What is Krill Oil?
Krill oil is harvested from krill, a shrimp-like crustacean living in open waters, consumed by many marine animals such as penguins, squid, and whales.
Krill oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), both of which are omega-3 fatty acids known for a range of benefits from prenatal to heart health.
How can Krill Oil Help Me?
1. Help maintain a healthy heart. One recent review highlights the many ways omega-3s work to protect your heart, including helping to maintain the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response in endothelial cells. These cells line your blood vessels. As we learned from a previous post, keeping them in top form is critical for healthy blood vessel function.
2. Better absorption by the body. The body appears to absorb EPA and DHA better from krill oil than fish oil, according to one review by university researchers in Norway. The scientists point to the different chemical forms. Most of the omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil are bound to phospholipids, while the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are bound to triglycerides. Unlike triglycerides, phospholipids are water-soluble, meaning they easily disperse in water, making them easier for the body to absorb.
3. Supports anti-inflammatory processes. Krill oil is a natural source of astaxanthin, an antioxidant that supports the body’s anti-inflammatory processes. Astaxanthin even crosses the blood-brain barrier to exert its protective effect in the brain, according to one review. Plus, astaxanthin with its red color helps keep it fresh without the need for preservatives.
4. Supports joint comfort. Krill oil and its ability to support the body’s anti-inflammatory processes may help promote joint comfort. In one study, university researchers in Japan found a daily krill oil supplement reduced knee pain in older adults while standing and during sleep.
It all adds up to good news for adults who want to stay healthy from head to toe.
And, if you’re an athlete, there’s even more good news. Here’s another post that talks about how krill oil can help muscle recovery time in athletes.
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