John Croft The Mussel Man Interview

John Croft The Mussel Man Interview

There's an ocean of reasons to use green lipped mussel extract for good health, according to international marine medicine man, John Croft.

In his new book, -Arthritis and Aging, A solution from the Sea', John highlights the science and research behind marine medicine for healthy ageing and arthritis in particular.

Known as the -Mussel Man', John also recently teamed with Wagner to launch a new online research and learning hub devoted to the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel.

The Wagner Green-Lipped Mussel Learning Centre highlights more than 30 years' of research into the therapeutic benefits of Biolane®, its proprietary Green Lipped Mussel Extract.

Mussel pioneer and international expert on the therapeutic uses of marine extracts, John said the new book and learning hub were the culmination of his three decades researching marine medicine and the green lipped mussel.

'Australia's population is rapidly ageing and as conditions like arthritis increase with age, a growing number of people are likely to experience its pain. But healthy ageing is possible.

'My new book and the Wagner learning hub highlight that there are solutions from the sea.

'The book showcases an array of my marine medicine research, providing practical tips for healthy ageing using medicine from the sea including green lipped mussel as an anti-inflammatory and for general healthy ageing.

'In my research into the life cycle, farming methods and therapeutic uses of marine extracts, I have determine that the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel is a remarkable creature. It is a rich source of a range of natural compounds that help to maintain healthy joints and reduce inflammation," Croft said.

'In particular, glycogen complex (a carbohydrate compound) and essential fatty acids work together may help to relieve joint pain and inflammation.

'Biolane®™ is the original Green Lipped Mussel Extract which uses only fresh, live, mussels in peak condition. It uses a special non-heat treatment to preserve the nutrients within the mussel.

'Over many years of research, it has been shown to help relieve symptoms of both osteoarthritis and rheumatism.

For more information see the Wagner NZ Green Lipped Mussel Online Learning Centre www.wagnerhealth.com.au/learning-center/green-lipped-mussel

Interview with John Croft

Marine scientist, John Croft, internationally known as 'The Mussel Man", is a world-leading expert on the lifecycle, farming methods and therapeutic uses of marine extracts, including the remarkable New Zealand native shellfish, green lipped mussel.

With more than 30 years in the industry, Croft highlights the science and research behind marine medicine for healthy ageing and arthritis.


Question: How can we boost our health by eating more from the sea?

John Croft: The sea offers great potential for future treatment, and also possible prevention, of the expanding number of diseases and disorders now afflicting us. I firmly believe that my lifetime with the sea and taking a daily dose of the natural product of the sea to maintain my joint health, are responsible for the excellent quality of life that I enjoy.


Question: Can you talk about the basic Japanese Diet principles?

John Croft: The Japanese diet has long been a source of study for nutritionists and health experts looking for ways to increase life expectancy through diet. The Japanese live by the saying - hara hachibu', which means eating until you are 80% fulfilled - encouraging healthy portion sizes, instead of forcing yourself to eat every last crumb on the plate.

Many Japanese eat a plant-based diet, including a diverse range of vegetables in their meal at one time such as beans, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, white radish and lotus root. The Japanese commonly eat at least one serving of seaweed a day, which is considered to be the most wholesome vegetable in the world, as it is high in protein and contains fibre which inhibits the enzymes that digest fat.

The Japanese people's protein of choice is definitely seafood, the popular options being tuna, trout, salmon and shrimp, all rich in joint-friendly omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. Eating up to 70kg of each seafood per year can be expensive so some people incorporate supplements in their diet, such as Green-Lipped Mussel Extract.


Question: What are the benefits of green lipped mussel extract?

John Croft: There's an ocean of reasons to use Green Lipped Mussel Extract for good health. Extensive research has shown that Biolane™ – a natural NZ Green Lipped Mussel Extract has been scientifically shown to support joint health. It is also said to help reduce arthritic joint pain , inflammation and joint stiffness and may help increase joint mobility, as well as support healthy cartilage and connective tissue function.

Question: Who needs to use green lipped mussel extract?

John Croft: Green Lipped Mussel Extract may help manage the symptoms of anyone with mild osteoarthritis and rheumatism.


Question: How is green lipped mussel extract particularly helpful to those with arthritis?

John Croft: In my research into the life cycle, farming methods and therapeutic uses of marine extracts, I have found that the New Zealand green lipped mussel is a remarkable creature. It is a rich source of a range of natural compounds that help to maintain healthy joints and reduce inflammation. In particular, a glycogen complex (a carbohydrate compound) and essential fatty acids work together to help relieve joint pain and inflammation. Also other components have been shown to support connective tissue and cartilage function thereby maintaining joint health as we age.


Question: How can we take green lipped mussel extract?

John Croft: Look for the brand that has been the subject for the laboratory and clinical studies that have demonstrated these benefits, such as Wagner Green Lipped Mussel.


Question: What advice do you share in your book, Arthritis and Aging, A solution from the Sea?

John Croft: In common with the rest of the world, Australia's population is rapidly ageing and as degenerative joint conditions and mobility problems increase with age, an increasing number of people are likely to experience these problems. My new book and the Wagner learning hub highlight that there are solutions from the sea. It showcases an array of marine research, providing practical tips for healthy ageing using natural medicinal products from the sea. The scientific evidence for the benefits of Green Lipped Mussel Extract in providing anti-inflammatory functions for healthy ageing are also described.


Interview by Brooke Hunter