Abnormal blood levels of cholesterol are linked with increased risk of heart diseases such as angina and heart attacks. Krill are small marine animals found in the oceans and serve as food for big fish and whales. Like fish oil, krill oil is a source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help keep your heart healthy. If you have been diagnosed with abnormal levels of cholesterol in the blood and are considering taking krill oil, talk to your doctor first.
Nutritional Value of Krill Oil
Krill oil is rich in omega 3 and a has limited amount of omega 6, thus offering a balanced ratio between these two essential fatty acids. In addition, krill oil contains several antioxidant nutrients, the most known being astaxanthin. Krill oil has 300 times more antioxidant properties than vitamins A and E and forty-eight times greater than most fish oils, states Jonny Bowden, M.A, author of "Living the Low Carb Life." Unlike fish oils, there is no risk that krill oil will be contaminated with heavy metals or toxic chemicals because krill live deep, at the bottom of the ocean.
Research
The benefits of krill oil have been evaluated in several research studies for managing blood cholesterol levels. For example, in a study published in December 2004 issue of " Alternative Medicine Review" that involved 120 participants, krill oil was compared with fish oil and placebo. Krill oil had the ability to reduce LDL, also known as "bad" cholesterol by 34 percent and increase HDL or "good" cholesterol by 43.5 percent compared to the placebo. Compared with fish oil, krill oil decreased bad cholesterol by 4.6 percent and increased good cholesterol by 4.2 percent. In addition, krill also decreased blood levels of triglycerides, another type of fat that has to be well controlled to prevent heart diseases.
Side Effects & Drug Interactions
Side effects may include mild abdominal discomfort, bloating or diarrhea. Unlike fish oil, krill oil does not cause fishy burps. Individuals allergic to shellfish should not consume krill oil. Also if you are on blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin or herbs that have blood thinning effects such as ginkgo, you should take this supplement with caution.
Considerations
Consult a health care provider to find out optimal dosage and learn about other herbs that can be combined with krill oil for lowering cholesterol. Keep in mind that krill oil does not replace and should not be used to replace any conventional drugs you are currently taking. Krill oil is not approved by U.S. Food and Drug administration to treat any medical condition.
References
- "Take Control of Your Health"; Joseph Mercola, DO; 2007
- Living the Low Carb Life: Controlled Carbohydrate Eating for Long-Term Weight Loss by Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S. 2005
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Evaluation of the Effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the Clinical Course of Hyperlipidemia; R.Bunea et al; December 2004
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