The Best Omega 3 for CrossFitters

Omega 3 supplementation is a given. Your doctor will tell you to take a fish oil pill, so will your mother, along with myriads of magazine articles and friends. That’s why you don’t need me giving you another lecture on the importance of ingesting Omega 3s (but in case you are wondering what the benefits are–here’s a quick list: improved cardiovascular health, decreased inflammation, reduced joint and muscle pain, strengthened immune system, improved oxygen transport, and increased muscle maintenance).

In fact, I bet you’ve flipped over your fair share of fish oil bottles in search of the label listing the EPA and DHA levels. Hoping to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to these essential fatty acids. After much research you’ve probably already found your fish oil supplement of choice. And if you have, I’m here to help you shake things up a bit. In a good way, of course. Actually, I’m going to help you step it up because . . .

Krill Oil Kills Fish Oil

That’s right. There’s a new kid on the block when it comes to Omega 3s and he’s superior in every way. It doesn’t matter how much EPA or DHA your fish oil supplement currently has because fish oil isn’t as readily absorbed and utilized by your body. Krill oil, on the other hand, is the most potent and bioavailable source of Omega 3s on the planet. That means your body can actually use them efficiently and effectively. In fact, when you examine all the clinical studies comparing the effectiveness of krill oil to fish oil, krill oil delivers far superior results. And with a smaller number of “no nasty burps” capsules.

Let me paint a mental picture for illustration purposes. Have you ever cooked a roast or some type of meat in the slow cooker? If so, what happens to the liquid once it cools? The fat rises to the top, right? And it clumps together. It’s similar to what would happen if you poured oil into a cup of water. The oil rises to the top and when you try to stir it in, it just swishes around and then rises back to the surface.

Well, that’s exactly what happens with the Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil. They are bonded with triglycerides, which are not water-soluble. This means that once you swallow your fish oil pill, the omega 3s must pass through your small intestine to be emulsified before any cellular absorption can occur. Basically, your body is forced to wait for the essential fatty acids it so urgently needs–especially after a grueling workout. Oh, and it also explains why you get that nasty taste when you burp. The fish oil is just sitting on top of any and all liquid in your stomach.

Krill oil, on the other hand, is water-soluble. The Omega 3s found in krill are bonded with phospholipids (the same structure found in your cellular membranes). So your mental picture looks something like this: take a glass of water and pour some more water into it. What happens? No need to stir! The solubility of krill oil Omega 3s negates the need for digestion and allows the DHA and EPA to be absorbed directly into your cells–immediate absorption and availability. Important considerations for anyone serious about their supplements.

The Many Benefits of Krill

Bioavailability is only one of the many benefits of krill. Recent studies and findings on this shrimp like creature of the sea are astounding indeed. With 10x the potency of fish oil, krill oil has been clinically shown to:

• Lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL) by up to 55 percent (Bunea, 2004)…
• Reduce harmful triglycerides by up to 27 percent (Bunea, 2004)…
• Raise “good” cholesterol (HDL) by as much as 43.92 percent (Bunea, 2004)…
• Soothe the pain and discomfort of stiff joints by up to 29 percent (Deutsch, 2007)…
• Boost mental focus by as much as 49 percent (Kidd, 2007)…
• Decrease inflammation by as much as 29 percent (Deutsch, 2007), (Kidd, 2007)…
• Increase your energy by over 50 percent…

And for us ladies . . . or perhaps it’s a greater benefit for men:

• Reduce facial wrinkles by up to 51 percent (Lyons, 2002), and
  
• Decrease the physical and emotional effects of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) by up to 47 percent (Kidd, 2007)!

Krill Oil and Optimum Athletic Performance

You don’t need me telling you how decreased inflammation and increased mental focus and energy can enhance your athletic performance, but you may be curious to learn more about krill and inflammation. You see, krill oil actually contains a natural anti-inflammatory known as astaxanthin. You’ve probably heard a lot about this powerful antioxidant. If not, I promise to blog more on it next week, but just know for now that it is the reason krill oil supplements have been proven to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and soothe the pain and discomfort of stiff joints.

I’m guessing an all-natural krill oil supplement is more appealing than popping an over-the-counter NSAID. Astaxanthin in your system after a crushing workout is a powerful compliment to the awesomeness of Progenex Recovery.

The Purity of Krill Oil

We’ve covered availability and absorption. As well as potency and power. But there’s one more benefit to krill we haven’t covered and that’s its purity. Fish, as you know, can contain high levels of mercury and other toxins. That is why eating too much fish can be dangerous. It’s also why fish oil, unless purified and refined, can be a less than ideal source for large quantities of Omega 3. Krill, on the other hand, are harvested in their natural habitat–the deep, pure waters of the Antarctic Ocean. They are also at the bottom of the food chain and feed on algae rich in antioxidants instead of other toxin laden sea creatures. They are an abundant, naturally sustainable and reliable source of Omega 3 fatty acids. In fact, Antarctic krill form one of the largest biomasses of any individual animal species in the world.

Progenex Harnesses the Power of Krill With the New Omega+

And that brings me to the most important part of this post . . . Progenex’s new product that harnesses the power of krill oil. It’s been specifically designed with you in mind. Specifically formulated to enhance athletic performance and speed recovery. Progenex Omega+ is a synergistic blend of Krill Oil, Calamari Oil, Astaxanthin, and Vitamin D3. All ingredients I’ll cover in-depth over the ensuing weeks.

Omega+ contains the highest quality ingredients in just the right amounts to deliver maximum results and help you train harder, perform stronger, and recover like a honey badger! Omega+ will be available for general release on the eve of the Crossfit Games (July 12th). We have pre-released Omega+ to some of our top affiliates so if you are anxious to get your hands on some before the general release, ask your affiliate to hook you up. We’re confident Omega+ will “krill” your current Omega 3 supplement as well as leave you “nasty fish burp” free!

So, what is the Omega 3 supplement of choice for CrossFitters? Progenex Omega+!

Dr. Oz Loves Krill Oil

You can hear what Dr. Oz has to say about the many benefits of krill oil in this short 4 min. video. And here’s a very informative post on Tim Ferriss’s blog (of the Four Hour Work Week) for any that would like some additional scientific information. Plenty of Pub Med articles sourced and cited. Enjoy!