Neptune Krill Oil 500mg - 120 Softgels + BONUS

Krill Oil
Krill oil is made from Krill (am I stating the obvious here?), or Euphausia Superba, a shrimp-like crustacean considered by some to be the largest biomass in the world. Krill is well known to be fundamental to the survival of almost all species living in the Antarctic or sub antarctic waters...

Given its abundant medicinal properties, it may soon be considered fundamental to the survival of all species. Krill is best known as a significant source of omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These 20 and 22 carbon molecules are difficult to convert from plant based ALA within the body and external sources until now have been primarily limited to fish oils.

One concern with fish oil is that we do not have an unlimited supply and at some point we will exhaust our resources. Krill, being so important to the Antarctic eco-system is extremely well regulated to ensure it is harvested sustainably.

The sustainability of krill is not the only factor that sets it apart from fish oil. Yes, they are both high in animal based Omega 3 fatty acids, but Krill also contains phospholipids. Attached the the omega 3 fatty acids, these phospholipids are said to significantly increase the potency or bio-availability of both EPA and DHA, meaning we don't need to take us much of the oil to get the same benefit. Another proposed benefit to Krill oil is its high Astaxanthin content. Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant which allows krill oil to be much more stable than typical fish oil, preventing harmful oxidization both of the oil and within our bodies. Astaxanthin is one of few antioxidants that crosses the blood brain barrier and therefore is particularly useful for protecting the eyes and central nervous system.

What do I use Krill Oil for?
Krill oil is used for the treatment and prevention of a wide array of disease processes. Similar to other omega 3 fatty acids, research has demonstrated beneficial cholesterol lowering effects. Not only has Krill oil been shown to reduce LDL, the "bad cholesterol" as well as triglycerides, being high in EPA and DHA, it has also been shown to increase HDL cholesterol. Research shows that promoting high levels of HDL cholesterol, or the "good cholesterol", has just as many implications in preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease as lowering the LDL form. It has also been studied in the treatment of autoimmune disease, like rheumatoid arthritis, as well as various disorders of the central nervous system. Krill oil has also been shown effective in relieving symptoms of PMS.

Krill oil does have mild blood thinning effects, so persons on anti-coagulant medications or taking herbs known to increase the risk of bleeding need to use with caution. Krill is contraindicated in individuals with fish allergy. There is little information on the safety of krill oil during pregnancy and lactation, so for now it is recommended that these individuals avoid use.

Essential Fats
Omega 3-6-9 oils are a combination of three types of essential fatty acids. "Essential" means that the body does not produce the fatty acids on its own and therefore they must be taken in through the diet. The standard North American diet is deficient in essential fatty acids, especially omega 3s. Every cell needs essential fatty acids for its cell membrane where the fats make the important barrier that lets other molecules into and out of the cell.

Without the healthy fats cells become porous and chemical or nutrient imbalances can occur. The essential fats also produce chemical messengers, such as hormones, in the body thus, omega 3-6-9 oils help to optimize hormone levels in both men and women. Essential fatty acids have been used to treat eczema, psoriasis, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, menopause and PMS. They also improve hair and skin, prevent blood clots, improve memory and regulate hormone levels.

Some combination oils include fish oils derived from fish such as herring, cod, mackerel, tuna or salmon. These oils give the added benefit of containing docosahexanoic acid, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, two other types of omega 3 fatty acids. DHA is an essential component of the brain and central nervous system. It seems to concentrate in areas where there is lots of electrical activity such as the synaptosomes, where nerve cells communicate, and the photoreceptors of the eye. This is why a deficiency of DHA can result in poor brain development, attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, memory problems and poor visual development. EPA is an important fatty acid in the maintenance of cardiovascular health and the regulation of inflammation. EPA is a precursor to a series of chemicals whose job it is to regulate the inflammatory effects of arachidonic acid. Too much arachidonic acid leads to pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis. Arachidonic acid also causes inflammation in arteries and leads to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Deficiency of EPA can result in cardiac arrhythmias, high cholesterol and excessive aging. EPA has been used to treat heart disease, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Why are they Essential?
Omega-3s (and omega-6s) are termed essential fatty acids (EFAs) because they are critical for good health. However, the body cannot make them on its own. For this reason, omega-3s must be obtained from food, thus making outside sources of these fats "essential."

Although the body needs both omega-3s and omega-6s to thrive, most people consume far more 6s than 3s. Hardly a day goes by, however, without reports of another health benefit associated with omega-3s. For this reason, many experts recommend consuming a better balance these two EFAs.