Top 12 Astaxanthin Benefits
Twelve Reasons Why You Should Consider Adding This Powerhouse Antioxidant to Your Supplements.
In reviewing the top 12 Astaxanthin benefits, it is helpful to first understand what astaxanthin is. The role of this substance in nutrition and in the digestive process is undeniable. The substance is one of the phytochemicals known as carotenoids. In the natural form, it is a lipid soluble pigment commonly seen in micro-algae, krill, crustaceans, crayfish and shrimp. It is also seen in yeast, salmon, micro algae and trout. In humans, it is a potent antioxidant, beneficial in preventing or treating neurodegenerative, inflammatory, immune and cardiovascular diseases.
1. Skin Protection. Many skin conditions are believed to be improved by taking this carotenoid in supplement form. The signs of aging on the skin are obvious in the freckles, age spots, dry skin and wrinkles. Some of these are directly a result of slowing down of cell replacement through environmental factors. Genetics and disease. When the effects of the nutrient are applied, the skin is improved as new cells replace older, defective cells on the skin.
2. Protection Against Disease. This substance has not had extensive studies at the clinical research in humans to date. However, there is some belief that diseases such as the neurodegenerative type, including Parkinson’s, Huntington’s Chorea, and Alzheimer’s Disease are the result of oxidation attacks on the nervous system. There is some promising evidence at the preclinical trial level that astaxanthin has the ability to extend antioxidant properties through the blood-brain barrier. In addition, it can cross the blood-retinal barrier.
3. Eyesight Protection and Improvement. Astaxanthin has been shown to protect your eyesight. For those who use a visual display terminal and experience eyestrain as a result, taking a supplement of five milligrams daily offers significant improvement in visual acuity. Volunteers in the control group, who took a placebo dosage in the same amount showed no change in the ability of the eyes to recover from or prevent eyestrain. Adults in another study showed measurable improvement in distance vision acuity.
4. Anti-Aging. The mitochondria of the cell is affected by premature aging. When there are chain reactions due to oxidation in expanded numbers, the result is many free radicals. These free radicals cause cell death and tissue aging. When astaxanthin is increased, it reduces mitochondrial oxidation in rats. Compared to that of vitamin E, astaxanthin’s effectiveness is as much as one hundred times higher. This effectiveness in protecting the cell membranes promotes and preserve cellular health.
5. Liver Protection. The nutrient is known to provide protection for the liver. It prevents oxidative damage, which is one of the properties of this nutrient that is the most beneficial. A dosage of 100 milligrams brought the benefits of enzymes noted for detoxification properties to the liver cells. This ability improves the work of the liver. It allows for removal of dead red blood cells, viruses, bacteria and contaminants from the body, leaving healthy systems and cells behind.
6. Natural Sunscreen. The phytochemical is a natural sunscreen. The effects of the substance to reduce sunburn and related damage after UV rays caused reddening are significant. Natural astaxanthin offers anti-inflammatory properties, particularly when they are combined with the formation of melanin. Skin damage is reduced, recovery time is lessened after exposure to ultraviolet rays.
7. Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial. It has been determined that gastric inflammation and bacteria are reduced by the nutrient. Again, it is the increase in anti-oxidants that is responsible for reducing the cell damage. When the inflammation level drops, the cells are able to heal, and eventually the ulcerated tissue is gone.
8. Cancer Protection. There is some evidence that astaxanthin may have the ability to serve as a cancer fighter. It improves intercellular communication which inhibits malignant tumor growth. This doesn’t mean that it is a cancer cure, but that it may be helpful in limiting growth of malignancies so that other therapies can be more effective.
9. Increased Male Fertility. A daily dosage of 16 mg given to a man who has been trying to impregnate his wife showers a higher success rate. During a three month trial period, five of ten previously infertile couples achieved pregnancy, in comparison with one of ten in the control group. The conclusion is that the phytochemical improves sperm quality, as opposed to quantity.
10. Diabetes Prevention. Trials are underway to determine whether improving antioxidative activity in the kidneys, results in less damage to renal cells. The effect on blood glucose is the contributing factor here. If testing continues to be promising, this supplement could be an amazing step forward in preventing onset of diabetes.
11. Heart Disease Prevention. The link between cardiovascular disease and inflammation is well known. The nutrient is one of the strong anti-inflammatory substances available naturally, It can be expected that increasing astaxanthin strengthens the heart muscle, thus preventing heart disease.
12. Enhanced Memory and Cognitive Function. Strengthening the nervous system to prevent oxidative damage is part of the function of the nutrient. This will help to enhance memory and improve learning capabilities. For those at risk of dementia, this is a particularly positive characteristic.
It can be seen that most of the top 12 Astaxanthin benefits described above are tied in one way or another to its anti-oxidant qualities. For many of the age-related diseases, this easy remedy is available to everyone. There are no known Astaxanthin side effects. With so many potential benefits, what are you waiting for? Add this powerhouse to your arsenal.
What is Astaxanthin?
A Simple Answer To The Question What Is Astaxanthin
Almost everywhere one turns these days there is some doctor touting the super antioxidant, Astaxanthin. They spend hours on television and page after page on the Web, telling about the many benefits of this nutrient. However, very few places actually answer the question, what is Astaxanthin.
Basically speaking this nutrient is a pigment. It is derived from a variety of red microalgae and is responsible for the red coloration of lobsters, crabs, and wild salmon. There is a reason for emphasis on the wild salmon that will be explained shortly. This nutrient has been used extensively as a food coloring in the production of pet foods.
It is also fed to farm raised salmon in an effort to give them the pink color that people have come to expect. However, a vital difference lies in the fact that it is a synthetic version of this nutrient that is fed to farm raised fish. The synthetic is nowhere near as powerful as the natural form. This is why an emphasis was placed on the wild salmon, as opposed to farm raised salmon.
This substance is a member of the family of nutrients known as carotenoids. This family includes such well-known nutrients as vitamin A, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein. These nutrients are known to be responsible for the bright coloration of certain vegetables and fruits. They are also powerful antioxidants with Astaxanthin being the single most powerful discovered to date.
It has also been shown to have strong and inflammatory benefits, as well as relieving pain in patients suffering from chronic conditions such as rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. It is unique among nutrients in its family in that it is also able to cross the brain blood barrier and provide protection from conditions associated with aging, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia. It also crosses the blood retina barrier and provides powerful protection for the eyes from conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Athletes are discovering that its antioxidant properties, give it the ability to increase their stamina and reduce the time it takes to recover after a strenuous workout. This is because workouts of this variety tend to produce a large number of free radicals in the muscles. And this nutrient is able to enter the cells and scavenge these free radicals before they are able to damage the cells.
Anyone who understands the answer to the question, what is Astaxanthin can see that it is a nutrient that everyone should be taking. While most nutrients are best picked up from the diet rather than through supplementation, Astaxanthin is an exception to this rule. This is because it’s only natural source is a variety of red microalgae. This is consumed by certain shellfish and other animals that are then eaten by humans. However, it would be difficult to consume enough fish to obtain a therapeutic dosage.
Astaxanthin Dosage: How Much Do I Need To Get Astaxanthin Health Benefits?
To reap the benefits of Astaxanthin should I take 4 mg, 8 mg, or 10 mg?
Astaxanthin is proving to be one of the most powerful antioxidants available. It is several times more powerful than common ones such as vitamin A, beta carotene, and others. However, this has raised the question, “Astaxanthin dosage: How much do I need to get the health benefits?”. The answer is not completely clear because it depends on which health benefits you are looking for.
When it comes to the antioxidant effects of this substance, research indicates that a dosage of four milligrams per day is sufficient to exceed the benefits of several other popular antioxidants. The unique chemical structure of this nutrient creates a number of free electrons that can counteract the oxidizing effects of free radicals in the body.
This nutrient has also been shown to be a natural anti-inflammatory. However, it takes a slightly higher dose to maximize this effect. Eight milligrams per day has been shown to be effective at combating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a great step forward in caring for patients suffering from these conditions that do not require a prescription because it is not a drug, but is a naturally occurring nutrient.
Athletes and others have found that taking high doses, twelve milligrams or more, increases their endurance and shortens recovery after intense workouts. They have also found that this nutrient accumulates in the body. For this reason, it is often recommended that athletes start out taking larger doses and decrease over a period of time.
Studies have shown that there are no toxic levels of this nutrient. However, side effects have been noted with higher doses, including increases in skin pigmentation. This effect is not surprising as Astaxanthin is the substance that gives salmon its bright pink to red color.
This nutrient can be obtained from different sources. It is one component of krill oil, a dietary supplement that has been marketed for several years. However, the amount is extremely small in krill oil. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that one seek out a supplement composed of natural Astaxanthin that is produced from marine algae. This form is more potent than synthetically produced samples.
Some manufacturers recommend a dosage as low as two milligrams. While this amount will definitely benefit the body, studies have shown that optimum effectiveness is normally achieved with a dosage level between four and eight milligrams. For this reason, it would be wise to find a supplement that comes in increments of four milligrams in order to limit the number of capsules that must be consumed.
Another factor that can determine Astaxanthin dosage: how much do I need to get the health benefits is the nature of other supplements taken with it and diet. This is a lipid soluble nutrient, meaning that it dissolves in fats. One can maximize absorption to gain the same effectiveness from smaller doses by taking it with an oily supplement such as krill oil or Omega 3 fish oil. It will be necessary to consume higher quantities if there is no fatty substance available in which it can be dissolved.
Benefits of Astaxanthin for Brain Function
Astaxanthin has been termed a “super” nutrient because of its powerful antioxidant properties. It is approximately five hundred times more potent than vitamin E, fifty times more potent than beta-carotene, and many times more potent than vitamin A. Yet, the potential benefits of this nutrient are still being uncovered. Several studies have shown the benefits of astaxanthin for brain function in recent years.
This is one of the few nutrients that is able to cross the blood/brain barrier and enter directly into the cells. Once inside, its antioxidant properties help improve the function of these cells in several different ways. It has even been placed on a short list of potential “brain foods”.
Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family of nutrients. It is the pigment that gives salmon and certain shellfish their distinctive red color as well as being the reason flamingos are pink. It is only produced in nature by one variety of red microalgae that is consumed by these animals in large quantities.
One could conceivably obtain a therapeutic dose by eating enough salmon if the fish was wild caught, not farm raised. However, it would take a substantial amount of the fish to provide enough of this nutrient to be able to avoid supplementation of the diet. Farm raised salmon and other fish contain even less of this nutrient. Even worse, the variety they contain is synthetic in origin and resembles motor oil more than a valuable nutrient.
One key feature of this nutrient is its ability to protect the cells from damage and/or cell death in the event of an ischemic attack or stroke. By preventing the buildup of oxidative toxins in the cells, it helped to limit damage by as much as 40 percent more in mice that were treated with it before having a stroke induced than in a placebo group that did not receive it.
It also was shown to improve production of certain neurotransmitters that are commonly in short supply during such an episode, improving memory and cognitive function. Treated mice were shown to perform better at memory tests involving a maze that they had been through many times before than those who were not treated.
In humans, this nutrient was shown to protect cells from the types of neuron damage seen in diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Another study showed that it lowered levels of the metabolite, PLOOH, which has been linked with dementia. This shows that supplementation with this one nutrient can help to prevent the onset of dementia in otherwise healthy patients.
The benefits of astaxanthin for brain function are still being explored. One thing that is certain is that this is a highly valuable nutrient for maintaining normal brain function into old age. It helps one to maintain his/her memory and protects the brain from damage associated with other conditions such as heart attacks or strokes. More importantly, it helps to prevent these conditions from developing in the first place. Supplementation with as little as four milligrams each day can make a huge difference in one’s overall and mental health.
Natural Astaxanthin – Why You Need The Natural Form
Natural Astaxanthin is one of the most potent forms of antioxidant protection you can find. It is made in natural form and also in synthetic form. Here are some important reasons to consider antioxidant supplements that are pure and why you need the natural form.
When you take a naturally produced supplement you are getting the purest form of antioxidants. Some supplements may contain things for preservation. They may seem harmless, but there are no health reasons to add certain substances that can be found in some supplements.
Some kinds of supplements are processed or produced in a laboratory. These processes may utilize specific chemicals that are not required for the supplement to be effective. They are however, required to synthetically produce some kinds of supplements. Naturally manufactured supplements produce the purest results.
Natural Astaxanthin provides some of the most potent antioxidant protection that you can get. Many supplements are produced from naturally produced micro-algae. However, make sure that the manufacturer does not use any kind of chemicals or unnatural processes. Here is a somewhat funny video that describes how supplements are produced from micro-algae.
It is not always easy to tell if a product is produced naturally or not. One of the best ways is to read the label carefully. If you see a lot of ingredients that you are unsure of, some of them may be used as preservatives or to enhance color. It is important to use a product that has few ingredients on the label. This tells you that things are not being added for cosmetic or preservation purposes.
Some people may be sensitive to certain chemicals used to increase the shelf life of supplements. They can cause a host of problems that the user may not be aware of. You may experience headaches or digestive upsets, or you may have a general feeling of illness. This can be a side effect of some ingredients in supplements that are not made naturally.
Before you buy Astaxanthin, take some time to research products. Get a list of ingredients and find out what they are used for. This is one of the best ways to know if you are getting products that are pure and good for you.
When you take an antioxidant supplement such as Astaxanthin, you want something with as much potency as possible. This way, you need to take fewer capsules. This can save you money over the course of time. The more pure a supplement is, the more potency you may expect. Micro-algae is one of the best sources for high potency products.
Before you buy Astaxanthin supplements, it is best to do some comparisons. This is not hard to do when you use the resources of the internet. Online sources for supplements are an excellent place to buy what you need. They offer some of the lowest prices and most convenient methods for shopping.
As the human body ages the very oxygen it breathes can cause damage to cells. To limit this damage, one should consider natural Astaxanthin supplements. They will provide you with the greatest antioxidant action and you will not have to worry about side effects from chemical additives.
Astaxanthin Side Effects – What You Need to Know
One shoe does not fit all, therefore, while most may experience many Astaxanthin health benefits, some individuals may experience some negative side effects of Astaxanthin.
As with every product, do your homework and work under the supervision of a doctor.
The phytochemical astaxanthin is known for therapy for Parkinson’s Disease, strokes, Alzheimer’s Disease, high cholesterol, prevention of cancer and age-related macular degeneration. In its topical form, the substance is applied directly to the skin to relieve the pain, skin damage and inflammation of sunburn. Clearly there are many Astaxanthin health benefits. Although the substance is considered safe when consumed in supplement levels or when consumed in its natural form, there is not enough information about higher dosages to be certain about the effects over time and whether there may be astaxanthin side effects.
In its topical form, the studies are not conclusive or not available to determine the levels of concern. The difference between toxicity and lack of knowledge should be noted. As with any substance, knowledge continues to grow and expand. As more information is made available, there may be side effects linked to the substance that are currently unknown. Currently, the only signal that follows the ingestion of this substance is a minor orange tint that occurs when the pigment passes through the digestive system and shows up in the fecal matter.
For example, women who are breast feeding or who are pregnant should avoid taking supplements or using the substance topically. There is no documented danger, but avoiding anything which might be passed to the baby or to the fetus should be avoided. Since this is an antioxidant that passes the blood-brain barrier, it is best avoided.
People who have known allergies or who are hypersensitive to the substance or to carotenoids that are related, obviously should not use the products that include allergens. Other sensitivities could be those who are sensitive to algae, hormones or who have immune disorders.
There should be caution exercised when the person has parathyroid disorders. High blood pressure or hypertension is another condition where caution should be exercised. Osteoporosis is a condition that afflicts many women after menopause. Asthma and the substance could be a mixture that is unwise. Again, people are urged to be careful about choosing to take the substance.
Astaxanthin interactions are linked to medications for lowering cholesterol. Medications for parathyroid may not mix well with ingestion of astaxanthin. Women who are taking birth control medications should be cautious about the use of the nutrient at the same time. The same cautions apply to women taking medications to alleviate menopause symptoms. Finally, there may be an interaction of a negative nature when the individual is taking medications for asthma.
When and if there are any side effects of astaxanthin, they might be non-toxic, but they are still side effects. The person might show decreased blood pressure. The pigmentation of the skin may be increased. For some people, side effects might mean additional hair growth. Calcium levels in the blood may be decreased and there may be changes in the hormone balance. Some people have suggested that effects are experienced that are similar to some of the antihistamine medications. Other people report decreased libido.
Generally, side effects of astaxanthin are negligible as far as they are reported. Further study of the reactions may shed new light on the potential toxicity. Caution should always be exercised when pregnant or breastfeeding. When there is sensitivity to certain substances, that should be taken into account. When considering interactions, review the literature and always err on the side of caution. Remember to always speak to your health care professional about Astaxanthin side effects before doing anything.
Astaxanthin Benefits – Find Out What Everyone Is Saying About This Super Antioxident Carotenoid
Astaxanthin is eight hundred times stronger than vitamin C, eight hundred times stronger than CoQ10 and 550 times more effective than vitamin E. Everybody should consider taking it. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Furthermore, it is easily ingested in supplement form. It is meant to enhance the intake of a healthy and nutritionally complete diet.Antioxidants are good news for the skin. They have been shown to eliminate dryness, wrinkles, age spots and even freckles. What is the right Astaxanthin dosage? A dosage of as little as 4 mg daily will refresh and rejuvenate skin cells, leaving them healthy and glowing.
Some studies show that the nutrient also serves as a protective barrier to prevent damage from UV rays in much the same way as a sunscreen. This means your skin is better protected from burning, and tends to heal faster from the redness and inflammation caused by too much sun. The antioxidant characteristics of this lipid-soluble nutrient work on other tissue as well. For example, the cardiovascular system certain to exhibit better health when there are reduced free radicals doing damage to the cells. Since cardiovascular disease is one of the major killers in the United States, anything natural supplement that offers tools to reduce its impact is certain to be talked about favorably.
Other Astaxanthin benefits are ascribed. For example, it is believed to fight against the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. The nutrient has the ability to cross over the blood brain barrier to help repair weakened or damaged cells in the brain. Getting rid of the free radicals noted as a cause of aging, primarily premature aging, means there is less of a likelihood of exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia. For those who are younger, the substance can help to improve memory and facilitate learning.
These are a few of the astaxanthin benefits – this is why everyone is talking about this super antioxident carotenoid. Reducing the signs of aging on skin and other bodily systems is a primary role. The use of small supplements can fight cancer, gastric ulcers, sunburn, diabetes and Alzheimer’s, according to several scientific clinical studies. Better visual acuity and less eyestrain are welcome characteristics for those who spend hours watching a computer screen.
Astaxanthin Benefits: Skin Protection From The Sun
There is a growing understanding that skin protection is an important part of the benefits provided by this nutrient. Understanding astaxanthin benefits, namely, skin protection from the sun and how it is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants recognized at present. Protection of the cells is a major result, but this supplement also has several other advantages and potential benefits, which makes it a popular seller on the market. Describing the benefits on the dermis can help to define how the nutrient works.
Natural sources of astaxanthin are in pink animals. For example, flamingos, crabs, shrimp, lobster and salmon. The classification of this nutrient is as a carotenoid. Carotenoids in turn are part of the phytochemical classification of species. The larger grouping to which it belongs is terpenes. The substance is known for its ability to provide pigment. The substance is used as a way to add color to food.
There is some evidence that this substance has other advantages in addition to pigmentation. It is a powerful antioxidant. Because of the strength and stamina of a salmon, it is that that the nutrient may add characteristics of endurance in humans. The anti-inflammatory properties are linked to consumption. As a remedy for arthritis, with its inflammatory symptoms, this substance ranks high on the positive scale. The benefits on the dermis are the primary publicity cause at the present. The nutrient is believed to prevent visible indications of aging.
Understanding how antioxidant properties are provided is the key to describing its benefits. The nutrient combats free radicals. These units cause you to appear damaged and look much older than you should. Antioxidants combat free radicals in the body. This works on the outside and throughout the body. Free radicals work at the cellular level. Antioxidants work on all parts of cells to prevent the actions of these free radicals.
One of the major reasons for the effectiveness of astaxanthin as an antioxidant is due to its ability to reach more parts of these damaged cells. The nutrient is able to get into the innermost parts of each cell, as well as combating the free radicals wherever they are found. Because the substance can cross the brain-blood barrier, it is able to help with healing and therapy of your nervous system, eyes and brain. This action on the cells helps to heal and strengthen them.
The damage of free radicals comes then they react with the cell walls throughout the system. This eventually means that the walls are broken down. When there are holes or when there is deterioration the radicals more through the walls and do damage to the DNA found in the interior of these cells. This can be the basis of cancerous conditions. When there enough cells with damage, it becomes visible. The surface of your body looks dry, wrinkled, rough and can show freckles.
Astaxanthin is effective as a remedy for damaged cells because it is lipid soluble. This means that it dissolves or becomes one with lipids. It can join the free radicals to prevent them from doing further damage. Skin that looks dry, has wrinkles and age spots is not attractive. Because of such damage to the cells, the skin visible skin is more susceptible to further damage such as that provided by the UV rays of the sun.
If you are looking for a major benefit to protect your skin, Astaxanthin is one answer. There are many Astaxanthin benefits, but skin protection from the sun is one the important ones of this efficient antioxidant. It can stop or reverse the damage to cells of the skin and elsewhere. Cell damage can lead to more serious conditions even including pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions. Always consult with your health care professional and always take precaution when under the sun, even if you are taking such nutrients as Astaxanthin.
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Astaxanthin Benefits Information – and side effects – Everything you need – your expert source.