Move Me

Grown and harvested on our shores, Greenshell™ (also known as green lipped) mussels are indigenous to New Zealand. Distinguishable by a bright green stripe adorning its shell, Greenshell™ mussel powder is a nutritional powerhouse of the building blocks necessary to support tissue regeneration, joint health, maintenance and repair. This includes protein, omega-3 fatty acids and lipids. They are also rich in other essential nutrients such as selenium, calcium, iron, zinc and B vitamins.

Greenshell™ mussels were a primary dietary component of native Māori coastal tribes. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of this superfood were researched after coastal tribes were found to have lower levels of arthritis than those living inland.

Greenshell™ mussels are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, which provide a key structural role in membrane formation and work to combat inflammation. Omega-3s can help relieve the symptoms of injured or ageing joints, including pain, swelling and stiffness. Research has shown that the consumption of Greenshell™ mussel powder extract is effective in reducing these symptoms.

Another joint-nourishing ingredient in Greenshell™ mussels are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These complex carbohydrates are a key component in the cartilage and synovial fluid that can be found in and around our joints. GAGs help to increase the uptake of water into cartilage to maintain the hydration and lubrication of our joints. They also provide shock-absorbing properties to protect and cushion our joints from daily impact. Our joints can lose hydration with age, therefore it is important that they receive a good supply of GAGs to ensure fluidity and flexibility as we move.

Derived from turmeric root, curcumin is a herbaceous and bright yellow spice belonging to the ginger family. In turmeric, curcumin is the primary compound in a family of active compounds called curcuminoids.

Considered a staple in traditional Chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, turmeric has an incredible list of healing properties including use as an antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-carcinogenic and natural anti-inflammatory supplement.

Curcumin’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties however are the two primary mechanisms that have shown to be effective in modern-day therapeutics, such as targeting exercise-induced inflammation and soreness, as well as overall joint health.

Interfering with inflammation pathways is one of curcumin’s key modes of action. It does this by blocking inflammatory cytokines and enzymes which would otherwise create inflammation and painful flare-ups in areas such as our joints. Curcumin also scavenges for multiple types of free radicals, including reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species to help neutralise any oxidative damage. Curcumin has even been effective in helping to relieve the symptoms of arthritis, with research showing that supplementation of 1,000mg a day allowed for significant reductions in tenderness and swelling of joints. It has also been shown to improve markers of oxidative stress within the human body.

Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia is a natural Ayurvedic herbal extract. It is taken from the bark of the resinous Boswellia Serrata tree, which grows in the forests of western and central India.

The resin made from boswellia extract has been used for centuries in Asian and African traditional medicine. It contains boswellic acids, the primary active compound in boswellia. These boswellic acids give boswellia its strong medicinal and natural anti-inflammatory properties, allowing it to be an effective painkiller and ingredient in treating a number of inflammatory illnesses, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Boswellic acids help prevent and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of leukotrienes, which are molecules that attack our joints and tissues, causing pain and inflammation.

Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is considered to be the most powerful boswellic acid and may determine the potency of a boswellic extract. Recent studies have shown that supplementing with boswellia can decrease knee pain, swelling and improvement in function. In another study, pain and physical function scores significantly improved in just 7 days after taking a boswellic acid supplement with 30% AKBA. Not only this, but a significant reduction in metalloproteinases found in synovial fluid. These enzymes would otherwise breakdown cartilage, collagen and connective tissue, causing havoc on our joints and mobility.