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What is Green Lipped Mussel?
After having read a report or some piece of news about this topic, you are probably wondering: what is green lipped mussel (GLM)? Aside from satisfying your curiosity, there are a number of other reasons why you should learn what GLM is, most of them health-related. In here, you’ll get to know what it is, what it does and how you will benefit.
Basic Facts on Green Lipped Mussel
There are other names for which it is known – New Zealand mussel, Perna canaliculus and greenshell mussel among others. It is a type of mollusk that can be found mostly in New Zealand, although it is also available in Australia and several other Asian countries like the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
This mussel has a brownish-greenish shell. It accounts for a huge percentage of marine economy in New Zealand where it is heavily cultivated and marketed. The shellfish has become more popular following publications of several studies asserting that it has several health and medical benefits, primary of which is its reported anti-inflammatory properties.
What Benefits Can Green Lipped Mussel Provide?
Aside from the various delicious dishes that can be made from it, the green lipped mussel is also considered a great source of glycosaminoglycans, which are believed to be helpful in repairing joint tissues. The shellfish’s omega-3 contents have also been touted as effective in inhibiting the process of inflammation.
A number of studies have claimed that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in green lipped mussels have the ability to inhibit cyclo-oxygenase and leukotriene activities. These processes have been identified as factors behind inflammation. Because of this inhibition ability, the shellfish has been touted as highly effective in managing arthritis.
Aside from managing joint-related conditions, researchers have also asserted that GLM provides benefits to asthmatic people, primarily because leukotrienes are mediators of airway inflammation and the shellfish is able to inhibit the production of leukotrienes. Greenshell mussels are also believed to be good for the skin, the bones and the immune system.
In addition, most types of shellfish are known for their rich iron content, which has long been known to have anti-inflammatory effects; not to mention the fact that both omega-3 and iron are great for the overall health of an individual.
Do Greenshell Mussels Have Adverse Effects?
In terms of potential adverse reactions, green lipped mussels are believed to be safe, although caution is obviously recommended to those who have allergies to shellfish. Even taking processed forms of this mussel requires physician guidance for those who have been known to suffer from shellfish hypersensitivity.
For pregnant women and breast feeding mothers, a consultation with a doctor is always a must; not just in relation to this particular mollusk, but also with regards to other nutritional supplements and other unfamiliar food since pregnancy often changes a woman’s reaction to even the most basic of foods.
Green Lipped Mussels As Supplements
There are several nutritional supplements currently available which have greenshell mussels as their core ingredients. Some researchers have asserted that in processing green lipped mussels, most of the nutrients end up getting degraded. However, there are processes that are able to retain most of the nutritional values of this shellfish compared with others.
Supplements that have not undergone freezing and long periods of cooking are the most likely to retain the most important nutritional contents of green lipped mussels and products in powder form are a prime example. One highly recommended supplement that contains all the nutritional benefits of greenshell mussels is the Xtend-Life Green Mussel Powder.
Because it has been processed without cooking or freezing, the Xtend Life Green Mussel Powder retains most of the nutritional benefits offered by raw green mussels. For those who require relief from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, this is the best option for you. However, consulting a physician is still highly recommended before taking the supplement, especially for people who have a tendency to develop hypersensitivity to certain foods and dietary supplements.
