5 Remarkable Green Lipped Mussel Benefits

Some of the green lipped lipped mussel benefits are well known today, yet there remains very little awareness about others. A fascinating look at the mussel’s history reveals that New Zealand’s indigenous Maoris have traditionally eaten them raw and have remained remarkably pain free. The truth is that the mussels are packed full of nutrients and can help restore our health in so many different ways. Let’s take a look at how.

1. Reduce Inflammation

No doubt the most significant health benefit, the mussels have powerful anti inflammatory capabilities.

The ability to relieve joint pain and inflammation has earned green lipped mussel extract a loyal following for the treatment of ailments such as arthritis and asthma.

But where do these benefits come from?

The mussels are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Not just any Omega-3 fatty acids, but a certain type of rare Omega-3 called Eicosatetraenoic Acid (ETA). The ETA in the mussels has been proven to have highly anti-inflammatory properties, more so than any other Omega-3 sources, including fish oil. (Refer to this article comparing green lipped mussel oil and fish oil for details of studies and findings).

The fatty acids in the mussel extract, when taken orally, interact with the body’s metabolic pathways and inhibit that which is responsible for producing inflammatory compounds.

2. Improve the Condition of Joint Cartilage

As well as being high in Omega-3 fatty acids, green lipped mussels contain a unique and vital group of complex carbohydrates known as mucopolysaccherides (commonly referred to as MPS, and these days also called glycosaminoglycans).

One of the things that the body uses glycosaminoglycans for is to build healthy joint cartilage and lubricating fluid.

3. Protect the Lining of the Gastrointestinal Tract

The mussels have been found to have a gastroprotective effect. This is beneficial for anyone who takes non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, which commonly cause damage to the stomach lining when used for prolonged periods. It can also help mitigate the damage to the gastrointestinal tract caused by chemotherapy and radiation.

4. Keep Free Radicals in Check

The mussels are recognized as a potent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are needed by the body to neutralize free radicals so that they don’t create cell damage. When it comes to joint pain and inflammation, researchers have found a high concentration of free radicals in the joint fluid of unhealthy joints.

5. General Anti Aging Tonic and Immunity Booster

There are many more little known health benefits of green lipped mussels that people are unaware of and may be missing out on. These include:

1. Healthier skin, nails and hair.
2. Reduced likelihood of heart attack through strengthened arterial walls and blood flow.
3. Increased resistance to viruses and bacteria, and formation of antibodies to heal wounds faster.
4. Stronger bones and teeth.
5. Improved fertility through increased viscosity of seminal fluid in men, and cervical mucus in women.
6. Better nerve cell functioning.

All these health benefits are due to the glycosaminoglycans in the mussels. Dr Orville H. Miller, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of South Carolina, first identified the health improving properties of the glycosaminoglycans in the mussels back in the 1970s.

The most important thing to know is that glycosaminoglycans are also found in the human body and play a significant role in metabolism, growth, and health. They work with other compounds to keep tendons, ligaments, skin, arteries and all other tissues strong and resilient. And unfortunately, like many things in our bodies, they deplete as we age.

This is where the mussels step in. They can give our glycosaminoglycan levels a natural boost and slow down the aging process.

Health Benefits Lost in the Manufacturing Process

Unfortunately, most green lipped mussel supplements on the market today are made in a way that only offer a couple of the possible health benefits.

In order to get all the health benefits from the mussel, it’s necessary to consume it in its most natural form. This is because the glycosaminoglycans in green lipped mussels are destroyed when you cook, freeze, or extract the oil from the mussels.

Obviously, the solution would be to eat the mussels raw and fresh from the sea. Of course, this isn’t practical though. And not all of us live near an ocean where the mussels grow. For that reason, we need look to the supplement form of this wonder food to give us the health benefits we seek.

There are plenty of green lipped mussel supplements on the market. You’ll find that most of them contain the extract in oil form. While this may give you a couple of the health benefits, the precious anti-aging health benefits are lost.

The green lipped mussel oil contains only the lipid (oils and fats) fraction of the mussel, which has often been solvent extracted from the powdered mussel, and mixed with other types of oil.

While this product will have some of the health benefits, it only has one of the active components that are present in the mussel powder.

Which Green Lipped Mussel Extract Provides Maximum Benefits?

There’s one company that we know of that uses a revolutionary, unique to the market, manufacturing process to combat this. It converts the raw mussel to powdered form in 30 minutes, without any heating or freezing.

This means that all of the nutrients don’t even get a chance to degrade, thus giving us all of the properties we need for our health to flourish.

What’s more, this powder is as potent (if not more) than most mussel oils. And it’s more cost effective too!

The product is called Xtend-Life Green Lipped Mussel Powder. See for yourself why we recommend it so highly. Like us, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. And if you’re not? There is a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Did You Know About the Health Benefits for Dogs?

You can also give green lipped mussel extract to your dog. It’s scientifically proven to provide the same benefits to dogs as well has humans! So, you can effectively treat your dog’s arthritis naturally.