Green-lipped mussels contain high levels of glycosaminoglycan which assist in the repair of damaged joint tissues. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or mucopolysaccharides are long unbranched polysaccharides consisting of a repeating disaccharide unit, these form an important component of connective tissues.
The New Zealand green-lipped mussel, also known as the New Zealand mussel or the greenshell mussel, Perna canaliculus is found on the coastline of New Zealand. Native Maoris who consume the green -lipped as a regular part of their diet very rarely ever get arthritis.
According to a study done by Dr Michael Whitehouse of the University of Queensland, Australia, an extract of the green-lipped mussel has been found to treat arthritis far more efficiently than any of the Cox-2 inhibitors, and without any of the side effects of these drugs. The green-lipped mussel extract works even better than fish oil to treat arthritis.




