10 Health Benefits of Krill Oil

Krill oil comes from krill, small crustaceans similar to shrimp. The product is primarily available in supplement form, which means you can experience the many benefits of krill oil simply by popping a capsule along with your other vitamins.

Krill oil improves heart health

Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, krill oil reduces the build-up of cholesterol and other problematic substances in your arteries. It also prevents the arteries from hardening. In addition to taking krill oil supplements, eating a low-fat and low-sodium diet can help keep your heart healthy. People with high blood pressure may want to add krill oil supplements to their everyday regimen: the supplement can significantly lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Krill oil reduces inflammation and treats arthritis

People with chronic inflammation or osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from adding krill oil supplements to their diet, as omega 3 fatty acids also contain powerful anti-inflammatory agents. The nutrients transform into eicosanoids, which prevent the body’s inflammatory response. Krill oil also helps reduce pain and inflammation caused by gout, and people with heart conditions or high blood pressure can benefit from its ability to prevent inflammation of the arteries and blood vessels.

Krill oil relieves depression

Whether you just feel down in the dumps every once in a while or have chronic depression, taking krill oil every day could help improve your mood thanks to its potential as a natural antidepressant. The omega 3 fatty acids in krill oil can have a positive effect on anxiety episodes and attacks, too.

Krill oil prevents obesity

Obesity could be caused by your body maintaining a low metabolic rate, so your body is burning off food and calories slower than a body with a normal metabolic rate. Low levels of omega 3s could be one reason your body is in this less than ideal state. Taking krill oil supplements once a day can improve metabolic activity and reduce fat deposits in the body. The oil provides antioxidants such as astaxanthin, which helps bond EPA and DHA, two omega 3 fatty acids responsible for maintaining your metabolic rate.

Krill oil helps prevent cancer

Research suggests krill oil has a positive effect on certain types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, and prostate. Omega 3 fatty acids activate antioxidants key to killing off cancer-causing cells and also induce apoptosis or cell death. That said, krill oil should not be considered a cure or a treatment on its own. If you have cancer, follow the course of treatment your doctor has prescribed, but ask him or her about including krill oil supplements as a secondary measure.

Krill oil helps regulate diabetes

Studies have shown krill oil can help regulate diabetes. Krill oil helps reduce insulin resistance and the glucose levels in your body. Taking krill oil increases the amount of good cholesterol and EPA and DHA — those fatty acids mentioned earlier — which help reduce blood sugar levels.

Krill oil treats dry eyes

We have all experienced those moments of dry or gritty eyes. Taking krill oil supplements could help prevent these uncomfortable instances. Krill oil is rich in nutrients that help prevent macular degeneration and other eye conditions. Check with your eye care professional about supplementing with krill oil to help stave off vision loss.

Krill oil treats colitis

Most of the time, people with gastrointestinal disorders such as colitis find relief through healthy — and perhaps limiting — diet choices alone. It is easy to wander off the beaten path and consume something that triggers symptoms. This is where krill oil comes in. The protective compounds in the oil help relieve sores and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Krill oil aids digestion

Taking a krill oil supplement daily can help offset the symptoms of indigestion. The anti-inflammatory properties of the krill oil help eliminate symptoms of stomach upset, heartburn, hemorrhoids, and even constipation. The oil is a preventative supplement, in this case; it is unlikely to be useful if taken when the symptoms begin.

Krill oil helps infant neurological development

It is not uncommon for doctors to recommend pregnant women take krill oil. The omega 3 fatty acids in krill oil help the development of the brain, central nervous system, and eyes of an unborn child. This is especially important for pregnant women who may not be getting enough fatty acids in their diets. After a child is born, omega 3s are still important for continued neurological development.