Best For Joint Health: Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil
vivanaturals.com
- Omega-3s 330 mg per 2 capsules
- Astaxanthin 1.6 mg per 2 capsules
- Antarctica
Why buy: Viva Naturals uses a trademarked Caplique capsulation to avoid any krill oil odor or potential fishy burps. WIth 90 mg of DHA and 165 mg of EPA per 2 capsule serving, this supplement will definitely give you your moneys worth, as they pack more DHA and EPA than your average supplement. We like that these capsules contain a higher concentration of the antioxidant astaxanthin, and are designed to eliminate any fishy aftertaste.
The Connection Between Your Cholesterol And Food
As we get older, our cholesterol levels change and so does the connection between your cholesterol and food.
Doctors are not really sure how aging affects the composition and function of HDL, aka high-density lipoproteins levels however, research has proven there is a significant change from our youth, and the food we eat plays an intricate part.
Baseline Characteristics Of The Study Participants
The study included 18 healthy volunteers, of which all completed the supplementation period. One volunteer had a major protocol deviation, and was excluded. Thus, 17 healthy individuals were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 23 years and the BMI 20.9 kg/m2 . Compliance of the intervention was > 95 % for all subjects during the period .
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Reducing Inflammation And Cancer Risk
Your body converts absorbed omega-3 fatty acids in to eicosanoids, which are powerful hormones responsible for the release of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins throughout our bodies. Reduced inflammation helps to prevent many serious diseases and health complications.
Krill oil influences the actions of other hormones such as corticotropin-releasing hormones. When combined with increased levels of serotonin and dopamine, these help to elevate moods and can be beneficial in treating depression.
The EPA and DHA present in krill oil acts as a more-natural replacement for many anti-depressive medications and mood-enhancing drugs.
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Finally, omega-3 fatty acid extracts from krill oil have been linked to the cessation of colorectal cancer cell growth. Because of the lack of side effects and because of the fact that krill oil is relatively well tolerated, it is being considered as a potential anti-cancer therapy and continues to be researched.
Krill oil can also help reduce the risk factors associated with diabetes, like insulin resistance and glucose levels. Regular intake of krill oil supplements can reduce blood glucose levels and improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.
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Krill Oil Side Effects And Risks
Because krill oil is a relatively new supplement on the market, there isnt as many trials, studies, and findings as there are about fish oil. Because of the lack of proof, the American Heart Association doesnt recognize krill oil as a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids yet.
Even though there is little solid proof, what is out there so far is very convincing. There are a few side effects to be aware of and can differ from person to person.
Its important to know that krill are shellfish and if you are allergic to shellfish, such as lobster, crab, or shrimp, you should not take this supplement.
Its also important to know that krill oil has similar properties to fish oil, which has been reported to thin the blood. Anyone who is taking blood-thinning medications should not use krill oil as it can cause excessive bleeding.
Some common side effects include fishy breath, headache, upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation, and bloating.
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What Happens If I Incorporated Dietary Changes And My Cholesterol Is Still Not Within Recommended Ranges
If youve made some dietary changes and you still havent seen results, try incorporating phytosterol into your diet. Phytosterol is similar to the bodys cholesterol and can block cholesterol from being absorbed into your body.
Phytosterol can lower your cholesterol by 10% and your LDL by 14%, she says. Aim to get about 2 grams of phytosterol a day. Some common food and dietary supplements include high sterol or stanol esters be sure to read the labels.
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Talk To Your Doctor Before Using Krill Oil Especially If:
- You have low blood pressure diagnosed by a doctor or take medications that act to lower your blood pressure.
- You take blood thinners or have a bleeding condition
- You are diabetes, have hypoglycemia or take medications to alter your blood sugar levels in one way or the other.
Tip: Did you know Essential Oils can immensely help with diabetes. Here the complete list of Home Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes.
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What Are The Worst Foods For High Cholesterol
High-cholesterol foods to avoid. Full-fat dairy. Whole milk, butter and full-fat yogurt and cheese are high in saturated fat. . Red meat. Steak, beef roast, ribs, pork chops and ground beef tend to have high saturated fat and cholesterol content. . Processed meat. . Fried foods. . Baked goods and sweets. . Eggs. . Shellfish. . Lean meat.
Benefits Of Krill Oil
Studies have shown krill oil may have a variety of health benefits. Here are some possible ways it can help you.
It may help your heart
Research shows that krill oil may be effective in reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides. It may also increase HDL cholesterol levels.
We know that high triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease, says Ilic. There might be an improvement in HDL, but some studies have shown an increase in LDL, which you dont want to increase.
It may reduce inflammation
Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in krill oil, may in some individuals.
Krill oil might have a modest effect of lowering blood pressure, says Ilic.
Krill oil also contains astaxanthin, a pigment thats found in carotenoids . Astaxanthin has been shown to also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which may help fight the negative effects of free radicals on your brain and nervous system.
It may reduce arthritis and joint pain
Another study examined how krill oil may reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Those who took 300 milligrams of krill oil each day for 30 days saw an improvement in symptom reduction and used less rescue medication.
It can also help with pain. A small study gave participants with mild knee pain krill oil for 30 days. The results showed a significant reduction in pain while they were standing or sleeping.
It may help with PMS symptoms
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How Should I Take Krill Oil
Use Krill Oil exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Swallow the Krill Oil capsule whole. Do not puncture or open the capsule. Krill Oils may work best if taken with with food, although
Store Krill Oil at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
Small Krill Big Powers
Krill oil supplements are very powerful, and you will likely notice the benefits within a week or two. The nutritional content of krill oil includes 14% EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
This may be a lower percentage than that found in fish oil, but the absorption rates for krill oil are significantly higher, meaning a smaller dose provides more benefits. So, this one small capsule can replace having to take a handful each day.
Krill oil has high bioavailability, which means that it binds to phospholipids rather than triglycerides, making it easier to absorb. Smaller doses are more beneficial than the large doses of fish oil you would have to consume to get the same benefits.
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Krill contains choline which is responsible for transporting fats and reducing homocysteine .
Krill oil also contains astaxanthin which is a strong antioxidant. This antioxidant provides stability for the krill oil, thus preventing it from spoiling in your stomach or your medicine cabinet.
Additionally, the antioxidant provides benefits to your immune system while reducing inflammation.
Krill oil omega-3 possesses many heart-healthy properties and has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, all while reducing overall triglyceride levels. It also contains an anticoagulant formula that helps to prevent the formation of blood clots which can lead to strokes and heart attacks.
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Sensitivity Analysis And Publication Bias
The findings remained unchanged in the sensitivity analysis conducted on the triglycerides, LDL-C, and total cholesterol outcomes. However, when the data from the study by Bunea et al. were excluded from the sensitivity analysis for HDL-C, the I2 value for the studies comparing krill oil with fish oil and krill oil with other control supplements decreased to 0%, and the significant HDL-modifying effect of krill oil vs other controls disappeared . In several of the comparisons, publication bias was identified, as shown by a Luis Furuya-Kanamori index greater than2 or less than 2.
What Is Krill And Where Can It Be Found
Krill is actually a crustacean, which looks just like the shrimp and could be mistaken for one. They usually inhabit cold aquatic habitats mostly the ocean and serve as a delicious source of food for other larger sea animals such as the whales, seals and fish.
The oceans off Canada, Antarctica and Japan are popular sites where you can spot krill. There have been controversies surrounding the harvesting of krill as some claim that harvesting it could affect other species, which have been dependent on it for food such as the larger fishes.
Krill are harvested for use as a source of food for home krill oil capsules, or for commercial aquariums.
Now, lets talk more about krill oil.
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How Can Krill Oil Help You Reap The Benefits Of Omega
Many people are now aware of the supportive impacts of omega-3 fatty acids and try as much they can to incorporate it into their meal plans.
According to an article published on Fox News, Millions of Americans consume multiple gel caps of fish oil to supplement their intake of omega-3 fatty acids. But, it is unfortunate that as much as 90% of the benefits of the fish oil may be lost as the body poorly absorbs it. Thus, it has been discovered that a better way to reap the full benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is by sourcing them from krill oil.
Here are ways krill oil has helped reap the full benefits of omega-3s:
1. It is bio-available
The omega-3s in krill oil are in the form of phospholipids and thus are more effective as the body can absorb them more. This also means you dont need to take as much dosage of krill oil as you take fish oil to get a required amount of EPA and DHA.
This has been proved by a research published in Pharmacy & Therapeutics which revealed that a daily dose of 1-3g of krill oil was more effective in lowering triglycerides and cholesterol levels more than a similar dose of the usual fish oil.
2. Krill does not leave a bad aftertaste
Most people after consuming fish oils complain of a fishy aftertaste, burps as well as digestion reflux. This is hardly the case with krill oils.
In addition, krill oil supplements appear to come in smaller-sized gel capsules which makes it easier to swallow them.
3. Krill oil has more degree of purity
Why Is Krill Oil More Effective
Even though krill oil and fish oil or Omega-3 is essentially the same thing, it is the molecular composition of krill oil that makes it more effective. This is because fish oil is mostly absorbed into the gut before it can be effective in reducing the cholesterol levels. Krill oil however is not absorbed in that fashion and therefore your body will be able to use virtually all of to prevent cholesterol absorption.
In addition, krill oil contains a powerful antioxidant which helps protect the integrity of the krill oil itself so that it will not spoil like fish oil will in a short period of time. In most cases, less krill oil needs to be taken compared to standard Omega-3 fish oil capsules because of its effectiveness. For many, this means that they only need to take one or two capsules of krill oil to get the effects needed to lower their cholesterol count and do much, much more as well.
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Should You Take Krill Oil
Some people have noted theres still a fishy taste, even when taking krill oil. There are also some minor symptoms you might have while taking krill oil like diarrhea, headaches, heartburn and an upset stomach.
Fish oil and krill oil are known to have blood-thinning effects, says Ilic. So for people who take blood thinners, so check with your doctor before taking omega-3 supplements.
And if you plan on having surgery, skip the krill oil. People who are going to have surgery should discontinue use because of the blood-thinning effect, says Ilic.
Ilic notes that anyone with a seafood allergy could have problems as well. Theres also not enough research on krill oil effects, so steer clear of it for now if youre pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before adding any supplement. But the best way to get omega-3s? From eating cold-water fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, trout and sardines. You can also get omega-3s from flaxseed, chia seed and walnuts.
Studies have more positive conclusions when youre getting your omega-3s from food itself because there may be other components in food that act together to get the best benefits, says Ilic.
Krill Oil Versus Fish Oil: Is There Any Difference
Both krill oil and fish oil are said to contain two types of Omega-3 acids but are they the same thing? What is the difference? Lets find out.
When you make a study of the marine food chain, you would understand that krill oil is a more natural source of omega-3. Algae inhabit the bottom of the ocean and are the major originators of omega-3, which is in the form of EPA.
Krill, which is a smaller crustacean feeds on the algae, digests the EPA and then uses it to synthesize another form of omega-3, which is the DHA. Krill, in turn, forms the primary source of food for most marine animals fish inclusive. Thus, krill provides the fish with DHA and EPA too.
Even though it is likely that krill provides the fish with DHA and EPA, it is said that fish oil has a higher concentration of both omega-3s. The EPA and DHA in krill oil, on the other hand, is said to have more antioxidants.
A research work published in the Nutrition Reviews after an analysis of the nutritional values of krill oil and fish oil revealed that the major difference between krill oil and fish oil is that the omega-3 fatty acids found in krill oil are in the form of phospholipids while those found in fish oil are in the form of triglycerides.
Fish oil seems to be more conventional hence, have been more studied than krill oil. However, krill oil has been making a name for itself as an effective and even more superior source of omega-3 fatty acids.
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Krill And Your Cholesterol
Krill are small, protein-rich sea crustaceans that contain beneficial oils full of essential omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are used across the globe to boost health and prevent disease.
While both fish oil and krill oil both contain the essential omega-3s known as DHA and EPA, it has been proven that krill oil contains more. The fatty acids in krill oil are also more bioavailable, which makes it easier for your body to absorb and actually use them.
With a more potent source of omega-3s in a smaller package, the benefits of the supplement really do speak for themselves. One additional treat is that you dont have the fishy aftertaste with krill oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids are both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory by nature. This makes them essential to health and well-being.
High cholesterol has been linked to inflammation and free radicals. The large amount of omega-3s found in krill oil can help to protect your body from inflammation as well as oxidative damage.
EPA and DHA both reduce triglyceride levels in your blood as well as total cholesterol. The reduction in triglycerides and cholesterol protects your blood vessels from damage which can contribute to heart disease.
With regular krill oil supplementation, you get lower cholesterol, healthier blood flow, and a stronger heart.
Can I Use Krill Oil For Weight Loss
Much of the challenges of weight loss comes from an indescribable craving for sugar and fat that comes with the changing of diet. Our bodies get used to the fat that we eat on a daily basis and it begins to need it on a purely emotional level.
That same endocannabinoid pathway that was spoken of before releases what is called leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite and metabolism. If you have a high body fat percentage your leptin count raises but your body begins to become resistant to it.
It still craves that fat and so you keep eating to fill that need and usually it comes from unhealthy foods. The healthy fats in krill oil fill that need in your body without the excess calories and unhealthy foods.
Krill oil helps you to have more self-control in your eating habits and even helps your metabolism to burn fat at a higher rate.
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How We Chose Our Favorite Supplements
Here are the factors that we considered when comparing the best krill oil brands to create our list of recommended supplements.
Omega-3 Content We looked to see the amount of omega-3 fatty acids contained in each krill oil softgel or capsule.
Astaxanthin Content The best krill oil pills contain this naturally-occurring antioxidant.
Third-Party Lab Testing For any nutritional supplement, we choose brands that guarantee the quality of their product through independent lab testing.
Krill Source We also compared these supplements for the source of their krill oil, and only recommend brands that use sustainably-harvested krill.