Are you health-conscious? Do you make sure everything you put in your body supports it to work at its very best? Then krill oil might be a supplement you want to try. It is nutritionally similar to fish oil, but different in significant ways -- like containing astaxanthin, a beneficial algae. It is packed with omega-3s and other ingredients that have serious credentials. Sourced from the Antarctic, this supplement boasts many notable health benefits. Here are four health benefits:
1. It Can Reduce Inflammation
Krill oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation on their own. In addition, the pink-orange color in krill oil is called astaxanthin, which has its own anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine. Because it reduces inflammation, it can improve the quality of life for people living with diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, as other studies have found.
2. It Can Improve Heart Health
Omega-3 fatty acids are heart-healthy, and krill oil is packed with them. Krill oil may be effective in lowering levels of triglycerides and other fats that can be harmful to the heart. It’s also good at lowering bad cholesterol, and may even raise good cholesterol. In simpler words, krill oil is effective in controlling known risk factors for heart disease.
3. It Can Help Manage PMS symptoms
Omega-3s can control PMS symptoms and reduce the need for painkillers. One study published by the NIH noted people taking krill oil for their omega-3s during PMS took even fewer painkillers than people using fish oil. If you struggle with PMS symptoms, krill oil may be a good option to consider.
4. It Can Improve Brain Function
Norwegian researchers found that giving krill oil to rats helped them perform better on skills tests, and that krill oil had a similar effect to antidepressants. This has to do with how omega-3s work in the brain: some researchers theorize a lack of these healthy fats can cause the brain to decline, and getting more of them can boost its capabilities and reduce things like depression.
Krill Oil: Overlooked But Powerful
Of course, it is always smart to consult your doctor before taking any supplement. After discussing the health benefits of krill oil with your doctor, you can start looking for the supplement that best meets your needs. Remember: while it may be overlooked, krill oil has been shown to improve many bodily functions. Give it a try!