The Maori people, who are indigenous to New Zealand, have experienced low incidences of inflammatory diseases for over 1, 000 years. The
tribe attributes their health to their diet staple, the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus).
The green-lipped mussel's therapeutic benefits are
a result of many factors. The mussel's diet consists of phytoplankton that produce higher quantities of anti-oxidant rich carotenoids with anti-inflammatory properties.
The phytoplankton off the coast of New Zealand evolved in order to survive the powerful UV rays caused by the holes in the ozone layer in this region of the world.
In addition to their fatty acid and anti-oxidant rich diet, the mussels are harvested from pristine waterways that are protected under Marine Nature Park Regulations so
they are exposed to fewer toxins.
In the 1960's, NASA began researching foods with high nutritional content for astronauts and confirmed the health-related
benefits of the green-lipped mussel. Soon after the anti-inflammatory properties were more well-known, mussel powder began to appear on store shelves in the 1970's
for worldwide distribution. However, the powder's benefits were inconsistent until the technology improved to stabilize the product.
In 1992, research was
performed to develop the supplement into a new lipid form with a high concentration of the potent omega-3s. Dr. Karl Werner Quirin and Dr. Dieter Gerard, creators of
CO2 Super critical Extraction, developed a patented process to remove non-polar lipids from stabilized Perna canaliculus. This new technology protects the beneficial
fatty acids and eliminates harmful heavy metals and pesticides which may have entered food chain.
Omega-3s are critical to cardiovascular, respiratory and joint health. Numerous studies have been conducted on green-lipped
mussel supplements and consistently show that this lipid extract is efficacious against inflammatory disorders. In addition to the symptom relief and healing effects, the
lipid extract of Perna canaliculus is also free of any known side effects.
