Arthritis patients, like most dealing with chronic pain and/or inflammation, are always on the lookout for a new and hopefully permanent source of aid. New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Oil has become increasingly popular in recent years as a safe and effective agent in the fight against joint pain and inflammation,
As the supplement has grown in popularity, many brands and forms of receiving the benefits have taken shape. Today we’re going to talk about two of the most popular: Green Lipped Mussel Oil vs Green Lipped Mussel Powdered Extract.
The Differences between Green Lipped Mussel Oil and Powder
As with any supplement, it is important to carefully read the ingredients of each, as well as the dosage of the active ingredient (in this case, New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel in the form of oil or powdered extract).
In many cases, the farming practices are similar. Green-lipped mussels are farmed in their natural environment off the eastern coast of New Zealand, and examined carefully before package and sale.
The differences between oil and powder come after harvest. Green Lipped Mussel Oil supplements extract the oil and include it in an all-natural state in the pill. In our case, the oil is blended with only two other all-natural ingredients, both of which offer anti-inflammatory benefits of their own: New Zealand Olive Oil and Vitamin E Oil. That’s it. The processing is very minimal, and the entire production from start to finish is overseen by experienced professionals.
There are slight differences between this process and the green-lipped mussel supplements using a powder extract. In this case, the active ingredient goes through freeze-drying before sale. It’s important to remember that the more processing and steps go into the production process, the more health benefits may be lost from the finished product.
We’re not looking to bash any brands here – New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel supplements have shown their benefits through many studies. But some do a better job than others, and we encourage you to do research before making a purchase. We’re confident that what you find will lead you right back to GLX3.
Green Lipped Mussel Oil vs. Green Lipped Mussel Powder: What to look for
The first thing to check is where the mussels are sourced from. If it’s not a farm in New Zealand, you’ve got a problem on your hands. If you can, identify how long the production process took from harvesting to capsule. Shorter is better in this case.
Quality is king here – mussels that make the cut for GLX3 are strictly monitored and only the best are used in our product. Some companies use the rejects of other companies as a way to save money. We’re proud to note that this will never be the case here.
Another thing to look for is whether or not the shells were heated open. This refers to the practice of applying heat to the closed mussel shells in order to pry them open. In some cases, this can lead to a partial cooking of the mussel and cause it to lose some of its benefits for arthritis and inflammation treatment.
Freeze drying can have the same effect as heat, wherein some of the nutritional value of the product is lost in the vast temperature change.
If stabilizers and other additives (such as chemical solvents) have been used to keep the mussels from oxidizing, it’s hard to call the finished product all natural, isn’t it? Keep an eye out for that as well, another important reason to look at the ingredients of the supplements you consider.
How to Decide between Green Lipped Mussel Oil and Green Lipped Mussel Powder
As you conduct research on which New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel supplement you plan to add to your diet, keep a checklist going of potential candidates. Eliminate those that you discover negative information about by crossing them off.
There are so many options out there that it can be confusing, but you’ll quickly discover that many can be knocked off the cart right off the bat. Too many ingredients, not enough information available on sourcing, or questionable marketing practices are surefire signs of an inferior product.
Here on our blog we’ve carefully researched and written about the full spectrum of Green Lipped Mussels and their benefits. The blog can serve as a great jumping off point for your research, and we often include links to studies and outside research for further reference.
When searching for a supplement to help offset joint pain and inflammation, keep in mind that the ultimate goal is your health! Here’s to you, and here’s to the future.
