The Unique Health Benefits of Astaxanthin: The Anti-aging, Anti-inflammatory, and Pro-oxidant Superstar!

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that’s found almost exclusively in algae, fungi, and the feathers of bird-eating birds. It’s also one of the most powerful antioxidants known to man, with an ORAC value (a measurement of antioxidant capacity) that’s not even found in other carotenoids; something you probably won’t hear about from your local supplement salesperson. It is certainly not the sexiest or flashiest of the carotenoids, but it has become increasingly well-known in recent years for its many health benefits. Moreover, astaxanthin offers a number of unique properties as compared with other carotenoids:

 

Antioxidant Protection

Like all carotenoids, astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant, meaning that it protects bodily tissues against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are created as a byproduct of metabolism when certain substances come into contact with oxygen in the body. These are actually beneficial in small amounts, but can become dangerous if they’re allowed to build up. Astaxanthin is a great addition to any health-conscious person’s diet since it can help protect the body from damage caused by many common sources of oxidative stress: UV Light - Free radicals created by UV light exposure can cause sunburn, skin damage, and even contribute to the formation of skin cancers. Astaxanthin can help counter this by preventing the creation of these dangerous molecules in the first place.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Astaxanthin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, which means that it can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is considered to be the root cause of many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and various types of cancer. Astaxanthin has been shown to be effective against many of the inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Pro-oxidant Effects

Unlike many other antioxidants, astaxanthin is also pro-oxidant, meaning that it can cause oxidative reactions in the body. The reactions created by astaxanthin aren’t harmful, however, and can be more beneficial than harmful. It has been shown that astaxanthin can increase the amount of nitric oxide in the body, which is a key component of blood flow and vascular health. This makes it useful for people who want to improve their athletic performance.

Brain and Vision Benefits

Besides offering protection from oxidative damage, astaxanthin has been shown to have other positive health effects that are unrelated to its antioxidant abilities. For example, it has been shown to have benefits for the retina and brain by improving cognitive function and potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Skin Protection

Carotenoids, including astaxanthin, have been proven to have skin-protecting benefits similar to those of sunscreen. Unlike sunscreen, however, carotenoids like astaxanthin don’t break down when exposed to UV light; they actually become more potent! Astaxanthin has been shown to protect against erythema (redness caused by sun exposure), DNA damage from UV light, and the inflammatory damage caused by sunburn and sun damage.

Conclusion

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that offers a wide range of health benefits. It can help prevent oxidative damage caused by many common sources of oxidative stress, as well as reduce inflammation and improve vascular health. It can also benefit the brain and eyes and protect the skin against sun damage. It’s important to note that not all astaxanthin supplements are created equal. The best-quality astaxanthin supplements contain pure, natural astaxanthin derived from algae that has been verified to be free of any impurities. Get your astaxanthin here.