Let’s take a dive into the world of Astaxanthin. Many of you may have never even heard of it. Truth is, astaxanthin is an incredibly powerful antioxidant that provides a ton of health benefits, some of which we are going to explore in this post. Ok, let’s get into it.
- What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid. This means it is a naturally occurring pigment found in certain types of plants and marine life. It can be identified by its pink or red color. Astaxanthin is what gives the distinct pink, or red color to salmon, shrimp, and certain types of algae. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the flamingos. They are actually white, but because of their diet of pink seafood, they turn pink also. One of the key differences between astaxanthin and other antioxidants is that astaxanthin is fat-soluble. This trait allows it to cross cell membranes quite easily providing powerful protection for the cell.
- Where is it Found?
There are several natural sources of astaxanthin. The primary source is from microalgae. Haematococcus pluvialis is the specific type of algae that is incredibly rich in it. The second most common source is a far more delicious one. Yup, you guessed it, shrimp, salmon, lobster, and other seafood that is red or pink in color. Astaxanthin is consumed by these types of seafood in the form of algae, krill, and other small, freshwater organisms. Astaxanthin can also be found in some types of yeast.
- Powerful Antioxidant Properties
Astaxanthin is one of, if not the strongest antioxidant out there. It is said to be 6000 times more potent than Vitamin C. It also puts Vitamin E and beta-carotene to shame. This powerhouse will seek out and neutralize the free radicals in the body. Because it is fat-soluble and incredibly potent, astaxanthin is very effective in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. By reducing these conditions, astaxanthin is a key component in reducing chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and premature aging.
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- Skin Health
Astaxanthin shows significant potential for improving skin health. With all of the toxins that bombard our skin every day, we can use all the help we can get. It has been shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Astaxanthin also promotes skin elasticity and provides UV protection. Another key benefit for the skin is moisture retention. Astaxanthin helps with all of this and can even improve overall skin texture.
- Eye Health
Another huge benefit of astaxanthin is eye protection. It can protect the eyes from oxidative stress caused by blue light, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. It has the ability to improve vision also. This is achieved by the reduction of eye fatigue and the improvement of visual acuity. This is especially important after long periods of screen time.
- Inflammation Reduction
Astaxanthin has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. It supports joint health and can reduce symptoms of arthritis. Astaxanthin also aids in muscle recovery. This makes it a popular choice for those who choose to exercise or play sports.
- Cardiovascular Health
Heart health, improved blood circulation, blood pressure reduction, and healthy overall cholesterol levels are all part of the amazing cardiovascular benefits that astaxanthin provides. Its antioxidant properties really drive all these benefits home. It is especially tough on bad cholesterol, also known as LDL. The cardiovascular benefits alone make this a supplement worthy of consideration.
- Cognitive Function and Brain Health
Astaxanthin may improve cognitive function and combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons. The unique anti-inflammatory properties of astaxanthin along with its neuroprotective properties can help to preserve brain health. Memory retention is also supported.
- Immune System Support
Another huge benefit of astaxanthin is the immune system support that it provides. It does this by promoting the production of cells and enhancing their ability to fight infections. Its cellular protection properties come from it being different than other antioxidants in the fact that it is fat-soluble. It has also been shown to reduce the severity of the cold and flu viruses and help the body to recover faster.
- Conclusion
Wow, what an amazing antioxidant! Astaxanthin has shown that it is head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to its many health benefits. Its properties are monumental because it is fat-soluble. Astaxanthin has been shown to benefit the eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, brain and cognitive function, and the immune system. It also boasts tremendous anti-inflammatory benefits that fight off oxidative stress and help to prevent chronic disease. Astaxanthin is an all-around powerhouse of health benefits. It is one of if not the most exciting antioxidant out there. Using it in combination with Amazonian cats claw provides an amazing one-two punch that your body will thank you for. Follow this link for more information.