What is Krill Oil?
Krill is a shrimp-like crustaceans that are between 1 - 6 cms in length, and live in the ocean where they are predominantly at bottom of the food chain, being eaten by whales, seals, penguins, squid and fish.
The natural oils from the krill (krill oil), the oil that's found naturally in krill, is extracted and sold as a nutritional supplement. Its popularity is linked to the fact that krill oil is a incredibly potent sourch of omega 3 acids, and because of its high concentrations of a rare antioxidant; astaxanthin.
This is why krill oil is a highly recommended supplement to take. The antioxidant protect our body from the damage that can caused from the free radicals and unstable substances that are thought to contribute to certain chronic diseases.
Meanwhile the omega 3 has a wide range of health benefits, often linked to helping the body maintain its natural function. Including the nervous system, the respiratory system, the heart and more.
Why Do People Use Krill Oil
People use krill oil for the same reasons they use fish oil, flax oil or other omega-3 fatty acids, i.e. for the wide range of health benefits.
Cholesterol
Krill oil is being studied as a natural remedy for high cholesterol. In one study, 120 people were given krill oil, fish oil or a placebo.
Krill oil reduced LDL (commonly referred to as "bad") cholesterol by 34% and increased HDL ("good") cholesterol by 43.5% compared to the placebo.
In comparison, fish oil only reduced LDL cholesterol by 4.6% and increased HDL cholesterol by 4.2%. Krill also lowered triglycerides.
Premenstrual syndrome
Preliminary research suggests krill oil may help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), however, more research is needed.
Arthritis
A study examined krill oil, and when compared to a placebo, found that krill oil was effective at reducing arthritic symptoms and inflammation.
Credit: http://altmedicine.about.com
