There are over 600 known carotenoids. They are vastly different in their structure and health benefits but they have been grossly under researched. One fact remains though, “People consuming diets rich in carotenoids from natural foods are healthier and have lower mortality from a number of chronic illnesses.” It’s time the world is introduced to the most powerful antioxidant and carotenoid known to man, Astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin is formed in the phytoplankton growing in the sea. It is consumed by almost all pink animals, giving them that distinct color. Shrimp, crab, lobster, salmon and even flamingo’s consume a great deal of the nutrient – and it literally shows.
Today we are going to discuss just five of its known benefits. There are many more but these have been time tested and mother approved!
1. Help Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Astaxanthin is a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, blocking different chemicals in your body that report pain. More than that, astaxanthin reduces the inflammatory compounds that drive many chronic diseases. Even though it’s 100 percent natural, astaxanthin works like some prescription analgesics, but without the risk of addiction, GI bleeds or heartburn. More specifically, astaxanthin blocks COX 2 enzymes just like Celebrex, the blockbuster drug prescribed for osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain and monthly dysmenorrheal. In fact, astaxanthin works well with Celebrex — it would be wise to take both together if you want to and if your doctor approves of astaxanthin.
2. Helps Fatigue
Astaxanthin provides excellent recovery from exercise. Just like salmon making the heroic upstream swim, astaxanthin can help athletes do their best. Pure natural astaxanthin is indicated for recovery of muscles, better endurance, enhanced strength and improved energy levels.
3. Supports Eye Health
Astaxanthin has the unique ability to cross through a barrier and reach your retina. Well-designed clinical trials have shown that astaxanthin helps diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, eye strain and fatigue and seeing in fine detail.
4. Cleans Up the Cells
Astaxanthin is in a class of its own when it comes to antioxidant coverage, because it filters into every cell of the body. Its unique molecular lipophilic and hydrophilic properties allow it to span the entire cell, with one end of the astaxanthin molecule protecting the fat-soluble part of the cell and one end protecting the water-soluble part of the cell.
Natural astaxanthin is exceptionally powerful in singlet-oxygen quenching which can be fully supplement with PhytOriginal. A 2007 study analyzed several popular antioxidants and their antioxidant power. This study found astaxanthin was 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, 800 times stronger than CoQ10, 550 times stronger than green tea catechins and 75 times stronger than alpha lipoic acid.
5. Gorgeous Skin and Sunscreen Protection
Astaxanthin has been shown to protect the body’s largest organ. The studies are clear and consistent and show excellent results for helping with skin moisture levels, smoothness, elasticity, fine wrinkles, and spots or freckles. [12]
If you get sunburn, which causes inflammation, astaxanthin penetrates the skin cells and reduces UVA damage. Think of it as an internal sunscreen.
Whether you are fighting cancer, growing old or the sun – Astaxanthin is a great supplement for each. Experts suggest taking four milligrams while some people take up to 12mg daily. It can only be found in marine algae and easily supplemented. Alternatively you could eat massive amounts of the shrimp, lobster, etc. However not all of us can afford to eat lobster and crab for every meal. The best alternative is to simply buy living marine algae with high amounts of Astaxanthin in it.
http://aquahealthlabs.com/uploads/3/3/3/5/3335324/eyesight.pdf
T. Diplock1, J.-L. Charleux, G. Crozier-Willi, F. J. Kok, C. Rice-Evans, M. Roberfroid, W. Stahl, J. Vina-Ribes. Functional food science and defence against reactive oxidative species, British Journal of Nutrition 1998, 80, Suppl. 1, S77–S112
Nishida Y. et. al, Quenching Activities of Common Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Antioxidants against Singlet Oxygen Using Chemiluminescence Detection System.
Carotenoid Science 11:16-20 (2007)
Jordan is a frequent content contributor to healthy living websites and publications, and is available for speaking engagements. Email [email protected] to learn more.
