As a result of the ongoing wellness revolution, more and more people are learning that they need to add high quality nutritional supplements to their diet in order to help prevent and reverse a wide array of chronic degenerative diseases. The basic reason for this is very simple–we are genetically programmed to eat only the simple, whole foods that were consumed by our stone-age ancestors. To whatever degree we deviate from this kind of diet, we deprive our bodies of key necessary nutrients and ingest substances that actually cause them harm. (93)
Tragically, about 90% of the average American diet now consists of mummified foods that are lacking in the key nutrients we need; even worse, they commonly contain a wide array of ingredients that are either downright toxic or that seriously disrupt the functioning of our bodies in many ways. And even the natural produce we eat–unless it is organic and vine-ripened–is likely to be deficient in many key micronutrients that our bodies need in order to be healthy. (173)
To make matters worse, the cells of our bodies are now increasingly subject to damage from free radicals due to the high levels of environmental toxins in our diet and the reduced levels of antioxidants in our food to combat free radical damage.
One nutritional supplement that nearly everyone needs is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids to counterbalance the excessive amounts of omega-6 oils that are in the average diet. Although the ideal dietary ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats is 1:1, it’s commonly in the range of 1:20 to 1:50. An estimated 85% – 95% of North Americans are omega-3 deficient. The increased level of inflammation in our bodies caused by this imbalance is a common factor in many forms of chronic disease, including arthritis and heart disease.
To help curtail free radical damage, nearly everyone also needs to supplement with high quality antioxidants. These are of key importance in helping to prevent many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and mental decline associated with aging. There is much evidence that they actually slow the aging process itself.
A very new supplement–Neptune Krill Oil–is now available and is unsurpassed in meeting both of these key needs. Produced from minuscule krill that are harvested in the icy waters of the Antarctic, it not only provides a much richer source of omega-3 fatty acids than fish oil, but also includes unique phospholipids that markedly increase their absorption into all of the cells in our bodies.
These phospholipids are also important building blocks for cell membranes, protect these membranes against free radical attack and other toxic injury, and serve as cellular “gate-keepers.” Moreover, they are an important source of choline, which is of key importance in brain development and functioning. In addition, they also contribute importantly to protecting the liver and promote the production of healthy HDL cholesterol.
In addition, krill oil contains one of the most powerful natural antioxidants yet discovered–anastaxthin, a carotenoid that gives krill their distinctive reddish color and protects them from solar radiation. Independent laboratory testing has shown it to be 300 times more powerful as an antioxidant than vitamins A and E and 47 times more potent than fish oil and lutein. Since it’s also 100% bioavailable, it’s readily absorbed into our cells. It simultaneously prevents the oil from becoming rancid and provides powerful cellular protection against damage by free radicals. Since krill oil is markedly more bioavailable, the daily recommended dosage is only one-fifth as much as with fish oil.
This product is also unique in containing the very first flavonoid ever discovered in the animal world. As is commonly true of plant flavonoids, this co-factor works synergistically with other ingredients in producing major health benefits.
Another very attractive feature of this new product is its safety. Since krill feed on algae and are at the very bottom of the food chain, they are not contaminated by heavy metals and other industrial pollutants that are commonly found in fish. For this reason, krill oil is completely free of these toxins. Since the FDA and EPA have recently issued warnings that eating fish and shellfish is unsafe for pregnant or nursing mothers and also for young children, this is one of the very important advantages of krill oil over fish oil.
Clinical trials of this product, along with several double-blind placebo controlled studies, indicate that it has the following health benefits:
– Helps to reduce inflammation in heart blood vessels
– Promotes healthy joints and decreases arthritic pain due to inflammation
– Improves concentration and memory
– Helps to counteract effects of aging
– Provides cell membrane protection
– Improves levels of blood lipids and cholesterol
– Improves liver function
– Alleviates PMS symptoms and pain associated with menstruation
– Bolsters the immune system
– Increases energy and improves mood
– Promotes skin health
– Helps to stablize blood sugar levels
– Contributes to the health of the brain and nervous system
It’s very important not to confuse Neptune Krill Oil with imitations that are not subject to the same rigorous quality controls in production and which have not been used in the extensive scientific investigations of this specific product.
George Shears is a retired psychologist and wellness consultant. He has had a long-standing personal and professional interest in health and wellness and has a wealth of knowledge regarding many ways to promote optimal health. You can contact him at:
George Shears
651-204-0523
gshears@arrowheadtel.net
Website: http://tinyurl.com/2gnrqx
