Krill vs. Fish: Which is better?

People in regions that have an abundance of fish rely on it as a major dietary source, due to the health benefits that certain fish contain.

However, Antarctic krill is growing extensively popular for human consumption in the US and several other countries. There is a debate about the health benefits of fish meat vs. krill meat, but which is one is better? Let’s talk about the nutrients and the amino acid profiles of fish and krill to understand the difference.

Nutrition in Fish

Fish are a high protein food source consumed all over the world. Studies indicate that 143.8 million tons of seafood such as fish are consumed in different forms worldwide. The highest number of fish consumed is in Portugal because of the abundant availability of seafood. Fish are full of vitamins and fatty acids like Vitamin B2 and D.

They also provide calcium and phosphorous, which are both important for human health. The American Heart Association also encourages eating fish regularly because of its health benefits.

Fish also provides a substantial amount of amino acids that help in building a healthier body. There are several species of fish that are great sources of high-quality protein(20-45% of their protein is rich in the amino acid lysine).

However, fish isn’t the only healthy source to obtain these benefits from. Many people are now consuming krill meat due to its wide array of health benefits. Let’s have a look at them.

Nutrition in Krill

Krill is a shrimp-like swarming species that play a vital role in marine ecology. krill meat contains an abundance of proteins, omega’s, vitamins, minerals and astaxanthin making it an amazing addition to your diet.

Krill is a great alternative to fish considering it has higher quality omega-3s. Unlike fish, the omega 3s in krill are bound to phospholipids, making it a healthier alternative to fish.

Note that the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) limits krill harvesting to less than 1% of their total biomass to prevent any dangers to its sustainability. Additionally, it has highly digestible proteins. Krill also has great amounts of amino acids 54.74 g% and most of these amino acids are glutamic, making krill a healthy food source compared to other fish sources.

Krill vs. Fish: Benefits Comparison

When comparing the benefits of krill versus fish, it’s essential to look at various aspects such as nutritional content, ecological impact, and overall health benefits to determine which might be better depending on specific needs and concerns.

Nutritional Benefits Of Kril

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Like fish, krill are a source of high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, but the structure of phospholipids in krill may enhance the absorption and utilization by the body.
• Antioxidants: Krill contains astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative damage and boosts the stability and effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Choline: Rich in choline, an essential nutrient that supports brain health, liver function, and muscle movement.

Health Benefits Of Fish

• Protein-Rich: Fish is a high-quality protein source that is also low in saturated fats, making it excellent for overall health and muscle building.
• Vitamin D and Selenium: Fish are among the few natural food sources of Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone wellness and health, and selenium, which is important for thyroid function and immune health.
• Variety and Availability: Fish provide a broader variety of nutrients due to the vast range of species available, each with unique nutritional profiles.

Ecological Benefits Of Krill

• Lower on the Food Chain: Harvesting krill, which are lower on the food chain, theoretically has less of an ecological impact than fishing at higher trophic levels. However, because krill are a crucial part of the Antarctic ecosystem, their overharvesting could have significant ecological consequences.

Ecological Benefits Of Fish

• Sustainability Options: More established regulations and sustainable fishing options are available for fish, making it easier to choose options that have less impact on the environment. Certification programs like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) help consumers choose sustainably sourced fish.

Health Benefits Of Krill

• Efficient Absorption: The form of omega-3s in krill leads to better absorption, potentially translating to more significant health benefits per unit consumed. This makes krill effective even in smaller quantities.
• Supports Heart Health: Similar to fish oil, krill helps reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels, but its antioxidant properties also provide additional protection against cardiovascular disease.

Health Benefits Of Fish

• Heart Health: Regular fish consumption is linked to reduced heart disease risks due to the omega-3 fatty acids.
• Mental Health: The omega-3s in fish are essential for brain function and are linked to a lower incidence of mental health issues like depression.
• Versatility in Diet: Fish can be included in meals in various ways, providing culinary diversity and broader health benefits.

Krill vs. Fish: Comparison of Side Effects

Both krill and fish are excellent sources of nutrients, but, like any food source, they come with potential side effects that should be considered when determining which is more suitable for your diet. Here’s a closer look at the potential adverse effects of each.

Side Effects Of Krill

1. Allergies: Krill is a type of crustacean, and like other shellfish, it can trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to shellfish. Symptoms can range from mild allergic reactions to severe anaphylaxis.

Side Effects Of Fish

1. Mercury and Other Contaminants: One of the most significant concerns with fish consumption is the potential for mercury poisoning, especially in larger predatory fish like tuna, swordfish, and shark. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are also a concern in some fish species.
2. Allergies: Fish allergies are common and can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. Individuals allergic to one type of fish may be advised to avoid all fish.

Bottom Line

Both fish and krill meat have their properties and health benefits. However, krill meat is a healthier option because of its high nutritional value and lower position in the food chain. It is also sufficient for meeting daily health requirements for the human body.

You can check out Krill Arctic Foods for more tips and information on krill meat and its amazing health benefits. We’re sure the Incredible Edible Krill won’t disappoint.

Sources

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40071-017-0179-9#:~:text=In%20fish%2C%2050%E2%80%9380%25,Moral%202001%3B%20Ozden%202005).&text=Amino%20acids%20provide%20tissue%20healing,2010).

https://www.doh.wa.gov/communityandenvironment/food/fish/healthbenefits#:~:text=Fish%20is%20filled%20with%20omega,part%20of%20a%20healthy%20diet.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-fish