For many years we’ve been told that we should be getting our daily intake of omega 3 oils. These magic oils are derived from fish and other types of marine life, and they do wonderful things for our health and wellbeing, as well as our overall brain function.
But, what if you’re not a big fish fan?
In that case, you take a supplement. The downside of that is the rather distinct fishy after-taste that comes from taking fish oil capsules. If you’ve ever tried it, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. This sometimes puts people off taking these types of supplements, but the problem is, if you really don’t eat any amount of fish in your diet and you don’t supplement it with a capsule of some kind, you’re missing out on essential nutrients.
Enter krill oil.
What is Krill Oil?
Krill oil is very similar to fish oil, in that it is an omega 3 oil which is high in DHA and EPA, the two important omega 3 nutrients you need. The difference is that it is thought to be much easier to digest. Krill oil doesn’t come from a fish like fish oil does (which is derived from mackerel, salmon, etc), but instead it comes from a very small crustacean that penguins and whales like to eat. The plus side is that krill oil capsules are much smaller, they won’t leave that fishy after-taste, and because of the structure of the oil, it is thought to be much faster-acting and easier for the body to absorb.
The downside? Krill oil is more expensive than fish oil.
Of course, there are other ways of getting your omega 3 intake from foods other than fish, but it is quite difficult to do so, and the amounts you’re getting from fish or supplements is greater, and much easier to obtain. So, why exactly should you be chowing down on that omega 3?
Benefits of Omega 3
- May help fight depression
- Helps with overall brain function
- May help improve vision and eye health
- May help with overall heart health, and lowered cholesterol levels
- Helps to fight inflammation
- May help with period pain and PMS-type symptoms
- May help with age-related mental disorders, such as Alzheimer’s
- Can help with skin conditions, and help improve hydration and oil levels in the skin
- Helps with joint pain, including arthritis
Do we need to go on?
As you can see, there are some fantastic health and wellness benefits to be had by making sure that you get your daily intake of omega 3. Whether you choose to do that via your diet, a fish oil supplement, or you give krill oil a try, it’s vital that you at least do something! Getting everything you need in your diet, either through food or supplements, ensures a long and healthy life, as well as giving you some fantastic side benefits too, such as improved skin condition and lowered PMS-type symptoms as just two examples.
