With the increasing number of people with heart disease, many have turned to nutrition supplement to help decrease their risk of heart disease. A new and popular supplement on the market today is krill oil.
What is Krill oil?
Krill oil comes from Antarctic krill, a small semitransparent crustacean like shrimp. The oil from krill contains phospholipids, a long-chained omega 3 fatty acids that includes EPA and DHA.
It is believed that krill oil is a better source of Omega 3 fatty acids than fish oils because it is more bio-available. Omega 3s that come from fish oil is bound to triglycerides, which do not dissolve in water, making it more difficult to absorb in the gut. The Krill oil’s unique structure of phospholipids allows it to be digested easily.
Krill oil is also extracted by cold extraction verses a hot or steam process. By using a cold process it prevents the brake down of the naturally occurring omega 3s and protects the quality of the supplement.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Research studies have shown that EPA and DHA from omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce the levels of triglycerides and very low- density- lipoproteins in the blood. Triglycerides are a blood lipid that are transported in the blood bound to protein and contributes to our total cholesterol level. A high level of cholesterol can lead to cardiovascular disease and death. To help prevent the risk of disease is it recommended to keep triglyceride levels below 150mg/dl.
To aid the prevention of cardiovascular disease, it has been recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology that a person should take 1 gram per day of omega- 3 fatty acids from a marine animal. The supplement should also include EPA and DHA,
Heart Healthy Diet
To help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease a person should also eat a heart healthy diet. A long with an increased intake of omega 3 fatty acids, a person should increase their intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A person should also choose lean meats and low fat diary products.
By including an omega 3 fatty acid supplement, such as krill oil, as part of a diet that is low fat and high in fiber a person can help decrease their risk of heart disease.
Reference:
- Bunea, Farrah, Deutsch. “Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia.” Altern Med Rev, 2004; 9(4): 420-8
- Schacky and Harris. “Cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids”. Cardiovascular Research. 2007; 73: 310–315
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