In order to function properly, our body needs Omega 3 fatty acids, but since it’s unable to produce required quantities by itself we have to take it through food. Omega 3 fatty acids can be primarily found in fish oil, some plant-based sources (walnuts etc.), and krill oil. However, krill oil is usually overlooked even though it has numerous health benefits. In order to find out why krill oil should be your source of much-needed Omega 3 fatty acids keep reading.

What is krill oil, exactly?

Krill oil comes from krill, a shrimp-like small crustacean of the order Euphausiacea.Krill are found in wall world’s oceans where they are foods for much bigger animals. The name krill derives from Norwegian where it means young fry or fish. The oil from krill is extracted and placed in capsules. These capsules are used as medicines and supplements. Krill oil is usually extracted from Antarctic krill and it contains fatty acids similar to fish oil.

Health benefits of krill oil

1. Cardiovascular health

Just like fish oil, krill oil contains fatty acids that improve cardiovascular health and positively affect blood circulation. In fact, results of a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutritionshowed that krill oil helps maintain healthy inflammatory pathways. Another study, published in Nutrition Researchrevealed that krill oil supplements lower triglycerides levels in adults by more than 10%. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that are linked with heart diseases or metabolic syndrome. The researchers concluded the study with statement that krill oil is effective in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

Also, McGill Universityin Montreal conducted a study whose findings showed that krill oil helps sustain cholesterol levels.

2. Eases PMS symptoms

Krill oil has the ability to ease symptoms of PMS. While some women don’t experience any symptoms prior their menstrual cycle, there are also women with severe PMS symptoms that include unbearable pain as well. Beneficial effects of krill oil on PMS were confirmed in a study that was conducted by Mike Wakemenand team of researchers from the University of Birmingham. The study included 29 participants and lasted for 3 months. Supplements used in the study contained krill oil coupled with rosemary extract and various vitamins. Also, scientists believe krill oil’s effects in relieving symptoms of PMS could be due to Omega 3 fatty acidstoo. Women who use krill oil supplements experience reduced:

• Intensity of cramps
• Fluid retention
• Frequent mood swings.

3. Joint health

According to a study whose findings were published in the American Journal of Nutritionanalyzed the effects of krill oil in lubricating joints. Participants of the study reported:

• Decreased joint distress
• Improved overall mobility
• Reduction in joint stiffness.

Improvements in joint health were noticeable in first 7 days of 14-day research which indicates that krill oil is, indeed, beneficial for joint health and agility.

4. Improves cognitive abilities

Normal cognitive function is supported by Omega 3 fatty acids and many other nutrients that are found in krill oil. A study that included 30 participants with attention difficulties showed that their concentration and mental focus improved in 90 days with the regular consumption of krill oil supplements. Also, various researches have confirmed that high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil and krill oil resulted in higher chances of staying clear of memory losses and decreased mental clarity. On the other hand, people who don’t have high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids in their organism are more prone to memory loss and decline of focus and concentration. So they always have some brain myths with them. You can read this: Major brain myths debunked.

5. Restores skin’s healthy glow

Krill oil contains antioxidant astaxanthinwhich is associated with destroying free radicals and defending cells against their negative impact. In order to stay healthy, our skin needs a high level of antioxidants. This way, collagen production is intact as well as elasticity. Moreover, according to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity)scale which measures the effectiveness of antioxidants at fighting free radicals krill oil has value of 43, while fish oil has value of 8.

Also, antioxidants protect your skin from UV damage and various damages caused by environmental factors. Therefore, for healthy glowing skin, you should definitely consider krill oil supplements.

Conclusion

Krill oil is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids and has numerous health benefits, just like fish oil. In order to improve cardiovascular health, brain sharpness, or even to ease symptoms of PMS and repair your skin, krill oil supplements might be the thing you need.

5 Health Benefits of Krill oil You Should Not Miss

References

1.   http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/10/krill-oil-supplementation.aspx