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The Power of Astaxanthin
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin (“asta-zan-thin”) is a carotenoid that is responsible for giving flamingos, shrimp and salmon their pink color. It is produced by algae and other aquatic microorganisms to help the algae survive harsh conditions. Normally, these algae are green, but when they are exposed to high illumination, they are threatened by free radicals that form by exposure to the sun’s UV rays. The algae respond by making astaxanthin, which is a red antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals. Crustaceans, like shrimp feed on the algae and store the pigment in their shells, which give them their pink color. Then fish, like salmon, or other animals like flamingos, eat the crustaceans or algae and store it in their skin.
More importantly, Astaxanthin is known to be the most powerful natural antioxidant in the world. Taking astaxanthin is important to promote muscle endurance, support normal heart and eye functioning, enhance skin, aid in cognitive functioning and help combat fatigue. While Astaxanthin is found in trace amounts in salmon and other seafood, you would need to eat a few pounds of Atlantic salmon to reach the optimal daily amount.
Benefits of Astaxanthin
Free radicals are a natural byproduct of our physiology. Our bodies have natural defenses that help clean up free radicals so they don’t cause harm. The problem is that our natural defenses become less efficient as we age and get overwhelmed by an abundance of free radicals that accumulate during exercise, exposure to sunlight, stress, in the presence of environmental pollutants and many other ways. Taking Astaxanthin as an antioxidant is so important for a number of processes.
Immune Support
Known for its exceptional antioxidant powers, Astaxanthin helps balance and strengthen immune system, aiding in the defense against outside invaders.
Heart Health
Cardiovascular health encompasses both the heart and blood vessels that circulate oxygen and nutrients to all the tissues of the body. Astaxanthin aids in combating oxidative stress and supports normal blood flow.
Eye Health
Astaxanthin promotes capillary circulation, which helps rejuvenate the eyes by bringing in nutrients and oxygen and removing waste.
Mental & Physical Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common complaints heard by physicians from their patients. This means a lack of energy, physical endurance or mental focus often triggered by stress, poor sleep, or inadequate nutrition and exercise. Astaxanthin improves relieving fatigue, enhances clarity and concentration and promotes recovery after completing mental and physical challenges.
Muscle Performance & Recovery
By supporting the mitochondria and combatting free radicals, Astaxanthin minimizes muscle damage and improves recovery. Because Astaxanthin helps muscle mitochondria use nutrients in a way that produces energy more efficiently, it reduces the buildup of lactic acid and results in better energy production and better endurance.
Brain Health
The brain is restricted by a protective membrane. Due to its unique structure, Astaxanthin can cross this barrier and reach the brain where it improves the antioxidant status of red blood cells. It may enhance blood flow bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
Bone Health
A major reason for loss of bone strength is a slowing down of bone building. In healthy bones, new bone cells are continuously replacing old ones through a process of bone metabolism. Mature bone cells are reabsorbed, and new bone tissue is formed. When more bone is reabsorbed than is formed, we lose bone mass and density. Astaxanthin suppresses the production of bone-reabsorbing cells and restores the balance of bone metabolism.
Skin Health
Skin is our largest organ and our first line of defense against environmental exposures. Taking Astaxanthin supports healthy skin from the inside out. It helps promotes circulation and supply of nutrients to the deepest layer of skin (the hypodermis), protects collagen integrity in the next layer (the dermis), neutralizes free radicals at the surface layer (the epidermis) and prevents roughness by improving moisture retention at the outermost layer (the stratum corneum).
Final Thoughts
Astaxanthin can complement your daily wellness routine with power-packed benefits. Astaxanthin oil is purified and then can be used to make soft gels or other consumables. It is a strong antioxidant that is important to promote muscle endurance, support normal heart and eye functioning, enhance skin, aid in cognitive functioning and help combat fatigue.
*FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice. Not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18 without adult supervision.
