Is Green Lipped Mussel Oil as Good
as Powder Extracts?
Green Lipped Mussel Oil Vs Extract
Products containing green lipped mussel oil have been on the market for a while.
It is often the easiest way to create a product for consumption as a supplement from a raw material – be it some kind of fish, shellfish, or plant – often contained in a capsule for easy swallowing.
However, there are two issues that are important to bear in mind when choosing between a green lipped mussel oil and the equivalent powder:
- The extraction process for oil is likely to be more aggressive;
- To make the oil, additives and stabilizers are likely to have been added.
Taken together, this means that (a) the active component of the oil is likely to be lower (i.e there may well be less of it) and (b) there will be other things added to the mix that will make it more expensive for the consumer. In other words, green lipped mussel oil products may well offer less of the natural richness of the mussel than powder products.
What is so Good about Green Lipped Mussel Oil and Powder Products?
Key to the use of both the oil and powder supplements as a treatment for aches, pains, joint inflammation, asthma and mild arthritis, is the valuable omega-3 fatty acids that they contain. Omega-3 fatty acids have key components that help to reduce inflammation by preventing production of the components that cause it.
Inflammation is generally caused by the (over) production of leukotrienes, leading to the secretion of liquids to support the infected area. The production of leukotrienes is suppressed by the fatty acids. At the same time, specific chemicals such as chondroitin sulphate contained in the extract can help to support cartilage and lubricate the joints, with clear advantages for arthritis sufferers.
In order to get the full benefits of the mussel, besides those that extend naturally from the omega-3 fatty acids, it is necessary to keep as much of the MPS’s intact as possible. Only with the full complement of this unique shellfish’s nutritional content will the additional benefits flow:
- Better skin;
- Improved circulation, immune system;
- Stronger teeth and bones;
- Improvements to the nervous system.
The green lipped mussel powder from the company – Maxalife – is extracted using a very fast, 2 stage, very low heat process that leaves as much of the mussels active ingredients intact as possible. Pre-cooking (which opens the mussels and helps preserve them) damages the omega-3 rich lipids, and cooks out a lot of the goodness.
In addition, Maxalife’s process only takes 30 minutes to turn the raw mussel into the powder used to fill the capsules, and therefore there is no need for cold storage. Other processes, that might take days, can leave the mussels frozen in between, which also damages the vital nutrients.
So, Maxalife’s green lipped mussel powder, unlike green lipped mussel oil, has a very high proportion of the active ingredient, doesn’t need additives or supplements, and therefore is more cost effective. Put simply – with Maxalife’s green lipped mussel powder, you get more, for less.
We highly recommend that you read through their – Green Lipped Mussel Guide – where you can get a lot more information about the amazing health benefits of the green lipped mussel, and what really makes a high quality supplement.
Return to NZ Green Lipped Mussels from Green Lipped Mussel Oil.
