What Are the Benefits of Krill Oil?
Krill are small, shrimp-like creatures sporting large black eyes and a semi-transparent body. The size of this animal is similar to that of a paper clip. Krill might be minuscule, but they provide several health benefits to consumers. Manufacturers can harvest these sea creatures to transform them into health supplements.
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What is in Krill Oil?
Krill oil contains components similar to fish oils, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Also, krill oil may contain Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA). But unlike fish oil, the body absorbs the omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil as phospholipids. This lipid molecule is the primary component of the cell membrane.
Aside from EPA and DHA, krill oil may also contain:
- Phospholipid-delivered fatty acids (PLFA) for better absorption in the body
- Astaxanthin, a carotenoid antioxidant to help inhibit oxidation of free radicals
What are the Health Benefits of Krill Oil?
Many people consume krill oil because of its potential health benefits. Consider checking a few favorites to try as the market has several excellent options from reliable krill oil suppliers. Also, purchasing this product from a reputable source means fewer risks of consuming harmful ingredients. Still, it’s crucial to check for the brand, origin, and expiration date of the oil before consumption to avoid potential health complications.
Nonetheless, continue reading to know more about the possible health benefits of krill oil consumption:
An Excellent Source of “Good” Fats
There are “bad” fats that can become hazardous to your health. These unhealthy fats might clog the arteries, which makes you prone to health concerns like heart disease and stroke.
Conversely, krill oil carries “good” fats like omega-3 fatty acids. Consume these healthy fats regularly to gain extra health benefits, like reducing the risks of inflammation and heart attack. Also, omega-3 acids may help maintain a healthy weight in consumers.
Helps Reduce Arthritis
Since krill oil may help reduce the risks of inflammation, its anti-inflammatory traits may also aid in alleviating ailments like arthritis and joint pain.
A study found that krill oil can reduce an inflammation marker in the body. The research states that consuming this product can help reduce stiffness and functional impairment in the joints of patients with ailments like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Helps Improve Heart Health
Products containing DHA and EPA might be healthy for the heart. A study finds that only krill oils can raise the “good” cholesterol in the body by a significant amount. Thus, these products might be more effective in decreasing the risks of heart-related illnesses thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Also, krill oil might be more effective at improving a patient’s insulin resistance than olive oil. Krill oil supplements might also help strengthen the function of the lining of blood vessels.
Helps Reduce Period Pain and Premenstrual Syndrome
One study looked into the possible health benefits of krill oil in women. The study stated that 70 women have reduced symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and period pain after consuming krill oil for three months.
Thus, the components in krill oil might induce possible long-term benefits in reducing period pain and PMS as opposed to using over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen.
Are there Possible Risks to Consuming Krill Oil?
Consumers should still be wary about consuming krill oil without the advice and supervision of doctors. Individuals with bleeding disorders should avoid using these products without the knowledge of medical professionals.
Since krill oil can help increase blood vessel health, it might adversely interact with medicines like aspirin, warfarin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.
Also, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid consuming krill oil without consulting their doctors. These supplements might contain extra ingredients that may be hazardous to the health of infants.
People with allergies to crustaceans should also avoid consuming this product. Moreover, don’t take this supplement two weeks before or after major surgery to prevent health complications.
How to Consume Krill Oil?
Despite the existence of essential fatty acids and other healthy components in krill oil, don’t give in to the temptation of consuming more than needed. Use this supplement following only the direction on the label or as advised by a health professional. Also, swallow krill oil capsules whole; don’t attempt to open or puncture the capsule.
Furthermore, consider eating first before consuming this supplement. Krill oil might work best if taken with food.
If you overdose and you start feeling adverse effects, contact your doctor immediately. Failure to communicate with a medical professional about the manifestations of side effects from consuming this supplement might lead to additional health complications.
Conclusion
Despite specific warnings, krill oil promotes several benefits to its consumers. But always be mindful of the restrictions, risks, and dose of this supplement. Don’t attempt to experiment with the product, or it may promote a high risk of your body receiving more harmful effects than good. Also, consult your doctor first before consuming any supplement to lower the risk of acquiring health concerns from krill oil.