Wellness

What is the Supplement Astaxanthin & Why I Take It

June 20, 2017
astaxanthin
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I am very much into natural health, taking supplements and eating foods that will help lower my risks of  developing something that I may have been able to prevent. So when I heard about the supplement Astaxanthin I was excited.

Astaxanthin has a ton of benefits but I bought it for the claims of eye health and skin protectant. In my family we have a history of glaucoma and cataracts and I wear glasses so I thought, why not. I also was a sun worshiper in my young years and I still am out in the sun a lot ( living is sunny Southern California, it’s hard to stay constantly protected) so the extra added protection Astaxanthin gives me along with my sunscreen, it makes me feel better.

What is Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red pigment molecule that is a member of the carotenoid family found in certain marine algae. When eaten by shrimp and crustaceans, the pigment gives its reddish hue to their shells. As astaxanthin makes its way up the food chain, the color becomes more concentrated, giving the reds and pinks to fish such as salmon and in birds like flamingos.

The Power of Astaxanthin

It is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. An antioxidant protects the body from free radicals. A free radical can cause tissue damage which is responsible for degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and aging. It is also able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Astaxanthin is:

  • 65 times more powerful than vitamin C
  • 54 times stronger than beta-carotene
  • 800 times stronger than CoQ10
  • 550 times more powerful than green tea catechins
  • 11 times stronger than beta-carotene
  • 550 times stronger than vitamin E

Benefits

  • Reduce wrinkles and age spots
  • Improves vision
  • Prevents or slows three of the most common eye diseases: age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
  • Supports joint health
  • Reduce signs of aging
  • Improves endurance and exercise recovery
  • Improves skin and reduce sun damage
  • Increases energy
  •  A Skin Protectant – Studies show that astaxanthin can rejuvenative skin from within.  Astaxanthin accumulates in the skin, where it makes its way into all the skin layers. This can provide a large amount of protection against ultraviolet radiation.
  • Boots Immune System – Astaxanthin increases white blood cell count and activity of the blood cells
  • Lowers cancer risk
  • Decreases inflammation
  • Slows brain aging- Reduces the risk of stroke, Alzheimzers, Parkinson’s disease
  • Able to cross the blood-brain barrier
  • Protects heart health

Wow! That is quite a list!

What to look for when buying Astaxanthin

Make sure the astaxanthin formula is created from marine microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis. Look for Haematococcus pluvialis on the label as the source of where it comes from. This is the natural source.  You do not want a synthetic source. Astaxanthin is best absorbed when taken with a “fatty” meal so look for a formula that contains some sort of oil or fatty acid which will help maximize the absorption.

I did a lot of research of different brands before buying. I use Viva Naturals Astaxanthin  and take 8-12mg daily.

Please do your own research before taking ensure this supplement are right for you. Consult your doctor before taking any new supplements.
References:
http://products.mercola.com/astaxanthin/
http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2013/4/astaxanthin-provides-broad-spectrum-protection/page-01
https://bodyecology.com/articles/anti-aging.php
https://draxe.com/astaxanthin-benefits/

 

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