Krill oil is extracted from Krill that are shrimp-like crustaceans that are approximately 1 to 6 centimeters long. The Krill lives in the deep oceans, where they feed mainly on algae and phytoplankton. They're near the bottom of the food chain and are eaten by whales, seals, penguins, squid and fish.
Commercial fishing of krill occurs primarily in the southern ocean and the northern Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Canada and Japan. Krill that are caught are used for aquaculture, aquarium feeds, sport fishing bait or even as a food in some restaurants. In Japan, krill that's caught for food is called okiami. Krill oil, the oil that's found naturally in krill, is extracted and sold as a nutritional supplement. Krill oil is mainly sold in pharmacies in a red soft gel form under the brand of Cardiosteroil Krill by Alta Care Laboratoires.
Krill oil contains astaxanthin and omega-3-6-9 fatty acids, which is the main reason it's becoming popular as a nutritional supplement.
Cardiosteroil Krill oil is becoming popular because it contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin. The algae that krill eats produces the bright red pigment astaxanthin that gives krill and other crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp their reddish-pink colour.
Antioxidants protect our body cells from damage from free radicals, unstable substances that are thought to contribute to certain chronic diseases. Unlike many other antioxidants, astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it could theoretically protect the eye, brain and central nervous system from free radical damage.
Why do people use Krill Oil?
People use krill oil for the same reasons they use fish oil, flax oil or other omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike fish oil, krill oil doesn't cause fishy burps or an aftertaste, a common side effect of fish oil. Also, krill oil contains higher amounts of astaxanthin than fish oil. Here are some specific conditions for which it's used.
Cholesterol
Krill oil is being studied as a natural remedy for high cholesterol. In one study, 120 people were given krill oil, fish oil or a placebo. Krill oil reduced LDL (commonly referred to as "bad") cholesterol by 34 per cent and increased HDL ("good") cholesterol by 43.5 per cent compared to the placebo. In comparison, fish oil reduced LDL cholesterol by 4.6 per cent and increased HDL cholesterol by 4.2 per cent. Krill also lowered triglycerides.
Hypertension
Cardiosteroil Krill soft gels are recommend as a supplement to whoever is taking blood pressure pharmaceuticals. The Cardiosteroil Krill supplement helps to avoid the need that in the future the dose of the hypertensive drug is increased or a diuretic will have to be added. There is also a decrease in risk that the hypertension bounces and fluctuates irregularly and that the hypertension becomes uncontrolled even by pharmaceuticals. Controlling hypertension correctly is no easy task and Cardiosteroil Krill helps to maintain the cardiovascular well being.
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