Astaxanthin is a supplement that has super-antioxidant properties. It’s a substance derived from a micro-algae. It may have health benefits including reducing the signs of aging, helping eye health and protecting brain health from degeneration. There has not been enough human studies for strong evidence but it looks promising. It does seem to help blood parameters that could be beneficial for heart disease. Astaxanthin is becoming more readily available in Canada and the Unites States.
Here’s a Few Astaxanthins to choose from
Astaxanthin gives salmon it’s pink coloration.
So what is Astaxanthin and what is it good for? Astaxanthin is the substance that gives salmon and flamingos their pink coloration (after they eat foods rich in this substance). It is a super-carotenoid more powerful than beta-carotene. Carotenoids are the substances that give green, orange and red fruits and vegetables their coloring (such as beets, carrots and peppers).
Benefits of Astaxanthin: may do the following although most research is in early stages
- it is anti-inflammatory in the body
- decreases triglycerides (depends upon dose) and increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin (a protein hormone associated with fat burning and increased insulin sensitivity) both at higher doses of 12 and 18mg/day so it may not be very feasible
- protect the brain from oxidation and neurodegredation (it has been suggested it may be a good supplement for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients)
- reduce the signs of aging such as wrinkles and age spots
- protect eye health
- promote healthy joints and skeletal system
- improve recovery, stamina, endurance and strength for athletes
- boost immune system
- researchers are excited to test its effects on conditions such as macular degeneration, ulcers, carpel tunnel syndrome
How it works
Astaxanthin is in a special class of carotenoids called xanthophylls. It is 10 times more effective than beta carotene and 500 times more effective at reducing oxidative stress than vitamin E. Astaxanthin has a unique chemical structure which allows it to stop free-radicals, but also to stop the chain reactions that free radicals cause in the body that lead to disease.It has two additional groups of oxygen molecules compared with beta carotene, that give it this extra antioxidant potency.
How you can get the benefits
To benefit from the health promoting properties of Astaxanthin, a good supplement is required and you must take it with food as it is fat-soluble. Traditionally the only way to ingest this super-antioxidant was eating foods such as salmon, krill and shrimp but the levels in foods may too low to provide much benefit but with this supplement more readily a available in Canada and the United States it’s easily accessible. By taking a good quality supplement you an enjoy the benefits every day at doses around 4mg once or twice a day.
Keep an eye out for this super-antioxidant to become increasingly popular as it’s health benefits are further investigated and more people are benefiting.
Sources
“Studies Related to Blood Glucose and Astaxanthin.” Examine.com, examine.com/rubric/effects/view/d397ee9c62eea530e3ce60da3ea37070/e8f018bff5e6657ea23b74fa68f76de0/all/.
Thanks For Giving Like This Useful And Helpful Information That Will Help Other People To Make The Life Is So Easy And Healthy.
Thanks
Another vitamin I find important is Vitamin A
It’s important to take the recommended doses of Vitamin A. By lacking this vitamin, or using it excessively, you can experience dry, rough skin.
Vitamin A can be found in liver, butter and eggs. Its precursor, beta-carotene, is in colorful vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
thanks for this info! some other great supplements:
Vitamin A is important for the prevention of night blindness and other eye problems, as well as some skin disorders, such as acne. It is also important in the formation of bones and teeth. Numerous other benefits include maintenance and repair of epithelial tissue, of which skin and mucous membranes are (1) composed, protection against infections, and antioxidant cell protection.
Vitamin B Complex: Eight different nutrients make up the Vitamin B Complex: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Cyanocobalamin, Biotin, and Folic Acid. Though grouped as a family, they each perform unique and separate functions, which include enhancing the metabolic rate by breaking down fats, carbohydrates and protein for energy, and maintaining healthy nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver, and brain function. They are important for heart health and are an effective aid in lowering cholesterol. B-complex vitamins also act as coenzymes, helping enzymes to react (2) chemically with other substances.
Vitamin C is critical for numerous metabolic functions, including tissue growth and repair, glandular functions, and healthy gums. It aids in the production of anti-stress hormones and interferon (an immune- system protein), and it can combine with toxic substances, such as certain heavy metals, and render them harmless so they can be eliminated from the body. Vitamin C works synergistically with Vitamins A and E; that is, when working together, they have a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects. Supplementation of this vitamin is critical, as the body cannot manufacture it.(3)
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin required for absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. It is especially important for the growth and development of bones and teeth. It protects against muscle weakness and aids in heartbeat regulation.(4)
Lutein is an important antioxidant for eye and skin health. Research also suggests that Lutein found in blood serum may be linked with less thickening of arterial walls.(5)
Lycopene is a phytochemical found to reduce the risk of prostate and lung cancer. With correct dosages, Lycopene may also reduce the risk of digestive cancers.
Astaxanthin eases arthritis and joint pain, sore muscles, and protects against heart disease. It is a potent antioxidant derived from micro algae. Because it crosses the blood/brain barrier, it offers oxidative protection for the nervous system.
Zeaxanthin protects cells in the eyes from free radical damage, which may reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant that aids in protecting the liver and pancreas.(6)
Green Tea Leaf Extract is used to lower cholesterol levels, stimulate the immune system, and regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.
Amino Acid Complex important for metabolic functions, such as helping the brain receive and send messages. Facilitates the absorption and assimilation of vitamins and minerals by the body.
Herbal Energy Blend (Peppermint leaf, Rhodiola rosea root, Eleuthero): Promotes stress-relieving effects for added energy, which contribute to immune system enhancement. Also aids in digestion.