Extracted from a species of the Antarctic krill, the krill oil has been in use for several decades. Taken as a dietary supplement, krill oil carries a high nutritional value. It’s also known for its abilities to treat a host of health ailments, ranging from arthritis to depression.
Here are some ways in which krill oil can benefit your health:
Keeps Your Heart Healthy
Heart disease is the topmost cause of death in the United States. Including krill oil supplements in your diet can help reduce your risk. Although these results are not conclusive, most experts strongly believe that the omega-3 fatty acid content in krill oil can ward off heart disease.1 Krill oil is also effective in slashing high cholesterol levels in the body, as it can significantly reduce the triglyceride present in body fat. By reducing the “bad” cholesterol levels and increasing the “good” cholesterol in the body, krill oil can promote cardiovascular health.
Treats Arthritis And Inflammation
Inflammation is a painful symptom of arthritis, accompanied by pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. And krill oil, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids present in it, can reduce inflammation. The fatty acids reduce the level of C-protein, which is an inflammatory substance present in arthritic patients. Thus, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and treats arthritis.
Improves Brain Health
Your cognition, learning memory, and mood are essential for a healthy brain function. Krill oil, due to its rich omega-3 fatty acids content, can significantly improve brain activity. The active components of krill oil (DHA and APA) help in brain development and could also reduce your risk of ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), dyspraxia, and dementia.
Eases Premenstrual Syndrome
The symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) include breast tenderness, mood swings, stomach pain, and cramps, which can be relieved with krill oil. An inflammatory hormone, eicosanoids, is responsible for menstrual cramps. Krill oil, which is anti-inflammatory in nature, reduces the pain and minimises PMS symptoms. Furthermore, krill oil can also be used as a supplement for women affected by dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, and menstrual migraine.
Fights Depression
Along with enhancing brain function, krill oil also has properties that work toward reducing depression. In a study that examined the effects of krill oil supplementation in rats, it was observed that the oil could work as an anti-depressant. The active components of krill oil – eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and astaxanthin – are found to be responsible for its mood-enhancing function.
Reduces Colon Ulcer
Krill oil is an antioxidant that is proven to reduce inflammation. It minimises oxidative stress in the intestine and protects the colon from conditions like ulcerative colitis. By preventing inflammatory colon and bowel ailments, krill oil can also reduce your risk of colon cancer.
Protects The Skin
A potent antioxidant, krill oil can protect the skin from damage and keep it healthy. By reducing the scavenging effect of free radicals, it reduces oxidative damage to your skin cells. Its antioxidant nature also helps slow down the aging process, while reducing wrinkles. It’s also effective in removing sun tans and moisturizing dry skin.
Krill oil is a surprisingly under-rated supplement. And with all the benefits that it has to offer, krill oil deserves a place in your diet. However, don’t begin to regularly consume krill oil without consulting a doctor. If you notice any side-effects like nausea or diarrhea, get immediate help. Also, remember to avoid krill oil if you’re allergic to seafood.
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