What Green Lipped Mussel Studies Say about the Health Effects of These Shellfish?

Green lipped mussel studies offer enough arguments that sustain the health efficiency of these New Zealand shellfish.

Results obtained from various trials taken on arthritis, asthma and cancer sufferers show dietary supplements made from this seafood can reduce the symptoms of certain conditions and ameliorate the health state of the patients.

However, the side effects and contraindications of dietary extracts obtained from New Zealand mussels aren't yet fully known and this is what causes most concerns regarding green lipped mussel powders and oils.

So let's take a closer look at the proven effects of this seafood on one's health and then at the aspects that still need to be researched and studied. Only by understanding why these shellfish are so important for your health and how they can affect you (in the negative or positive way) you will be able to decide whether New Zealand mussel supplements are the right choice for you.

Proven health benefits of Perna canaliculus

According to green lipped mussel studies, this New Zealand shellfish, scientifically called Perna canaliculus, contains important amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, mucopolysaccharides or complex carbohydrates and glycosaminoglycans, all these elements being involved in controlling the pathways that trigger inflammatory processes inside the human body.

Besides being great anti-inflammatory agents, these substances are also able to stimulate the production of new connective tissues and to reduce the symptoms of inflammation: swelling of the joints, skin redness and rash, stiffness and limited mobility of the musculo-skeletal system. Also, New Zealand mussels are good natural adjuvants in the treatment of asthma, as it is known this ailment appears consequently to airways inflammation.

Another benefit mentioned in lots of green lipped mussel studies refers at the gastro-protective action of these shellfish. Thanks to the particular composition of these mussels, they are able to reduce the irritation and ulcerations appearing in lots of patients taking anti-inflammatory drugs for their health problems.

Effects that still need scientific arguments

The existing green lipped mussel studies don't provide enough evidence concerning the effect these shellfish have on one's cardiovascular, immune or nervous system. Although some preliminary data were obtained in trials analyzing the benefits of New Zealand mussels, scientists are still researching the available pieces of information. So here are the health benefits of extracts made from Perna canaliculus that aren't scientifically argued yet.

First, the beneficial effect on circulation. This shellfish is thought to improve the cardiovascular function because it has the ability of strengthening the blood vessel walls and to prevent the formation of harming blood clots and plaques.

Then, the action these mussels have on the musculo-skeletal system seems to be beneficial, being given that they contain lots of proteins, minerals and fatty acids which can strengthen the muscles and the bones, preventing their degeneration.

Scientifically proven side effects

In what concerns the adverse reactions of this New Zealand seafood, the most important ones are related to shellfish allergies. It is known that people with seafood allergies taking this type of dietary supplements develop various unpleasant manifestations, from nausea, vomiting and stomach upset to more severe reactions.