Perna canaliculus, or the green lipped mussel (as it’s more commonly known) is a shellfish that’s native to New Zealand. Easily identifiable by the bright emerald rim of its shell, the green lipped mussel has long been viewed as a superfood. For centuries, these mussels have been harvested and eaten for their high levels of Omega-3 and fatty acids like Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA). Over all that time, they’ve been shown to help improve joint health conditions like joint pain and inflammatory illnesses – so this week at Active Burst, we’re taking a whistle stop tour on the benefits of this marvellous mollusk.
What does green lipped mussel extract do for your body?
Green lipped mussels are one of the largest bivalve molluscs, reaching sizes of 240mm in length. They subsist on a diet of phytoplankton while thriving in their natural habitat. (New Zealand's animal life has high antioxidant levels said to be due to a hole in the ozone layer.) It’s this increased UV exposure that allows phytoplankton to develop antioxidants for protection. This in turn allows you to also enjoy the broad spectrum of minerals from both the phytoplankton and the mussel from green lipped mussel capsules. Due to their naturally occurring richness in nutrients such as Omega-3, green lipped mussels provide a brilliant way to give your musculoskeletal system a boost.
Green lipped mussel supplements are said to be a beneficial choice for those suffering from joint health issues such as mild arthritis and inflammation due to the high levels of glycosaminoglycans which is important for improving flexibility and mobility.
Who should not take green lipped mussel extract?
If you have a shellfish allergy or intolerance, it’s important to steer clear from taking any kind of green lipped mussel supplements, like green lipped mussel extract or green lipped mussel tablets for example. Because green lipped mussel supplements are made from the oils of the mollusc, they can still cause all the same side effects in capsule form. This isn’t always the case, but it’s not worth the risk if you are unsure. Similarly, if you’re pregnant or lactating, you should also avoid taking any kind of green lipped mussel extract due to the lack of safety information.
Does green-lipped mussel extract have side effects?
Generally speaking, green lipped mussels don't have any demanding side-effects to worry about. Of course though, the same rule that normally applies with health supplements also applies here – namely that everyone is different, and what works for some people might not agree with others. Over the years the occasional bout of gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea and flatulence have been reported. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before adding any health supplement to your diet to make sure you don’t have any conflicting medications.
Is green-lipped mussel extract better than fish oil?
A report from Poland found that green lived mussels may benefit joint pain and mobility more than fish oil does. The study showed that the patients that were treated with fish oil as opposed to the green lipped mussel showed significantly less improvement and a greater level of physical discomfort caused by the fish oil during the study.
It’s worth highlighting that this piece is for informational and educational purposes only. We’d always advise speaking to your GP or a health professional before taking any supplements, to ensure that you can enjoy the benefits safely as part of a healthy and balanced diet! If you’re interested in any of our health supplements, such our amino acids, glucosamine or even our superfoods, you can check out everything we have to offer right here on our site.
Producing vitamins that nourish both your body and nurture our environment is incredibly important to us here at Active Burst. Our mission from day one has always been to inform you about the benefits of various supplements, and how they can be used to enhance your quality of life. We focus on empowering people to make the right choice for their individual needs. So if you’re interested in our Green Lipped Mussel Capsules, you can find them right here.
If you have any questions our queries get in touch via info@active-burst.com or give us a call on 07854 492 046, and our team will be happy to assist you!
