Particularly with all the recent hype, you may have wondered what is so special about a New Zealand green mussel. The answer is in their composition and the substances they feed on. Due to their limited environment and their diet, green lipped mussels are particularly rich sources of lipids and omega-3 fatty acids.

The green mussel is found only off the coast of New Zealand in its clear blue waters. The New Zealand Mussel Industry Council (NZMIC) licenses marine farms in order to allow them to produce these now famous sea creatures. The Council also owns the trademarks for the alternate names for Perna canaliculus: green lipped, green shell, green lips, and greenback mussels. While the NZMIC does specify that any product labeled as green mussel extract must be derived from the Perna canaliculus, they have not yet instituted a regulation which specifies how many lipids they must contain.

Green mussels first became quite popular when they were identified as containing high levels of lipids and omega-3s. Through extensive research, scientists have determined that the best time to harvest the mussels is in the springtime. Once harvested, they must be quickly deep frozen in order to stabilize and retain their nutrients. The lipids are extracted, and the resulting substance is the vital component in green mussel extract.

In addition to the lipids, green mussels contain a variety of other essential nutrients. These include glycosaminoglycans (of which chondroitin sulphate and heparin are a part), betain, and eighteen amino acids.

In New Zealand, the Maori tribe has long eaten green mussels and other seafood found abundantly off the country's shores. The Maoris have a very low incidence of arthritis. This realisation led to further research which pinned down one of the key components as the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. It is reasoned that the omega-3s prevent, or slow down, degradation of cartilage and bone not only in humans, but in animals as well. Swelling and inflammation are two of the symptoms of arthritis which seem to respond favorably to daily doses of powdered green mussel extract.

The glycosaminoglycans and amino acids found in green mussels are also substances purported to work as anti-inflammatory aids. Along with the adoption of a healthy, low fat diet, supplements containing these ingredients may offer relief for many people suffering from joint pain or inflammation.

One thing consumers need to keep in mind when purchasing green mussel extract as a dietary supplement is that if they are allergic to shellfish, than they will also be allergic to green mussels. Anyone who is experiencing chronic pain is advised to seek the counsel of their physician, as well. Although anti-inflammatory will treat the source of the pain, there may be other options recommended by your doctor as a long-term approach to treatment.

The New Zealand green mussel enjoys a worldwide reputation for its rich nutrients and the ability to stave off arthritis. Many nutraceutical companies offer supplements containing this key ingredient but just be sure you thoroughly check out their reputation before purchasing a bottle of what could contain only a fraction of the lipids obtained in the first extraction.