Green Lipped Mussels on rocks
Green Lipped Mussels with the scientific name Perna Canaliculus is a species of the green mussels family found mainly in the coastal area of New Zealand. The extracts of these mussels have been widely used by many people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatic arthritis as anti-inflammatory supplements.
The anti-inflammatory properties of the green lipped mussels were discovered incidentally by researchers when finding a solution for cancer in the 60s. The Maoris, native of New Zealand have been taking green lipped mussels for decades. They were almost never suffer from any inflammatory disease. This was attributed to their regular consumption of raw and fresh green lipped mussels.
Aquaculture – Farming Of The Green Lipped Mussels
In view of the economic potential and to prevent over harvesting from the natural habitat of the green lipped mussels, the New Zealand government has encouraged the farming of green lipped mussels. These farms are situated at the northern tip of New Zealand’s south island, Marlborough Sound. The pristine water of this region is reputed to be the purest in the world which is perfect for the thriving of the green lipped mussels.
These farms using a long-line farming method (ropes hanging from stabilized ‘backbone’ rope held by buoys floating in rows above the sea). Baby mussels (spats) are collected from the coast line of the North Island and around Marlborough Sound and the Golden bay. These spats are used as seeds in the mussels farms.
Green Lipped Mussels are filter feeders. They feed on algae and plankton which are abundant in this region. The mussels will grow up to a harvestable size of 90 – 100mm in 15 to 18 months.
Recently the New Zealand government announced a $52 million investment to domesticate the green lipped mussels. Domestication will leads the farmers to depend on selective breeding spats instead of wild caught spats which will further improve the stability and quality of the industry.
Due to the safe, sustainable and environment friendly practices adopted by the farmers here, Green Lipped Mussels have been recognized by the Blue Ocean Institute (International Conservation Organization) as one of the top eco-friendly seafood of the world.
Nutrients Of Green Lipped Mussels
Green Lipped Mussels are high protein, low fat, low calorie food and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, iodine, selenium, manganese, and niacin. In addition to the high omega-3 content, and selenium, they also contain a number of other bioactive components such as taurine, glycogen, chondroitin sulphate, polyphenols and carotenoids.
The wide range of nutrients have made the green lipped mussels a super food good for anti-inflammation and suppressing joint pain. They are also good for brain health, eye health, cardiovascular health and others.
Green Lipped Mussels Extract
Green Lipped Mussels Extract are produced mainly in two forms by various manufacturers. The first is in oil capsules form and the other is in powder form.
The production methods are very important in determining the efficacy of the green lipped mussels extract.
Since the very beginning the Maoris have been consuming the green lipped mussels raw and fresh which is by far the best method to obtained the nutrients of the mussels. When the mussels are cooked or frozen, most of the nutrients are lost.
Some manufacturers produce the mussels extract in oil form whereby only a small amount of the nutrients which are soluble in oil are extracted which render the products less potent. Some are using the freeze dried method to produce in powder form.
The Long period of time required for these two production methods have caused most of the nutrients to be lost during the production and storage processes.
Xtend-Life’s Green Lipped Mussel Powder
Xtend-Life is a health supplements and skin care products producer in New Zealand. They are one of the producers of green lipped mussel powder.
The difference is they have mastered a very unique production method of their own. First of all, they use mussels that are harvested at a specific time of the year when the nutrients are at the optimum. They only acquire raw materials that are fresh from the sea. The raw materials are then processed at low temperature and within a short period of time which effectively retained the nutrients of the green lipped mussels.
Chose Xtend-Life’s Green Lipped Mussel Powder to ensure that you get optimum benefits of this anti-inflammatory supplements.
Caution: For people who are allergic to seafood, you should consult your doctor or do an allergic test before taking green lipped mussel powder.
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