2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Nowadays, there is hardly a person in active age who is not at least vaguely familiar with antioxidants, their properties and their importance to the body. But did you know that one of them is nearly 10 times more effective than the others? If you know this fact, you probably know who it is the antioxidant - a miracle! If not -
we present you astaxanthin
Astaxanthin, also known as astazantin, is a carotenoid, a fat-soluble pigment, a member of a class of phytopigments known as terpenes. If this is not confusing enough, there is a sequel - astaxanthin belongs to a special group of carotenoid pigments called xanthophylls. Unless you have ambitions for a doctorate in chemistry, it is enough to know the following: astaxanthin is a phytochemical contained in algae, through which it passes and in animals that feed on algae - shrimp, krill, lobster, crabs, salmon, flamingos… Namely to the astaxanthin in algae the flamingo owes the enchanting pink color of its plumage. The red-orange colors of shrimp, crabs, lobsters, salmon meat, etc. also due to the phytopigment absorbed by the algae.
However, in addition to coloring living things, astaxanthin has been shown to be particularly useful in health care.
The miraculous pigment is a powerful analgesic, it is among the champions in the industry in terms of anti-inflammatory action, and in the fight against free radicals it is simply unattainable - its effect is 10 times stronger than other antioxidants! And these are just some of the abilities of astaxanthin - their full disclosure requires a more orderly approach!
Painkiller and anti-inflammatory effect of astaxanthin
It is due to its ability to block COX 2 (cyclooxygenase type 2) enzymes, the values of which are directly related to the presence of inflammatory processes. Selective suppression of COX 2 avoids damage to the digestive tract - which is unattainable for conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs also block the enzyme COX-1 (cyclooxygenase type 1), the receptors for which are found along the digestive tract. These abilities make astaxanthin effective in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and all conditions associated with inflammation and pain. And - unlike synthetic analgesics - astaxanthin combines a powerful effect with zero risk of addiction and side effects.
Fast recovery after exercise
Also listed useful properties of astaxanthin. Although inferior in importance to things like cell cleansing and reducing the risk of heart disease (two of the other possibilities of the substance), a speedy recovery is important for people who are active in sports or just want to be in the best possible shape. form. Greater endurance, more strength, higher energy levels - the intake of clean, natural astaxanthin will help you achieve all this.
Keeps eyesight and eyes in good shape
Because it has the ability to reach directly to the retina. It has a beneficial effect on conditions such as eye strain, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Taking 4 to 12 mg of astaxanthin daily for 28 days provides visual acuity and good general eye condition - studies have shown. This could be especially useful for people working with computers.
Cell purification
Which has already been mentioned - due to a unique ability of astaxanthin, which gives it primacy among antioxidants: the ability to penetrate into every cell of the body, and, thanks to its hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, to reach all its components.
It works against Alzheimer's
Or at least reduces the risk of developing the disease. It is indisputably proven that neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Huntington or Parkinson's are largely caused by the damage that the nervous system suffers from the action of oxidants. And here astaxanthin is an invaluable protector - its molecule is sized to allow it to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide immediate antioxidant protection to brain tissue.
Against diseases of the cardiovascular system
Astaxanthin acts rather indirectly - through its ability to limit and treat inflammation, which in turn is a common cause of cardiovascular problems. The reduced risk of inflammation, as well as their rapid elimination, logically provides a lower risk of cardiovascular problems.
Beneficial effect on the skin
There is also no shortage of benefits that astaxanthin brings to the body. The action of the antioxidant against UV radiation is comparable to that of sunscreen, and in addition the miraculous substance shortens the time needed to restore the skin after sun exposure, improves its hydration and reduces wrinkles.
Where to find it?
Photo: Diana Kostova
The best sources of astaxanthin are the ocean salmon and… the market for food supplements. It is easy to explain why natural foods are considered better than supplements, but to ensure a dose of 3.6 mg of astaxanthin per day, you will need to consume about 165 grams of salmon each day. If this does not seem to be a problem, keep in mind that a number of therapeutic properties - for example against inflammation - appear only at higher doses.
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