Omega-3s and Antarctica Select Krill Oil

Omega-3 (you may sometimes see it written as n-3 or w-3) is the name given to a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in fish and certain plant oils. EPA and DHA, two of the most important fatty acids, are crucial in cardiovascular health and brain function, as well as in normal growth and development. Scientists have therefore concluded that EPA and DHA should be obtained from diet since our bodies do not produce these essential fatty acids well.

Maintaining a well-balanced, healthy diet is of great concern today. Antarctica Select Krill Oil helps ensure that you are consuming the recommended level of Omega-3s every week. There is peace of mind in knowing that you and your family are receiving the proper amounts of EPA and DHA.

Krill oil has a higher content of Omega-3 fatty acids than fish oils, as well as some antioxidants not found in other products. It will not cause gastrointestinal difficulty and has no aftertaste. It is suggested that the mercury content in fish oil may cancel out any benefits derived from it, but krill oil is free of all toxic elements.

Benefits of Omega-3s

The parent omega-3 - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - is described as 'essential' as, like vitamins, it must be obtained from diet. It is polyunsaturated and has 18 carbon atoms and 3 double bonds (18:3). However, from the point of view of human nutrition, the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5)and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6) - EPA and DHA - are considered much more valuable as these are the forms the body requires. In theory, humans are able to synthesis EPA and DHA from dietary ALA, but in practice this process is inefficient. Scientists have therefore concluded that EPA and DHA should be obtained from diet, such as consuming krill oil.

Omega-3s are fundamental molecules in the structure and activity of the membranes of all cells throughout the body. They also have highly specialized functions in neurological tissues, especially the brain and retina. Because of their role in cell membranes, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the formation of new tissue and are therefore important for development and growth.

Known to be essential to brain and vision development during the last three months of pregnancy, the omega-3 fatty acids continue to play a major health role at every stage of life through the prevention and management of certain diseases and chronic conditions.

Just some of the benefits of using Antarctica Select Krill Oil, containing Omega-3s may include:

• Prevention of heart disease
• Boost the immune system
• Increase body energy
• Lower bad cholesterol
• Increase concentration
• Reduce arthritis symptoms
• Reduce joint pain
• Help digestive functions (liver, intestines)

Benefits of Antioxidants

Antarctica Select Krill Oil contains the added benefits of Antioxidants due to the unique properties of Krill. As the name implies, antioxidants are substances that are capable of counteracting the damaging, but normal, effects of the physiological process of oxidation in animal tissue. Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) as well as enzymes (proteins in your body that assist in chemical reactions). They are believed to play a role in preventing the development of such chronic diseases as cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, and cataracts.

Astaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment, is a powerful biological antioxidant. Astaxanthin exhibits strong free radical scavenging activity and protects against lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage of LDL-cholesterol, cell membranes, cells, and tissues. Astaxanthin has been the focus of a large and growing number of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Astaxanthin is a powerful, bioactive anti-oxidant and has demonstrated benefits in animal or human models of:

• Macular Degeneration: the leading cause of blindness in the U.S.
• Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease: major neurodegenerative diseases.
• Cholesterol Disease: ameliorates the effects of LDL, the "bad" cholesterol.
• Stroke: repairs damage caused by lack of oxygen.
• Cancer: protects against several major types of cancer.

For more information on Astaxanthin visit the Astaxanthin Information Site.