Although the term “carotenoid” seems complex and “science-y,” these nutritional compounds are found in everyday life and, because of their vibrant hues, they add color to the world.
The orange hue of yams and carrots? Carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, are the source of that. What about the red in a northern cardinal, the pink in a flamingo, and the salmon and shrimp? Carotenoids are also responsible for those colors. Astaxanthin, a lesser-known carotenoid, is frequently responsible for these reddish-pink hues. However, beingless well-known does not equate to being inferior!
One of nature’s most essential and adaptable carotenoids is astaxanthin. Its health advantages for the heart, skin, metabolism, and even longevity make it impossible to ignore.
Astaxanthin: what is it?
Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoids class of nutritional pigments. This class also includes lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and beta-carotene (also known as β-carotene). Astaxanthin has potent antioxidant qualities, just like other carotenoids.
Many plants and animals get their color from astaxanthin and other carotenoids. You won’t change color if you consume astaxanthin through food or supplements, so don’t worry! We guarantee you won’t turn pink or salmon, even though all the health benefits you’ll gain may give you a glowing, youthful glow.
The astaxanthin-producing microalgae, in this example, a tiny freshwater plant, Haematococcus pluvialis, is the most concentrated naturally occurring source of astaxanthin, even though it is found in a wide variety of plants and animals.This microalgae is used to extract astaxanthin for use in supplements.
Here are 8 advantages of astaxanthin for health
1. Astaxanthin has strong antioxidant properties.
Astaxanthin is multifaceted. However, many of its health benefits are attributed to its potent antioxidant properties. According to popular belief, one of the most potent antioxidant minerals is astaxanthin. Since oxidative stress is thought to be one of the primary causes of adverse health effects and even a major contributor to aging, astaxanthin’s antioxidant qualities have a knock-on effect.
Astaxanthin can help protect your eyes, skin, heart, and immune system from oxidative stress, often known as “free radicals.”
2. Astaxanthin is a superfood for eye health.
Carotenoids are well known to be important for eye health. They play a crucial role in shielding the retina—especially the macula—from ultraviolet radiation.
Beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin are frequently found in well-known eye supplements that help preserve aging vision. However, astaxanthin and another “cousin,” alpha-carotene, are commonly included in cutting-edge eye health supplements. A study demonstrating astaxanthin’s ability to prevent eye strain in those who work with visual displays validated its status as a potent carotenoid for eye health. And with technology at our fingertips, astaxanthin benefits everyone—who doesn’t spend too much time on screens these days?
3. Astaxanthin encourages smooth, young skin.
Particularly when it comes to your health, beauty is more than just appearances. Maintaining your skin’s youthfulness and vibrancy often implies maintaining your overall health. This is the case with astaxanthin, which supports the health of your skin and offers advantages to your entire body.
Astaxanthin guards against UV rays, which can affect the aging and health of the skin. According to a thorough study that included 23 healthy participants, 4 mg of astaxanthin daily protected against the oxidative damage brought on by UV radiation. Even the parts of the skin that were not exposed to UV light were maintained by astaxanthin; those people’s skin was smoother and more supple.
In another study, 65 healthy women who took 6 or 12 mg of astaxanthin said that it prevented the appearance of dryness and wrinkles. Not only that, but another study discovered that combining 2 mg of astaxanthin with 3 grams of collagen preparation enhanced the structure and integrity of the skin and promoted the creation of more collagen. A healthy inflammatory response was even encouraged by the combo.
4. Astaxanthin maintains the health of your heart
Most of us require a little assistance to maintain optimal cardiovascular health. A long, healthy life still depends on our heart and cardiovascular systems functioning at their best, despite everything we now know about nutrition and taking preventative measures. Considering its other health benefits, it should be no surprise that astaxanthin is particularly effective in promoting heart health.
Astaxanthin’s powerful ability to suppress oxidative stress accounts for a large portion of this advantage. However, it also supports healthy lipid levels, among other benefits. According to one study, it even made the heart pump more effectively. Thanks to the heart’s effective pumping action and maintaining a healthy blood pressure level, all your tissues and cells may receive blood and oxygen.
5. Use astaxanthin to promote liver health
One of the busiest organs in the body is the liver. Did you know that? Even if all that activity is minuscule, a lot is still happening. The liver is crucial in your body’s metabolic and biochemical functions, including your inflammatory response. (Hey, it’s a lot, we said!) And because of all that activity, things might occasionally go awry. This may be particularly true if our metabolism isn’t functioning as well as we’d want.
It makes logical sense that astaxanthin has been rigorously investigated for its function in maintaining a healthy liver, given its expanding list of health benefits and its formidable defense against oxidative stress. Furthermore, a healthy liver indicates a healthy you because the liver “touches” everything.
6. Your immune system is supported by astaxanthin.
Whether it means fending off immune challenges or maintaining our health and vitality as we age, we all desire the finest immune health possible. Astaxanthin can be one of our finest allies in preserving immunological function because of its capacity to combat oxidative stress and promote a balanced inflammatory response.
Your immune system benefits from moderate exercise, but athletes frequently overdo it, which makes it more difficult to sustain a healthy immune response. Astaxanthin, however, preserved a healthy immunological reaction in runners in one study.
7. Astaxanthin safeguards metabolic well-being
If you’re asking, “Is astaxanthin good for everything?” At this point, we wouldn’t blame you. We’ll stick with the regions where the evidence is strong, but it might just be. Your metabolism, a general phrase referring to how your body converts food into energy, is part of that. That, in turn, has a lot to do with the condition of your heart, blood vessels, and, yes, even your brain.
You should prioritize self-care (if you can; we realize that you’re often the last person on your “take care of” list), maintain an active lifestyle, and maintain a balanced diet because metabolic health impacts every cell and organ. And taking astaxanthin, too. Astaxanthin supplementation at 12 mg daily boosted several good lipid and glucose metabolism indicators in a 12-week rigorous experiment including 53 Japanese volunteers. (Astaxanthin is a lipid-soluble vitamin, just like other carotenoids.) Astaxanthin also supports specific healthy lipid metabolism markers, according to a comparable study conducted in 50 participants.
8. Astaxanthin: a supernutrient for brain health
You could argue that your brain is a wonder that controls everything. It is also highly delicate, likely because our skull has a hard, bone shell. However, the blood-brain barrier provides internal protection as well. Nothing can pass through this highly selective tiny barrier in our brains’ blood channels. Toxins and other undesirable chemicals are kept out, but this also means that some nutrients are kept out.
Therefore, it is a positive indication for brain-related health when a potent antioxidant that can promote a healthy inflammatory response is discovered to cross the blood-brain barrier, implying the body and brain accept it. That’s why scientists are studying astaxanthin to optimize brain function. According to one clinical trial, a combination of astaxanthin and sesamin, an extract from sesame seeds, improved cognition and aided study participants in completing complex tasks quickly and precisely.
Do supplements containing astaxanthin work?
As a supplement, astaxanthin has all the qualities and advantages we just covered. Don’t expect results immediately, though, as with all dietary, lifestyle, and nutrition supplements. Eating healthier meals takes time. Reaching the best possible cardiovascular health may take months or even years. When you take astaxanthin, your skin won’t seem instantly soft and smooth. However, astaxanthin pills work, and you can rest easy knowing that this form of astaxanthin is a fantastic, scientifically supported method to maximize your well-being.
Speaking of longevity and anti-aging vitamins, if you’re still unsure of what you need, a longevity quiz will help you figure it out and provide tailored advice on what to take to live a long, healthy life.
How to use supplements containing astaxanthin
As with any food-based supplement, take astaxanthin supplements with a meal. Astaxanthin is best absorbed with food since carotenoids, such as vitamins E and K, are fat-soluble.
Expert advice: Take a phospholipid-containing astaxanthin supplement to guarantee the best possible absorption. Phospholipid formulations can be taken with or without food to make astaxanthin easier to absorb.
Can I take astaxanthin and resveratrol together?
Resveratrol and astaxanthin are potent natural antioxidants that have been researched for their ability to prolong life and prevent aging. You can take them simultaneously if it’s more convenient, but it’s not required. Your health routine would undoubtedly be optimized if you took both!
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