Do you struggle with pain, inflammation, and joint health issues? If so, you’re not alone, and thankfully, there are natural remedies that may help. One potential solution is green-lipped mussel supplement (GLM) only recently gaining popularity in the U.S.
But how does green-lipped mussel work? Let’s dive deeper into this natural remedy and explore its many potential benefits.
What is Green-Lipped Mussel?
Green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is an edible shellfish species found in the coastal waters of New Zealand. Often referred to as the “New Zealand green-lipped mussel,” it is greenish in colour and has a distinctively shaped lip or ridge on its shell. The indigenous people of New Zealand have consumed this unique mollusc for centuries due to its health benefits.
Harvested for its nutritional content, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, GLM supports joint health and overall well-being. Today, many nutritionists advise incorporating green-lipped mussel into one’s diet either through natural mussels, stabilized lipid extract, or green-lipped mussel supplements.
How Does Green-Lipped Mussel Work?
Green-lipped mussels are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and improve joint health. However, these are not the only areas where GLM can provide benefits.
Studies suggest that GLM also possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as a variety of other nutrients such as iron and magnesium. This makes GLM a natural powerhouse for providing essential nutrients often lacking in Western diets.
Benefits of Using Green-Lipped Mussel
Here are some benefits of green-lipped mussels and how they can help ensure a healthy life:
Arthritis
Arthritis affects millions of people, resulting in joint pain and inflammation. This degenerative joint disease can make movement difficult due to pain and swelling. However, studies have shown that consuming GLM regularly can reduce symptoms of arthritis and improve joint health.
A 2003 study investigated the potential effect of NZ green-lipped mussel on osteoarthritis symptoms. Sixty participants took green-lipped mussel extract twice daily. After four weeks, 53% of participants experienced a significant reduction in pain and improvement in joint function. After eight weeks, this rose to 80%.
These results demonstrate the potential of green-lipped mussels to help manage symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic pain-related conditions. Furthermore, the study revealed no adverse side effects, highlighting its safety and effectiveness.
Asthma
Asthma can be a challenging condition to live with, causing airway inflammation, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
A 2002 randomized control trial published in The European Respiratory Journal showed significant improvements in asthma symptoms in 46 patients over an eight-week period due to the daily ingestion of green-lipped mussel extract. The study suggested that the anti-inflammatory compounds in GLM caused this improvement, with no side effects.
These findings were supported by a 2013 study evaluating GLM’s effect on hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction, further reinforcing the idea that its anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate asthma symptoms.
Muscle Soreness
Green-lipped mussel has been used for centuries to treat muscle soreness due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its mix of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
Studies suggest that supplements derived from GLM can relieve mild to moderate muscle pain and reduce joint stiffness and swelling. While several studies have found no improvement in muscle soreness from commercial GLM extracts in well-trained athletes, lesser-trained individuals saw reduced pain sensations after taking 400 mg of the extract for 11 weeks.
This indicates that GLM can benefit those with mild or moderate muscle soreness, even if the effects are not as pronounced in well-trained athletes.
Gut Health
Gut health is a major focus in the health and wellness community. Green-lipped mussels support gut health by providing prebiotic and probiotic nutrition, essential for promoting a healthy and diverse population of friendly bacteria.
A 2017 study demonstrated that consuming GLM stimulates the growth of friendly bacteria while suppressing intestinal inflammation, helping prevent chronic illnesses and maintaining gut health.
How to Use Green-Lipped Mussel for Maximum Benefits?
NutriNZ Green Lipped Mussel supplements are available in capsule form and contain another beneficial ingredient: freeze-dried rosemary extract. This ensures you get the most benefit from GLM as it contains a higher concentration than what you would get from eating it as seafood.
Where to Buy the Best Green-Lipped Mussel Supplement?
Finding the right supplement can be overwhelming, but we recommend NutriNZ Green Lipped Mussel with Rosemary Extract. NutriNZ provides the best quality and most sustainable GLM product on the market. Sourced from licensed marine farms in New Zealand, their supplement is cold-extracted for maximum anti-inflammatory activity and the preservation of vital bioactive components.
The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) ensures that the GLM industry is sustainable and environmentally responsible, with marine farmers following industry best practices and environmental codes of practice. NutriNZ’s Green Lipped Mussel has been recognized by the international conservation organization Blue Ocean Institute as one of the world’s top two “eco-friendly seafood.”
NutriNZ’s Green Lipped Mussel is ideal for improving joint health and mobility, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall well-being. Committed to superior quality and sustainability, NutriNZ offers GLM 19,000mg capsules as a top-quality supplement for your health and the environment.
Does Green-Lipped Mussel Rebuild Cartilage?
While it is scientifically established that GLM can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, there is growing interest in whether it can also rebuild cartilage. Some believe that the enzymes in GLM can regenerate cartilage, improving joint health and reducing long-term pain from wear and tear.
In conclusion, green-lipped mussels offer a promising natural remedy for arthritis, asthma, muscle soreness, and gut health. Incorporating them into your diet or supplement regimen could be a game-changer in managing symptoms and improving overall health.
