So we’ve been talking about the countless benefits fish oil has to offer, in particular the Omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil that help the body maintain many its countless functions.
Well, there is another marine source of Omega 3s that should also be taken note of and that is … krill oil.
What is krill oil?
Krill are an ocean crustacean that very closely resemble shrimp. The difference between these two is that krill have many tiny legs while shrimps have ten legs that are flatter in shape. Just like how fish oil comes from fish, krill oil is oil that is taken from krill. Krill are a crustacean that can grow up to six centimeters long. Due in part to their miniscule size, krill are placed at the bottom of the ocean food chain. Krill are eaten by larger marine livestock such as fish, squid, penguins, seal, whales as well as others.
And like fish oil, krill oil is also a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids. To reiterate, Omega 3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that is essential to the body however the body is unable to produce Omega 3s on its own. As a result Omega’s must be obtained from food. The three main types of Omega 3 fatty acids required for the body’s metabolism are a-Linolenic Acid (ALA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (ELA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).
Today Omega 3s from marine sources are gaining popularity because of the host of health benefits they have to offer such as:
- Strengthening the joints and bones
- Improving cardiovascular function
- Helping with menstrual difficulties
- Regulating blood flow
- Balancing blood pressure
- Improving liver and kidney function
- Reducing cholesterol levels
- Improving brain development
Krill oil contains astaxanthin which is a carotenoid, a yellow or red pigment that occurs in plants and animals touted for its benefits to the immune system and eye health. Astaxanthin is also a potent antioxidant and as such, krill oil is gaining popularity for its natural anti-oxidizing properties. Furthermore krill oil is also a good source of vitamins A, D and E.
Why do people take krill oil?
Like fish oil, krill oil offers many health benefits because it is rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, therefore many people choose krill oil to get their intake of Omega 3s. Some people who have taken fish oil supplements may complain of a fishy aftertaste or a fishy burp. Krill oil on the other hand does not have a fishy aftertaste or burp associated with its use.
Which is better fish oil or krill oil?
The answer is undecided. What it could all come down to personal preference. Some people prefer fish oil while others prefer krill oil. The health benefits that both have to offer are very similar. There are researchers who swear by krill oil while other experts praise fish oil. Both types of oil could benefit anyone’s daily health regimen as we all need Omega 3 fatty acids in our diets. The only positive that may tip the scale ever so slightly would be that krill oil does not produce a fishy aftertaste or burp like some of the fish oil supplements do.
All in all both fish oil and krill oil are good sources of Omega 3 fatty acids.
