New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels - What They Are And Their Uses

Health

The building interest of individuals around the world to alternative and contemporary medicine has set the green-lipped mussels into the center of attention. The green-lipped mussel, or perna canaliculus, is a bivalve mollusk that is indigenous to New Zealand and is found mainly below the intertidal zone at a depth of around 33 feet. It deviates from other mussel species in that it has dark brown or green shells with brown lines or spots. All variants have a unique green lip on the shell's border, and thus the name. Its extract is claimed to have therapeutic benefits.

Benefits of Green Lipped Mussel Extract

In the sixties, scientists from the United States of America and the United Kingdom performed experiments to ascertain if this kind of mussel can provide a cure for cancer. Unfortunately, the extract had no effect on malignant cells.

Nonetheless, researchers incidentally found out that patients in the study reported that they had less joint pain and stiffness after consuming the said mussel. This encouraged researchers to look into the potential use of this mussel for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis treatment. Another benefit of green lipped mussel extract is that it can alleviate asthma symptoms such as daytime wheezing. It is also believed to make improvements to the breathing of people suffering from asthma. It is believed that the extract contains chemicals that help decrease inflammation.

The green lipped mussel is supplied in freeze-dried, ground, and capsule forms. The right dose depends on several factors such as how old the patient is, his general level of health, and the health condition you want to treat. At the moment, there is not much information relating to the proper dose for this alternative medicine. If you intend to use this supplement, remember to read the recommendations on the product labels.

Although generally safe, the possibility of side effects occuring is not totally removed. Some of the negative effects mentioned by those who have used it include diarrhea, nausea, and intestinal gas. There are also reported rare circumstances where it is believed to cause liver problems. Pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant should stay away from this supplement because there is some evidence that it might slow the development of the unborn child and delay labor and birth. There is no research indicating that the supplement can be safely used during breast feeding, so it is sensible to be on the safe side by not making use of it. Patients who are sensitive to shellfish and those with known liver impairment must avoid using these preparations.To know more about green lipped mussel supplement please follow this link.

Before buying this supplement, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider. By talking with your physician, he can assess if you have existing health issues which contraindicate the use of this supplement, or if adjustments have to be made as to how your health is being managed to make sure that you will receive safe and coordinated care.