The search for a real life Fountain of Youth continues in modern day, and anti-aging supplements are proving to be a great way to fight off the effects of aging. Fans of staying young and healthy and health enthusiasts alike all seem to swear by one particular supplement: fish oil. Many of you might have memories of a parent urging you to take a not-so-tasty spoonful of fish oil to grow up strong and healthy. Luckily, today’s fish oil can be taken in a gel capsule.
Why Fish Oil?
Fish has long been identified as a healthy addition to any diet. It is considered by many to be a “brain food,” as consuming it can greatly increase attention span, and reduce symptoms of depression, ADHD, psychosis, and other mental illnesses.
Fish oil is very healthy because it is packed full of omega 3 fatty acids. These healthy acids are derived from fish that contain high levels, including sardine, herring, trout, sturgeon, bluefish, anchovy, mackerel, tuna, and salmon. Fish oil supplements can also include cod liver and whale or seal blubber.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help lower blood pressure and increase cardiovascular health, and the large amounts of omega-3 acids in fish oil make it a great choice for individuals looking to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and reduce risk of heart disease. The antioxidant properties of omega-3 acids will mean your body runs smoothly and more efficiently, thus slowing the aging process. As an added bonus, fish oil can be used to help treat dry eyes, glaucoma, and other eye conditions.
Krill Oil Surges Ahead
Recently, however, a different type of oil has emerged as a challenger to fish oil. This newcomer, called krill oil, is proving to be a much more beneficial alternative to fish oil. Krill oil takes the benefits that fish oil provides, and increases the effectiveness to make you see results faster and with a lower dosage, according to findings published by the Akershus University College in Norway. Krill are tiny crustaceans that can be found in every ocean, and are the primary food source for whales, seals, penguins, and squid.
Astonishingly, krill oil has been found to be over 47 times more effective than fish oil, and the health benefits are amplified. That’s because the omega-3s found in krill oil come in the form of phospholipids, which is the same chemical structure as every cell membrane in your body, making it much easier to absorb. McGill University conducted a study on just how much krill oil can affect cholesterol, and found that compared to fish oil it was “significantly more effective” in reducing cholesterol, including LDL and glucose levels.
On the contrary, fish oil omega-3 is comprised of tryglycerides, which aren’t absorbed as easily. In addition to everything that fish oil provides, you can expect other improvements when taking krill oil such as reduced heartburn, reduced wrinkles and saggy skin, improved vision, and a higher sex drive.
Another differentiating factor is that krill oil contains a special antioxidant called astaxanthin, which can be traced back to algae that krill feed on. Many studies have shown time and again that astaxanthin contains the most antioxidant properties of any carotenoid (organic particles typically found in plants, algae and bacteria), and can be as much as 550 times more powerful than vitamin E. This antioxidant is what colors shrimp and flamingoes pink, and it is also what enables salmon to gather the tremendous strength and endurance needed to swim upstream and leap out of the water during mating season. If it can have this effect on fish, can you imagine how it can benefit your body?
No Nasty Fish Burps
Finally, taking fish oil quite often results in an unpleasant side effect dubbed “fish burps.” These fish burps occur when the stomach begins to break down the fish oil supplement, and gas develops in the digestive system. After a period of buildup, it is common to experience burps that leave a fishy taste in your mouth, as If you just ate fish. Krill oil, on the other hand, does not produce fish burps, or any similar side effect.
In conclusion, krill oil can produce better effects than fish oil, and in lower doses. While it is indeed more expensive than fish oil, the choice is clear when you realize it can have a far more positive impact on your health. The added benefits that come with taking krill oil and the lack of unsavory fish burps make krill oil a clear winner.
