The benefits of astaxanthin as a uniquely potent antioxidant are wide-ranging for health and anti-ageing. Commonly derived from algae, astaxanthin can be helpful for many issues, including osteoarthritis, menopause symptoms, skin health, diabetes, mental fatigue, brain health and heart health, and may even activate the longevity gene FOXO3. It can also support the immune system by promoting the activation of white blood cells.
Why do we need antioxidants?
Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive. This reactivity allows oxidation, a process where they can damage other molecules and create a chain reaction.
To counteract this damage, antioxidants step in to neutralise free radicals before they can harm other molecules. They do this by adding an extra electron to the unpaired ones.
While both antioxidants and free radicals naturally coexist in the body, an imbalance with too many free radicals and insufficient antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress. This oxidative stress can damage fatty tissues, proteins, and DNA. This damage, in turn, contributes to various health risks, such as heart disease, cancer, and accelerated ageing.
Research indicates that in antioxidant potency, astaxanthin surpasses other carotenoids such as beta carotene, lycopene, and lutein. It is a significant resource for helping protect cells against oxidative stress, offering robust cellular protection.
When a person takes astaxanthin, it is absorbed into all the tissues and cells, creating a shield. The antioxidant has a unique structure that neutralises free radicals in the cell membrane’s inner and outer layers.
Introducing carotenoids
Carotenoids are natural compounds found in plants, crucial for photosynthesis and energy conversion. With over 600 different types, including well-known ones like beta carotene and lycopene, carotenoids boast potent antioxidant properties that combat free radicals.
However, the human body cannot produce carotenoids on its own. Diet or topical application is necessary to harness the immune-boosting and antioxidant benefits, particularly from potent varieties like astaxanthin. Often regarded as the “king of carotenoids,” astaxanthin derives its reddish hue from algae and offers exceptional health-promoting properties.
What Are the Sources of Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin originates naturally from the algae Haematococcus Pluvialis. It is also found in certain marine organisms such as salmon, trout, lobster, and shrimp, contributing to their distinctive pink or red hue. Interestingly, the consumption of algae rich in astaxanthin results in the vibrant colouring of flamingos.
Among natural sources, Haematococcus Pluvialis algae boast the highest concentration of astaxanthin, with approximately 3 per cent of their total mass comprising this compound. Recognised by the FDA as a safe dietary source of astaxanthin, pluvialis algae offers unparalleled potency.
Alternatively, red yeast, or phaffia rhodozyma, serves as another source, albeit with lower levels of the compound. Synthetic astaxanthin is mainly used in food colouring and fish feed production. It is considerably less effective as a supplement.
Incorporating the Benefits of Astaxanthin into Your Routine
While astaxanthin is present in certain foods, obtaining adequate amounts through diet can be challenging. For example, wild sockeye salmon boasts the highest concentration and about four times as much as farmed Atlantic salmon. Even then, relying solely on salmon consumption to meet daily requirements would necessitate consuming a significant amount.
Given the difficulty of obtaining sufficient astaxanthin from food sources, many turn to supplements.
When selecting an astaxanthin supplement, it is advisable to opt for products derived from natural sources, devoid of harmful additives, and subject to third-party testing for purity and potency. Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble compound that is more easily absorbed when taken with oil, such as DHA.
Try to avoid synthetic astaxanthin, which offers markedly lower benefits. Synthetic astaxanthin is known to be approximately 20 times less efficient in combating free radicals.
The Benefits of Astaxanthin for Health
Heart health
High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and oxidative stress can all lead to a diagnosis of heart disease.
Studies have shown astaxanthin has the potential to increase the levels of good HDL cholesterol, reduce levels of LDL, and decrease blood pressure by improving the elasticity and thickness of the walls of the arteries. There is also evidence of reduced blood oxidation and improved clotting.
Joint pains and osteoarthritis
The body constantly replaces old, worn-out cells with new ones, which is also true of cartilage cells. All is well when the new ones keep pace with replacing the old degrading ones. However, as individuals age, this can change. A diminished capacity to replenish new cells as old ones degenerate can result in osteoarthritis, a condition characterised by stiffness, pain, and inflammation in the affected joints.
Emerging research suggests that astaxanthin possesses the potential to help restore this delicate balance by promoting the regeneration of cartilage cells while at the same time mitigating inflammation associated with arthritis. Moreover, it exhibits promise in halting the deterioration of cartilage cells altogether. These findings indicate that astaxanthin supplementation may slow the progression of osteoarthritis and alleviate its symptoms, thereby enhancing one’s overall quality of life with advancing age.
Astaxanthin For Skin Health and Anti-ageing
Astaxanthin is emerging as a natural powerhouse in supporting youthful skin longevity.
The Haematococcus Pluvialis algae naturally produces astaxanthin to protect it from the effects of radiation from the sun.
UV rays damage the skin and can accelerate ageing. A 2018 study demonstrated significant differences in moisture retention and skin damage between subjects who received astaxanthin and those who received a placebo after UV exposure.
Studies have also shown that taking astaxanthin significantly improves the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, and age spots.
Brain Health
Studies indicate that oxidative stress could contribute to the advancement of cognitive decline, suggesting that antioxidant supplementation might offer benefits as we age as our oxidative capacities alter over time.
A recent clinical trial looked at the impact of astaxanthin supplementation on individuals exhibiting mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia. Findings revealed improvements in comprehending and executing complex tasks efficiently and accurately.
There can also be improvements for mental fatigue or foggy brain.
Eye Health
The eyes are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, and that is where astaxanthin excels. There is evidence that it can play a part in helping many common eye issues.
Astaxanthin has demonstrated the capacity to enhance ocular blood flow velocity, facilitating the replenishment of oxygen to retinal and other eye tissues while aiding in efficiently removing toxins and waste products. It even has the potential to protect the retinas from light-induced damage.
Sugar Balance and Diabetes
There have been encouraging results when looking at the impact of astaxanthin on diabetes. Astaxanthin has shown promise in assisting individuals with type 2 diabetes to reduce blood pressure. In addition, a 2018 study revealed that participants experienced improved sugar metabolism.
Menopause
Menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, are frequently linked to elevated levels of cortisol and oxidative stress. Astaxanthin may assist in reducing the oxidative stress burden, thereby potentially alleviating symptoms commonly associated with menopause.
Conclusion
In summary, astaxanthin offers diverse health benefits, making it a valuable addition to one’s wellness routine. As a potent antioxidant, it helps combat oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage and promoting overall health. It has been associated with improved skin health, including moisture retention and reduction in wrinkles, as well as supporting joint function and eye health. Additionally, studies suggest its potential to enhance cognitive function, support heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels, and modulate the immune system. For those experiencing menopausal symptoms, astaxanthin may offer relief by mitigating oxidative stress. Incorporating astaxanthin into your daily protocol is, therefore, worth considering.
Recommended Product
