skin and reduces skin damage.
Also, if you are currently taking fish oil supplements, you may be experiencing "fishy" belches and aftertaste. Due to the quicker absorption of krill oil, you do not get any of that.

To date there are very few negative side effects associated with krill oil. The biggest precaution is issued to persons suffering from shell-fish allergies. Remember that krill are a crustacean and those that suffer allergies should definitely consult with their physician before taking krill oil.

Krill oil can be a little more expensive than fish oil, but if you truly want to have more advantages with regards to your health, krill oil is the obvious choice. By taking krill oil, you can reduce the number of anti-oxidant supplements that you are currently taking.