The Many Benefits Of Krill Oil

Posted on February 18, 2012 by

Krill oil is an omega 3 extract that comes from tiny crustaceans similar to that of shrimp. While the supplement is relatively new to the market and not necessarily a product that a lot of people have heard of until recent days, its popularity is growing very quickly as people begin to recognize its many benefits.

While the crustacean that creates this incredible fatty acid is considered to be a creature very low on the food chain, its benefits are quickly surpassing other supplements on the market today. The tiny little creatures can be found in oceans all over the world. They are especially plentiful in cold water areas.


This product is offered to consumers in the form of a capsule. Becoming well known for its ability to lower bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol levels, it is also being recognized for its ability to not only reduce the risks of heart disease but, in some cases it may also lower the blood sugar levels.

This increasingly popular supplement is chock-full of vitamins and minerals that are important to them in body. Along with the DHA and EPA which help with cholesterol, heart disease and blood sugar there is a significant amount of vitamins A, D and E. There are also two very strong antioxidants that help the supplement maintain its benefits. Both canthaxanthin as well as astaxanthin can be found in the supplements. Both of these antioxidants have been known to help a variety of different mechanisms within the human body including the central nervous system and the brain.

Krill oil is unique to the omega 3 supplement field as most of the fatty acids are in phospholipid form which means increased bio-availability. In layman’s terms, this means that one’s body is able to use much more of the omega 3 fatty acids in krill oil than the omega 3s that come from plants and other seafood. This, combined with the antioxidant benefits make krill oil a supplement that many companies are fighting over the distribution rights.

For those who suffer from regular bouts of premenstrual syndrome or PMS as it is often recognized, this fascinating new product has been reported by many users to be able to reduce the symptoms of the condition. In some cases, the systems have even been eliminated.

Some users have reported that their memories have improved as they have continued to take the supplement. Those who suffer from joint pain have also reported an improvement in their pain levels over time. The product has also been hailed beneficial for those looking to improve their skin, nails and hair, increasing the strength of the skin, nails and hair by adding additional moisture to the body.

Unlike other similar supplements, when using this supplement the consumer is not required to consume large quantities on a daily basis in order to benefit. This helps reduce or in some cases completely eliminate some of the irritating side effects that fish oils have become known for such as unpleasant smell, and irritation of the stomach.

As with any type of supplement, it is very important to discuss the benefits of the product with your health care professional before you begin taking it. While Krill oil has many fabulous benefits, and is undoubtedly going to going to prove invaluable, it is created from shellfish therefore, those who suffer from shellfish allergies should not consume the product. Because the product is also known to affect the body’s blood levels, always speak to healthcare professional before consuming the product if you have difficulty maintaining your blood levels.

Sources:

Schuchardt JP, Schneider I, Meyer H, Neubronner J, von Schacky C, Hahn A. Incorporation of EPA and DHA into plasma phospholipids in response to different omega-3 fatty acid formulations–a comparative bioavailability study of fish oil vs. krill oil. 2011 Aug 22;10:145.

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The Health Benefits of a Diet Rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Posted on February 7, 2012 by

Over the last two decades, a growing awareness of the health benefits of a group of nutritional substances called Omega 3 fatty acids has been noted. Although the role of omega 3 has been recognized in normal health and growth since before mid-20th century, knowledge and understanding of just how important this substances is has increased dramatically.

The Omega 3 group numbers ten of the poly-unsaturated fatty acids. A diet that is rich in these acids is believed to lower triglycerides and increase the good type of cholesterol (HDL). The major source of these fatty acids is fish oil. The link to human heart health was first noted in studies of the Inuit Indians of Greenland. Despite a diet high in fat, the natives had a lower than average level of cholesterol in the blood. It is believed that the high level of omega 3 in the heavily fish diet is responsible for the anomaly.

Other reported benefits found from the Inuit study include lower level of cardiovascular disease, fewer heart attacks. The heart rate was benefited, as was the level of triglycerides in the blood. Blood pressures ratings were statistically lower and the incidence of atherosclerosis was lowered.

Because not all the compounds in this group have the same qualities, generalizations about the benefits of the entire family may be too broad in scope. The omega 3 acids have been studied recently individually and researchers are continually finding new possible links and health benefits. Among the findings that are notable, include use as an anticoagulant and lowering of high blood pressure. There is a tentative link to protection against a certain protein’s accumulation in the body. This protein has been associated with the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Young children require at least a small amount of omega 3 to achieve normal growth rates. The amount is quite small at only about one percent of total calories. Circulatory problems such as those people who have varicose veins can improve the blood circulation, help to breakdown the compounds involved in the clotting and scar tissue associated with the condition. A reduction of blood pressure is an important effect.

Supplementation with fatty acid in the omega 3 group may be useful for treating anxiety and depression. When used with either mother’s milk or formula, infants with fish oil added to their diet showed improved immune system maturation.

Food sources for omega 3 in addition to fish oil includes soybeans and tofu. Nuts and seeds like pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and walnuts are good sources. You can use soybean oil, canola oil and flax seed oil as a cooking oil to receive the benefits. Some eggs are sources of omega 3. If you choose to eat fish, you should include them in your diet at lease twice each week. The best fish sources are herring, sardines, salmon and mackerel – all fatty fish.

Omega Three fatty acids show two beneficial results in cancer patients. They help to maintain muscle mass in patients with cancer. The compounds have also been shown in certain types of cancer to have a cancer fighting benefit. As you can see, Omega three fatty acids have a number of health benefits and their consumption should not be overlooked. You will be much the better for it.

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The Role of Omega 3 Fatty Acids And Cardiovascular Health

Posted on January 6, 2012 by

The support of the American Heart Association for the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids is offered in several statements found on the website. Omega 3 (n-3) fatty acids help healthy people protect their hearts. The nutritional component also benefits people who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Because of its proven effectiveness, fish should be a part of your diet for at least two meals per week.

Fish is a high quality protein. It is concentrated and doesn’t contain the high level of saturated fat that meat with higher fat levels layer into your body. The best type of fish choices include salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, herring, lake trout and mackerel. These fish offer plenty of two important kinds of fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Other sources of EPA and DHA include soybeans, tofu, walnuts, flax seed oil and canola. You don’t have to give up being a vegetarian in order to implement a diet rich in omega 3. Vegetable sources contain alpha-linolenic acid that becomes omega 3 in the body. The clinical studies are still in progress to determine whether there is any appreciable difference between marine and vegetable sources on EPA and DHA.

Omega 3 works to help your heart and circulatory system in several ways. EPA and DHA help to lower the danger of arrhythmias. Sudden cardiac death is linked to arrhythmias. The nutrients lower levels of triglycerides in the circulatory system. Plaque in the circulatory system will not develop as fast. Some reduction of blood pressure is associated with using omega 3.

Some of the events that are reduced by adequate amounts of EPA and DHA include non-fatal strokes, non-fatal heart attacks and fatal attacks. Atherosclerosis is slowed. At present, it can’t be stated for certain that omega 3 will prevent heart attacks. The effectiveness of EPA and DHA in high risk patients such as those with hypertension, those who smoke or have diabetes type 2.

It is best to obtain your EPA and DHA through food sources. In certain patients getting enough of the nutrients through food intake is difficult. They might need to consult with their medical professional about the effectiveness of a fish oil supplements. If a person has high triglycerides, for example higher doses are required to reach the same level of effectiveness. Supplements have the added benefit of having contaminants scrubbed out of the finished product.

Fatty acids are definitely linked to the health of the entire cardiovascular system. They are necessary to keep the system functioning and to repair normal damage to the interior walls of the system. Keeping plaque levels as low as possible is a function of these nutrients.

There is no doubt of the efficacy of omega three fatty acids. You can talk with your medical professional to determine whether or not you need to add this nutrient to your daily food intake. The dosage level, especially if there are extenuating conditions should be regulated by your physician. Dosages over three grams are usually contraindicated except under a doctor’s supervision.

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Fish oil derived heart drug being reviewed by the FDA

Posted on December 1, 2011 by

Yet another series of tests supporting the use of omega 3 fatty acids to treat high triglyceride levels has proven out. Amarin Corp has been issued approval for an FDA review for a new drug based on fish oil that will be used to treat individuals with high triglyceride levels. While this is not the first drug that is omega 3 based, it is another example of the ongoing recognition of fish oil (omega 3s) as a significant fatty acid to include in one’s diet.

For more information, please feel free to read the PharmaTimes article at PharmaTimes.

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Food Sources Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Posted on October 23, 2011 by

There are several excellent food sources of omega 3 fatty acids within easy reach of consumers. If you are a vegetarian, you can enjoy flax seeds and walnuts as well as cooked soybeans and raw tofu. Your body can make use of the long-chain polyunsaturated fats to create omega 3 nutrients. If you are not vegetarian, hopefully you like fish. Certain types of fatty fish represent the best natural source of omega 3.

It is believed that the best absorption of EPA and DHA (Omega 3 forms) is through food rather than taking supplements. Some kinds of food are better than others at providing usable EPA and DHA. Salmon is better than cod liver oil. Cooked salmon is more effective than smoked salmon. For those who decide that cod (or cod liver oil) is the fish of choice, it should be noted that some studies have shown a much lower effective rise in blood serum omega 3 from cod versus other fish, something for which there is no current explanation 1. It does indicate, however, that the source of your omega 3 fatty acids does matter, and just “eating fish” may not be a silver bullet.

Even if more cod-liver oil by weight is taken, the effectiveness of cooked salmon is better at raising omega 3 levels in the blood. Both EPA and DHA levels increased significantly after only eight weeks of a test study. Although cod liver oil raises omega 3 levels in the blood, the increase is not as significant as when the nutrient is taken as food.

Although salmon ranks at the top of the food choice list, other fish products are also helpful to increase omega 3 levels in the blood. Sardines offer 56 percent of the recommended daily intake. Baked or broiled halibut offers about one-quarter of your need for omega 3 each day. Shrimp, snapper and scallops each are good for about fifteen percent of your daily allotment of the nutrient.

Vegetarians don’t suffer lack of the nutrient. In fact, a small serving of flax seeds can produce EPA and DHA needs at more than 146 percent of daily requirements. Ground flax seeds can be sprinkled over other foods to add the nutrient to your diet. Flax seed oil can be used for cooking. Walnuts can be used for snacks and provide nearly one hundred percent of the daily needs. Just these two foods in small amounts offer more than enough omega 3 to protect your nutritional needs.

At more than forty percent of your daily needs, cooked soybeans are another way for vegetarians to get the nutrients that they need each day. Another vegetarian choice is raw tofu. Tofu comes in at about fifteen percent of your needs.

Those who are conducting studies of the nutrient believe that it is better absorbed when it is obtained from fish. The reason given is that omega 3 from fish comes in the form of triglycerides. When the body absorbs the food, omega 3 is transformed by the body to ester form as the need arises. When you use fish oil supplements, they are usually in the form of ethyl ester.

Food sources of omega three fatty acids are easy to add to the daily dietary foods that you would use anyway. Planning menus that include fish a couple times per week is easy to do. You can use nuts as snacks instead of sugary concoctions.

Sources

1Elvevoll EO, Barstad H, Breimo ES, Brox J, Eilertsen KE, Lund T, Olsen JO, Osterud B. Enhanced incorporation of n-3 fatty acids from fish compared with fish oils. Lipids. 2006 Dec;41(12):1109-14. PMID:17269556.

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