After several decades of striving to avoid fat in general, Americans have finally gotten the memo: some fat is good for us! Researchers consider omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources especially beneficial. Many folks would like to know: is krill oil better than fish oil?
Q. I started taking krill oil for high cholesterol on my doctor’s advice. After a few months taking the krill oil, my cholesterol came down from 270 to 165.
But there’s more. After a year taking it, my high blood pressure is now relatively normal (130/75) and I no longer need lisinopril. If I take lisinopril, my BP gets low and I get lightheaded.
Here’s another unexpected benefit: For years I had an irregular heartbeat. It would skip a beat and sometimes that would wake me up out of my sleep. It was scary. After a year on this supplement, that has cured itself as well.
Krill oil is not just heart-healthy, it’s a heart miracle as far as I am concerned. I am so thrilled I am now wondering what other miracle supplements I should take.
A. There is research to support the use of krill oil in lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol (BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, Oct. 14, 2015; Lipids in Health and Disease, Dec. 15, 2015).
Like cold-water fish, these tiny crustaceans are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats make blood vessels more flexible, which could help lower blood pressure.
Until there is more research, though, we’d hold off on calling krill oil a miracle. Similar benefits might be achieved through omega-3 fatty acids from fish.
You might be interested in other nondrug approaches for cholesterol control and optimal blood pressure.
We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.