Krill Oil Vs. Flaxseed Oil
In this day and age, the intake of supplements is becoming widely popular. And why not, as they come with many added benefits! If you are looking forward to starting out on taking supplements, you are on the right page!
Though you will find plenty of supplements in the market, today, we will be discussing two of the best supplements: krill oil and flax oil.
Keep reading to know more about krill oil vs. flax oil, their qualities, advantages, and disadvantages. By the end, you will be able to make the right choice as to which supplement fits you the best!
Krill Oil
Krill oil is a type of oil obtained from a tiny shrimp-like animal. It is a source of food for whales, mantas, and some species of whale sharks. Krill oil is mostly consumed orally and helps fight against heart diseases and balances high levels of body fat and cholesterol.
How Krill Oil Works
Krill oil comes in the form of capsules. It contains fatty acids that are similar to fish oil. Various researches and reviews prove that it contains beneficial fats that help reduce blood clotting in internal arteries.
This oil also contains carotenoid antioxidants and phospholipid fatty acids that have antioxidant qualities. Krill oil is often more effective in fighting inflammation than other sources of omega -3 proteins and fat.
Advantages Of Using Krill Oil
Not only does krill oil reduce the risk of heart diseases and controls inflammation, but it also offers various other health benefits:
- Due to its inflammation properties, krill oil may help with joint pain and arthritis.
- Since krill oil consists of chemicals like omega-3 fats, DHA, and EPA, which are heart-healthy compounds, it improves blood lipids and heart health.
- Studies have shown that krill oil consumption helps in the management of PMS symptoms and menstrual pain.
- It is also known to improve the overall body health and the immune system of the body.
Thus, these are some of the health benefits of the consumption of krill oil. However, like all other supplements, krill oil also comes with some disadvantages and precautions you need to take.
Precautions For the Consumption Of Krill Oil
The FDA has issued that women who are pregnant or are planning for pregnancy need to avoid fish oil in general, including krill oil.
The reason behind it is that certain fish are known to contain toxins such as methyl-mercury. Thus, it can pose a risk to women who are expecting.
Krill oil should also not be consumed by patients that have fish or shrimp allergies or any other seafood. It is also advisable not to consume krill oil about two weeks before surgery or other medical procedures.
Also, if you are suffering from various ailments like diabetes, liver disease, pancreas disorder, or consume alcohol daily, it is recommendable to seek a doctor’s advice before deciding to start consuming krill oil.
Side-Effects Of Krill Oil
- Fever, chills, and other flu symptoms
- Mild skin rashes
- Fishy after-taste or belching
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed is a product of the seed of the plant, Linum usitatissium. Flaxseed oil is useful for carpal tunnel syndromes, diabetic foot ulcers, and dry eye.
Even though there is no concrete scientific evidence, flaxseed oil is known to help with heart diseases, high blood pressure, and control the level of cholesterol and body fats in lipids and blood.
How Flaxseed Oil Works
Flaxseed oil is a source of fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid. Just like krill oil, this oil also helps reduce inflammation.
However, when compared to krill oil, flaxseed oil contains a higher amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Thus, one teaspoon is enough to provide you with your daily dose of DHP and EPA as well! It is also known to be an alternative for fish oil and other similar products.
Advantages Of Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil comes with many additional benefits. Some of these are:
- According to research conducted on test tubes and animals, flaxseed oil may help reduce the growth of cancer cells.
- Several studies have also found that flaxseed oil helps maintain heart health.
- Consumption of flaxseed oil helps in the treatment of constipation and diarrhea.
- Flaxseed oil may also help improve skin health and bring about a natural glow.
- This oil also has been proven to reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of diabetes.
- It has also been shown to help treat hair and skin and treat atopic dermatitis.
Unlike krill oil that often comes in capsules, flaxseed oil comes in multiple ways of consumption.
Thus, this is one of the best-known advantages of flaxseed oil- its versatility (1). You can swap flaxseed oil as the oil for salad dressings and even use it in dips and sauces. What’s more, you can add it to smoothies and shakes as well!
Disadvantages/Side-Effects of Flaxseed Oil
The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) found minor adverse effects which are possible due to Flaxseed’s consumption. These effects mainly depend on the dosage and the type of individual that consumes it.
Some side effects include:
- Bloating
Precautions For the Consumption of Flaxseed Oil
The FDA does not regulate flaxseed oil as a dietary supplement. Also, there is little to no information on whether flaxseed oil is safe for babies and pregnant women.
Therefore, if you are planning to try out this supplement, it is highly recommendable to consult with a doctor before doing so. This way, you can be sure about your safety and well-being.
Krill oil and flaxseed oil comes with many and different health benefits. As both these oils have different properties, in the end, the choice is up to you to decide which oil will best suit our body’s needs!
