Many people are totally unaware of the existence of krill and certainly have no idea about the health benefits of krill oil. Krill are actually tiny shrimp-like marine animals that are consumed by whales and some other sea species, like penguins, seals and certain fish. Krill live in all oceans of the world, and consume phytoplankton making them low on the food chain. They provide sustenance to sea creatures that cannot consume plankton alone and together with plankton make up the largest biomass on earth. Fortunately, krill and plankton are renewable resources making it ideal for human consumption.
The oil from Neptune krill, that are harvested from the Antarctic waters, is likely the best source of omega-3 fatty acids on earth. Futhermore, Neptune krill oil also contains beneficial antioxidants (like astaxanthin) and phospholipids not found in fish oil. Published research shows that Neptune krill oil can help lower triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, glucose, total cholesterol and helps raise HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Evidence also indicates that krill oil is beneficial for painful menstrual cramps and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. In fact, it was shown to be more effective than fish oil for these disorders.
Care must be taken in choosing a Neptune krill oil supplement, making sure it is processed in a way to preserve the nutrients by protecting it from heat, light and air through a patented cold extraction process. As well, the supplement must be tested and shown to be free of dangerous contaminants like PCBs, heavy metals and dioxins.
Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on August 18, 2006 08:45 AM
