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. This could be related to Astaxanthin testosterone boosting potential.

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.