Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Krill Oill Contains Double The Dose Of Omega 3 Fatty Acids Than Cod... Without The Risk Of Deadly Toxins

The health benefits associated with oily fish, particularly in terms of helping to ease inflamed joints and maintain heart health, have long been recognised. The omega 3 fatty acids they contain are thought to be largely responsible for delivering these therapeutic effects.

However, if you've been receiving your FREE weekly health email alerts, you'll be aware that increasing your consumption of oily fish - like mackerel, sardines and cod - may not be the best way of obtaining these benefits. This follows concerns about the exposure of oily fish to high levels of poisonous contaminants, like mercury and other toxins.

One of the main ways mercury waste finds its way into our waters is as a result of big industrial plants burning coal for electricity. Not only does this pose a serious health risk, but there are also fears that supplies of oily fish (cod in particular) may soon become depleted if the common practice of over-fishing is allowed to continue.

That's why HSI panellists are keen to bring you this report about an excellent way of ensuring that you still receive all the healthy benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, without compromising your health through unnecessary mercury exposure or worrying that you're contributing to the reduction of fish reserves.

This alternative source is available in the form of krill oil. Krill are small crustaceans similar to prawns and shrimps that live in the Antarctic Ocean - some of the least polluted waters in the world, which decreases their exposure to harmful contaminants like mercury. Fortunately, plentiful supplies of krill - a major food source for whales, penguins, squid, fish and seals - still exist.

In Japan krill is regarded as a culinary delicacy. The edible part of the krill is its tail, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Better still, krill actually contains double the amount of omega 3 fatty acids than cod, which has always been regarded as a rich source. Taking krill oil supplements can benefit your joints and heart, in addition to boosting your immunity. Recent research findings also suggest that it may even play a role as a preventative against skin cancer.

Krill oil is packed full of healthy ingredients
While research into krill is still in its preliminary stages, the fact that it is known to be a far more potent source of omega 3 fatty acids than cod - the medicinal properties of which are well-documented - means that krill is likely to confer even greater benefits for good health as a result.

The omega 3 fatty acid known as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) produces prostaglandins that help prevent blood from clotting - thereby lowering your risk of thrombosis, stroke and high blood pressure. It is also has the added benefit of reducing triglyceride (blood fat) levels.1

Another omega 3 fatty acid is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which is a vital component of eye and brain tissue - particularly important in brain development.1,2,3

Omega 3 fatty acids also exert a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, which can help alleviate inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis.

Krill is not only a more potent source of omega 3 fatty acids than cod but it also contains significantly less cholesterol: 0.3 per cent compared with 9 per cent found in cod. In addition, krill contains omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids, plus vitamins A, B, D and E, selenium, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, iodine, astaxanthin, calcium and potassium.

A natural protective barrier against harmful UV rays
Astaxanthin and vitamins A and E are all potent antioxidants that help defend against free-radical damage. You may remember reading about astaxanthin back in your February edition of HSI. One of the richest sources of this nutrient is marine microalgae, which many crustaceans like krill feed on. Astaxanthin has been shown to provide many health-related benefits such as protection against ultraviolet (UV) light - exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a major culprit in causing skin cancer.4,5

US researchers believe that krill oil's potential for defending against skin cancer is a result of both the antioxidants and high concentration of omega 3 fatty acids it contains. An animal study showed that krill oil (used either internally or externally) was able to prevent skin cancer after long periods of exposure to UV radiation, when compared to soya oil (also used internally or externally) for 20 weeks.6

The group using both topical and oral krill oil showed a 66.6 per cent reduction in the incidence of cancer, compared with soya oil.

What to take for best results
The recommended dose is one to two 500mg krill oil capsules a day.

Warning: Krill oil capsules are not suitable for those with allergies to fish or shellfish.