What is Krill Oil?

Krill is a minuscule crustacean that looks like shrimp. They can be found in the ocean’s coldest waters. The primary purpose of krill is to provide food for other marine creatures such as whales, seals, penguins, fish, and squid. Krill is the leading food for baleen whales, whale sharks, and manta rays. Krill is referred to as “whale food” in Norwegian.

The oil in krill is usually extracted, packed in capsules, and used for drugs. You can find fish oil like fatty acids in krill oil. These lipids are believed to be healthy fats that cut cholesterol, reduce edema and lessen the stickiness of blood platelets. Blood clots are less prone to form when blood platelets are less sticky.

Krill oil is also called or referred to as Euphausiacea Superba. Krill oil contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two omega-3 fatty acids, and docosahexaenoic. The omega-3 fatty acid contained in krill oil is the source of its benefits and advantages. The body does not make many omega-3 fatty acids on its own. In addition to reducing clotting and swelling, omega-3 fatty acids can stop blood from clotting too quickly. Krill oil also contains phospholipid-derived fatty acids and astaxanthin, a carotenoid antioxidant.

Health Benefits of Krill Oil

Excellent Source of Healthy Fats

The fats contained in krill oil are suitable for the body. Krill oil contains omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. The omega-3 fats in krill oil are always in the form of phospholipids. Phospholipids are quite easy to absorb into the bloodstream. Studies reveal that krill oil is much more effective. Their effectiveness surpasses that of fish oil.

Fights Inflammation

Krill oil contains properties that play anti-inflammatory functions in the body. It contains astaxanthin which contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Few studies have been done to look into the effects of krill on inflammation. Studies reveal that krill oil decreases the synthesis of chemicals that cause inflammation.

A study done on 25 persons with slightly elevated blood fat levels discovered that devouring 1,000 mg of krill oil every day had a greater impact on reducing inflammation. Another study done on 90 persons with chronic inflammation revealed that ingesting 300 mg of krill oil daily was sufficient to lower an inflammation marker by up to 30% after one month.

Reduces Arthritis and Joint Pain

Krill oil contains properties that help to reduce arthritis and joint pain. Studies reveal that krill oil help to lessen stiffness, discomfort, and functional impairment related to rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.

A study done on 50 grown-ups with mild knee pain who took krill oil for 30 days revealed that they felt less pain when sleeping and walking after 30 days of consuming krill oil. Researchers used mice with arthritis as a case study to look into the effects of krill oil. Mice who took in krill oil had less swelling and got better.

Improves Blood Lipids and Heart Health

Krill oil is very much effective in improving blood lipid levels. It is also effective at lowering blood fats and triglycerides. Several studies have compared krill oil to omega-3s and olive oil. Comparing krill oil to omega-3s, krill oil has high-density lipoprotein. It is effective in reducing markers of inflammation.

Krill helps lessen “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It also helps to increase “good” HDL cholesterol. A study compared krill oil to olive oil. It discloses that krill oil helps to improve the benefit of the lining of the blood vessels and the insulin resistance scores.

Manage Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Krill oil contains omega-3 fats, which are effective in dealing with pain. Omega-3 fats help reduce pain and inflammation. Studies reveal that Omega-3 is helpful and effective In reducing period pain and several symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

A study was done to compare the effects of krill oil and fish oil on women who experience premenstrual syndrome. The study revealed that both oils improved the symptoms, but women who took krill oil experienced lesser pain.

Weight Loss

Being overweight is a global health issue. In the United States,  215 million people are obese. The Obesity epidemic is spreading swiftly to other parts of the world like China, Europe, and Russia. To maintain a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising more often is necessary. Supplements also help. According to a 2017 PLOS study, krill oil helps obese people lose weight by changing their intestinal flora to boost their metabolism.

Improves Memory

Krill oil helps to improve your memory. The third most prevalent cause of mortality is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is known as a disease that affects memory. It is related to memory loss and difficulties with cognition. A 2017 study in the journal Food and Performance used animal models to show the benefits of krill oil for cognitive function. Additionally, a 2013 study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging showed that elderly people who took in krill oil had enhanced cognitive performance.

Optimizes Cholesterol

Cholesterol plays a major role in your body. Only 20% of the cholesterol in your body is derived from food; your liver produces the other 80%. Cholesterol is essential for men’s testosterone, women’s estrogen, nerve coating, and vitamin D. Doctors routinely recommend cholesterol-lowering medications (like simvastatin, atorvastatin, etc.) to those with elevated levels because they do seem to be a risk factor for health conditions such as strokes and heart disease.

Patients frequently look for alternatives like krill oil. A 2004 study printed in Alternative Medicine Review and a 2013 study utilizing an animal model both demonstrated a decrease in total cholesterol levels in the blood when krill oil was consumed. Krill oil is an effective way to optimize your cholesterol.

Reduces CRP (C-reactive Protein)

A person’s risk of heart disease and stroke increases due to the inflammatory protein (CRP). Numerous additional illnesses are linked to excessive inflammatory bowel disease. As documented in a study printed in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2017, consuming krill oil decreased CRP levels, or inflammation, by nearly 20%.

Additionally, a 2016 study published in the Archives of Medical Science demonstrated that krill oil can reduce CRP at doses as low as 500 mg twice daily. Krill oil helps reduce CRP.

Helps with Dry Eyes

The ability of the tear ducts to produce fluid (tears) to keep the moist eyes decreases with age. This may cause hazy vision, inflamed eyes, or the impression that something is in the eyes. Each year, millions of people seek eye care due to dry eyes.

According to a 2017 Ophthalmology study, patients with dry eyes fared better when they took krill oil supplements. Similar results and eye oxidation protection were seen in patients receiving 1,500 mg of krill oil daily in a 2017 investigation.

Helps with Fertility Issues

Fertility issues cause worry and concern for couples. One of the most frequent causes of infertility among couples is low sperm count and poor sperm quality. It might cost thousands of dollars for doctors to treat concerns associated with infertility. According to a 2017 study published in Andrology, krill oil can increase sperm concentration and motility. Increases good gut bacteria Krill oil is a great food source for gut bacteria.

It helps the growth of useful gut flora. Bacteria like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are vital for intestinal health. Krill oil helps to promote the growth of good bacteria while stifling the growth of harmful ones. A person can avoid getting leaky guy, a disorder with many negative health effects, by maintaining a healthy intestinal barrier. This is what krill oil helps with.

Lower Blood Sugar Level

As recorded by the World Health Organisation, over 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. Diabetes causes a lot of diseases like kidney disease, strokes, and heart attacks. Diabetes can be improved with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes.

A 2014 study published in Alternative Medicine Review found krill oil to lower blood sugar (glucose). In a 2015 study published in the British Medical Journal, It was realized that 1,000 mg of krill oil daily might improve the effectiveness of insulin by putting up glucose sensitivity.

Conclusion

Krill oil is a beneficial oil. Its benefits can not be undermined. You can use it as a treatment for cancer, high blood pressure, premenstrual syndrome, stroke, and so on. You can purchase krill oil from pharmaceutical stores or online.