We’re all familiar with the health benefits of fish, as it’s long been deemed brain food. When comparing krill and fish oil, however, there are some clear differences. Krill oil increases your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, significantly benefiting your heart and brain.
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats which are often sourced from seafood, helping to regulate immune function, organ function, heart health, overall cholesterol and, of course, brain health. Acting as brain boosters, omega-3 fatty acids support the maintenance of cell membranes.
In turn, both memory and reasoning are strengthened. Acting as a strong antioxidant, krill oil is an excellent neuroprotective aspect of any diet. Let’s focus on some of the key benefits associated with krill oil, how it works to boost positive health, and why this supplement trumps standard fish oils.
What is Krill and What Does It Offer?
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be essential fats, as our bodies cannot produce them. In order to benefit from their effects, we need to consume them within our diet or through supplementation. Essential fats, such as linolenic acid, are compounds in which your body needs in order to regulate optimal cellular health.
These acids form complex omega-3 fatty acids, containing unsaturated fats, such as EPA and DHA. Using these acids, our bodies are able to maintain strong, healthy cell walls throughout the body. These acids have been linked to immunity, skin health, cardiovascular health, brain health, and more.
Although you will find omega-3 fatty acids in some plant-based foods, such as flax and walnuts, the best sources are found in fresh fish and other sea life. Among all the creatures in the sea, krill contains the highest concentrations. This shrimp-like crustacean is highly potent in omega-3, providing incredible benefits.
These crustaceans are so widely abundant, as well, representing the largest biomass on our planet. Although this is only an estimate, sources say that there may be as much as 500 million tons of krill across all oceans. Being a common source of food and nutrition, over 100,000 tons are harvested each year for consumption.
Based on its numbers and abundance, this species is not threatened by overfishing. At this time, it’s considering a renewable energy source, compared to other fish who’s numbers are becoming increasingly threatened.
Being less than five centimeters long, krill live in cold oceans, such as the Antarctic and Pacific. Throughout Asia, they’re a traditional food and also recently become a popular supplement based on cognitive enhancement. The oil that’s extracted from krill is sold worldwide as a powerful supplement, benefiting mental and physical health
How Does Krill Oil Reach the Brain?
After consumption, the omega-3 fatty acids found in krill are transported through the body. Both EPA and DHA cross the blood-brain barrier, where it becomes available for neuron walls. In turn, the vitality of cell membranes increases, making these walls more permeable. This positively impacts the transport of nutrients while supporting the removal of waste and toxins.
The key effect in the brain is that omega-3 enhances communication efficiency. Receptors become more responsive and synapses become more plastic, adapting to the brain’s changing needs. We know that DHA and EPA levels in krill oil benefit the brain, but phospholipids also yield antioxidant properties.
Since antioxidants help reduce free radical damage, brain cells are better protected. When oxidation occurs in the brain, this is when cellular function deteriorate and potential brain damage occurs. The key component found within these phospholipids is phosphatidylcholine, an essential nutrient for brain health
Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil, What’s the Difference?
So, why not just take fish oil? For many years, fish oil supplements were the only available source of omega-3 fatty acids. Capsules filled with fish oil from cold-water species were the only option. Although these supplements also yield benefits, the demand for krill oil has spiked based on two key differences.
For starters, krill oil has a higher antioxidant content than fish oil. Meaning, it’s superior when protecting the brain against age-related decay. This is especially true within the brain. Secondly, krill oil does not perish like fish oil does.
Over time, fish oil breaks down, producing harmful free radicals. When consuming these free radicals, you essentially counteract the purpose of supplementation in the first place. Krill oil lasts longer and is more versatile, offering high concentrations of vitamins A, E, and D.
What Are the Benefits of Krill Oil?
Krill oil is known for a range of benefits, including enhanced functioning throughout numerous systems. It has been shown to boost immune function, liver function, skin health, and promote circulation. Joints become more flexible and symptoms of arthritis are alleviated.
Not only does it lower cholesterol, but it yields strong anti-aging properties, protecting against decay associated with the aging process. Based on its skin benefits, visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, are reduced as well. It also acts as a natural mood booster, cognitive enhancer, and may be used as a potential treatment option for those with ADHD.
While focusing on the brain, krill oil not only protects brain health, but it protects neural tissue. In turn, better brain functioning is experienced, resulting in an increased attention span, heightened concentration, and higher memory functioning. Based on its mood-boosting effects, symptoms of depression and anxiety can also be reduced.
Taking Krill Oil Safely
When it comes to side effects of krill oil, the majority are not harmful. For instance, some individuals will experience fishy breath, fishy taste in mouth, or the aroma of fish in one’s sweat. These effects are more closely correlated with fish oil and are not generally reported when taking krill oil.
In some rare cases, individuals experience mild side effects, such as digestion issues and heartburn. If you have an allergy to shellfish, it’s important to speak with your doctor before use. At this time, krill oil doesn’t appear to antagonize a shellfish allergy, but it’s also best to maintain caution.
How Much Kill Oil Should I Take?
To achieve optimum health, consuming daily doses of krill oil will help you experience various health benefits. Daily doses ranging between 1000 and 2000 mg per day are often recommended. These amounts are approximately half the amount of regular fish oil when aiming to achieve similar effects.
Like any new supplement, start with the lowest doses. That way, you will better understand how krill oil affects your stomach. If you do not experience a sensitivity, you can gradually increase your daily dose. This oil can also be combined with other cognitive enhancers without decreasing overall efficacy or experiencing adverse effects.
The benefits of krill oil can take several weeks to surface which is why it’s recommended that you take this supplement for at least 4-6 weeks before discontinuing use. Utilizing this oil is a great way to achieve balance between your health and the natural resources in which we have access to.
