Astaxanthin is a pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family. According to a recent study, carotenoids are known for their beneficial treatment mechanisms for cancer, age-related macular degeneration, and cardiovascular disease.
It is a natural chemical found in many plants and animals. It is primarily found in marine organisms, including microalgae, salmon, trout, shrimp, and crayfish. The richest source of astaxanthin is green microalga HaematococcusPluvialis.
It is also commonly found in feathers o some birds such as storks, quail, and flamingo. For more information about astaxanthin click here.
Can we get Astaxanthin from Food?
If you want to increase your astaxanthin consumption, look for seafood. It is naturally found in red-hued seafood and algae. It is present in the high concentration of:
- Salmon (Contains 38mg/kg)
- Rainbow trout
- Shrimp
- Lobster
Who needs to take Astaxanthin?
This highly beneficial pigment is recommended for those who want to protect their:
It is especially beneficial for those who get involved in outdoor endurance activities and those who have allergies or falls ill regularly.
Benefits of Astaxanthin
The advantages of astaxanthin are countless, but the top is mentioned below:
1. Promotes Healthy Aging
Do you know that more than 80% of skin damages are attributed to sun exposure? Thanks for the free radicals for that!
However, antioxidants such as astaxanthin help make your skin radical-free. Astaxanthin acts as an internal sunscreen that blocks the UVB ray damage and minimizes the resulting inflammatory response.
In a recent study, it is proved that the astaxanthin supplement significantly improved skin smoothness and hydration in just 12 weeks.
2. Fights against Fatigue
Astaxanthin aids excellent recovery just like salmon makes the heroic upstream swim. This natural pigment help athletes for fast recovery of muscles, improved endurance, energy levels, and enhanced body strength.
3. Supports Eye Health
Have you heard the song, “I can see now, the rain is gone”? Well, I can relate this song to astaxanthin. This natural pigment can cross the barrier and reach your retina. The clinical studies have proved that astaxanthin treats diabetic retinopathy, eye fatigue, muscular degeneration and helps in seeing fine details.
4. Relieve Pain & Inflammation
Astaxanthin is an excellent pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medicine. It helps in blocking all the chemicals that make you scream “ouch”!
This naturally occurring pigment reduces the ratio of inflammatory compounds that develops chronic diseases. It works like prescription analgesics without the risk of GI bleeds and heartburn.
Specifically, astaxanthin blocks COX2 enzymes and act as a blockbuster drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, and acute pain.
5. Protects Brain & Nervous System
Research on the human brain has limitations. Working on sample brain cells is risky in living subjects and it is difficult to isolate causes and see effects in dead brain cells.
Therefore, a study of animal brain cells helps researchers to understand the effects of astaxanthin in various conditions. The research proved that astaxanthin has the potential to:
- Prevent brain inflammation after head injury
- Enhances brain performance after a stroke attack
- Improves flow of blood in the brain
- Improves recovery of memory in dementia patients
Take Away
Astaxanthin is an excellent antioxidant that has several health benefits. It helps in the natural reduction of oxidation, keeping away health conditions through a natural biological process.
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