Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for optimum health, but unfortunately, humans do not naturally produce this essential fatty acid. It is for this reason that we need to consume foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon and other types of fish. Sadly, very few of us eat the required amount of fish, so fish oil supplements are the next best thing. Omega 3 is a vital nutrient that supports the heart, liver, brain function, joint lubrication, and immune system. Mood, thyroid and hormone balance are also said to be affected in a positive manner. Cholesterol is broken down and transported throughout the body more effectively, when Omega 3 is present. Hair and skin will also look and feel healthier, thanks to fish oil supplements.
Omega-3, from fish oil supplements, has the ability to reduce the risks of strokes and heart attacks. It can also reduce pain and inflammation, associated with arthritis and other painful inflammatory disorders. In addition, it has been documented that these little pills can reduce pain and discomfort associated with menstruation.
According to recent clinical studies, the result of Krill oil Vs. Fish oil, Krill oil has the same heart-healthy properties as fish oil. No one is arguing that fish oil is a great supplement, but the question remains, why is krill oil better than fish oil for overall health?
Krill are small crustaceans (not a fatty type fish that fish oil is extracted from), and they are a dietary staple for seabirds and whales, as well as small fish. Krill are in abundance and are a vital part of the aquatic food chain. The oil from krill has gained popularity, mainly, because it contains antioxidant astaxanthin, and is said to have a higher concentration of essential fatty acids (EFA) than fish oils that have been on the market. In addition, many people say that when they take krill oil tablets, “fish burps”, which are sometimes associated with taking traditional fish oil supplements, is reduced, if not eliminated. Basically, there is a less “fishy” taste, when people take krill pills.
Scientists specifically studied krill from the Antarctic Ocean, and one conducted study examined the effects that krill oil has on C-reactive protein levels, in people who suffer from chronic and painful inflammation of the joints. A daily dose (300 mg) of krill oil, significantly reduced inflammation and other debilitating symptoms of arthritic patients, within seven (7) to ten (10) days. It has also been found through clinical research, that krill oil is more effective in treating symptoms associated with PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Krill oil is vastly more superior to fish oil, when it comes to having a positive influence on your genes, and your total metabolism is affected by how your genes react. Genes have switches that flip on and off, and basically control every biochemical process in our bodies. An omega-3 fat is a main nutrient that controls these switches, and krill oil influenced genes and metabolic function to improve.
Although krill and traditional fish oils both contain important omega 3 fatty acids, they affect the genes that control metabolism in a very different way. For instance, krill oil will enhance the glucose metabolism in the liver, and traditional fish oil will not. In addition, krill oil will promote lipid metabolism, and aid in regulating the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
One of the most interesting discoveries is where traditional fish oil increases cholesterol synthesis, and krill oil actually lowers it.
People view krill oil as a more pure-type product. Krill are caught in the deepest and darkest waters of Antarctic, which many people believe are free of heavy metals and pollutants.
Environmental concerns are another reason, why krill oil is a better choice than fish oil for overall health. The fish oil supplement market has skyrocketed in the last twenty (20) years, and because of this increase, many environmentalists are concerned that the survival of certain species of fish, are being threatened. When you consider this point, krill is a great option, because krill is a renewable and sustainable type of fish. Basically, if everyone takes krill oil, the crustacean will not disappear from the planet.
When we take a closer look at how krill and other fish oils are processed, we see some significant differences. Fish oil is usually obtained from anchovies and sardines, which have a high concentration of fat (more than 80%). Krill, on the other hand, yields less only less than 5% of fat.
Krill oil tablets are more potent and smaller than fish oil capsules to consume, which is a huge benefit for many people, who have a difficult time swallowing pills. Whichever supplement you choose, both warrant positive effects on your body and mind. More research needs to be conducted, but what is conclusive, is that Omega 3 is a vital part of a healthy diet.
