Introduction
People of different ages often experience pain in the joints, excess fatigue, and low immunity. Everyone, including young generation, is struggling with low energy and fail to get through with the daily routine. Energy deficiency, fatigue, and brain fog results in decreased productivity and low quality of life.
These symptoms can be prolonged in some cases resulting in serious conditions such as arthritis joint pain and kidney damage. It could also indicate a weak immune system and inadequate oxygen flow to brain and heart. Lack of enough nutrients in the body could be the cause of these issues.
One of the factors that contribute to general wellness and immunity in the body is the presence of antioxidants. These are the certain type of molecules that control the oxidation process. The body needs oxygen to function properly. While this happens continuously, the chemical reaction associated with it produces free radicals. This free radicals, if produced in excess amounts, can lead to cell damage and cancer. Antioxidants eliminate these free radicals and maintain the oxidative state.
There is a myriad of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E that are categorized as dietary antioxidants. There is also another set that is produced internally such as glutathione and various enzymes. One such powerful antioxidant is a carotenoid called Astaxanthin.
It is said to help in strengthening immunity and supports knee pain treatments, skin health, and even reduce the risk of cancer. It also possesses strong anti-inflammatory activity that helps to regulate arthritis joint pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues associated with it.
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that comes under the category of carotenoids. It is part of certain marine plants and animals. Usually termed as “the king” of carotenoids,” astaxanthin does justice to the title because of its special features. Many antioxidants will, at some point in time, act as pro-oxidant causing damage to the body. This is where Astaxanthin shines brightly as it never becomes pro-oxidant and damage body cells.
Foods that are rich in Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin can be found in high concentrations mainly in seafood such as:
- Different varieties of salmon
- Lobster
- Red trout
- Shrimp
- Crawfish
- Crabs
- Red snapper
- Green Algae
- Krill
These sea beings get their pink or red color due to the presence of Astaxanthin.
Benefits of Astaxanthin
Joint Health
One of the major responsibilities of an antioxidant is to maintain body balance and fight harmful free radicals. One of the main causes of inflammation, fatigue and various autoimmune diseases is an imbalance on the cellular level. Thus, the presence of astaxanthin considerably reduces inflammation and arthritis joint pain.
Eye Health
The molecular structure of astaxanthin is similar to that of lutein and zeaxanthin; two different antioxidants that do similar duties. These two antioxidants have proven to reduce the risk of nuclear cataracts. Although similar, astaxanthin is a much stronger antioxidant compared to the other two and possess higher UV-light protection capacity. Both these characteristics make astaxanthin an important aspect of healthy eyes.
Reduces oxidative damage
Oxidative stress is the body’s production of higher reactive oxygen than required. This can result in damage to proteins and genes inside the body. Different factors contribute oxidative stress such as overexposure to UV rays, Smoking, unhealthy diet, and some medications. Astaxanthin has proven to decrease the oxidative stress that occurs due to oxidation and acts as a powerful antioxidant. It is also said to keep the body immune to highly oxidative foods such as fried foods.
Skin Health
Astaxanthin is clinically proven to increase moisture levels, elasticity, and skin smoothness. It is also considered to act as an anti-aging component as it reduces wrinkles, lines, and spots. Because of its efficient UV resistant capacity, it can prevent sunburns. It is also said to possess more strength, almost 6000 times, than vitamin C. Overall, it acts as a great protector of skin.
Improved energy
Exercise generates the maximum amount of free radicals. Therefore, nothing can harm the body as much as exercise if there are not enough antioxidants in the body to do wear-and-tear. Presence of astaxanthin has proven to improve stamina and speed up recovery in athletes after the workout session. It is proven to reduce fatigue and significantly boosts endurance, muscle recovery and workout performance.
Prevent cancer
The antioxidant activity in astaxanthin has proven to destroy cancer cells and reduce its growth in patients. This study shows how it was effective in reducing the growth of breast cancer cells. However, due to the high cost of pure astaxanthin has restricted scientists from uncovering its full potential.
Heart health
There are many claims regarding astaxanthin when it comes to heart health. Some of the researchers showed that it could control cholesterol and reduce possibilities of a heart attack. While some other studies demonstrated its efficiency in controlling high blood pressure (hypertension) and improve blood flow. The study also indicated that it might help to strengthen arterial walls.
Male Fertility
Studies show that astaxanthin showed optimistic results on male fertility. It is noted that this antioxidant can increase sperm count, motility and improve fertility percentage.
Neuroprotective
Astaxanthin possesses the ability to protect the neurons and slow down cognitive diminish. It decreases the accumulation of phospholipid hydroperoxides (PLOOH), which is the major cause of dementia. It could also offer relief to Alzheimer’s patients. It also aids with psychomotor functions and hearing impairments.
Some of the other benefits of Astaxanthin are:
- It reduces brain damages caused by stroke
- It helps to recover from traumatic brain injuries
- It controls the immune responses and reduces CRPs
- It resists non-alcoholic chronic liver ailments
- Reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Helps to control oxidative stress in diabetes patients
- Improves mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress
- Protects the DNA and proteins from damage
- Protect against Parkinson’s disease
- Shields against Asthma
- Shows great potential as a chemotherapeutic agent
- Effective in the treatment of bacterial infections such as dermatitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, etc.
Conclusion
Astaxanthin is a necessary antioxidant that offers some crucial health benefits to your body. It promotes the strong immune system, eliminates excess free radicals and improves cognitive behavior. It also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent helping with knee pain treatments, arthritis joint pain and related fatigue.
Astaxanthin also boosts energy in athletes and normal human beings and helps to retain higher stamina and performance efficiency. As a skin-friendly antioxidant, it protects the skin from dangerous UV rays, sunburn, and acts as an anti-age potion.
Research shows positive results of its application to prevent cancer and as a chemotherapeutic agent. With more research, scientists are optimistic about unleashing more potential of this natural nutrient.
Including salmon and other mentioned seafood in the daily diet can provide the daily dose of this all-rounder antioxidant. Supplements can also be used to obtain the minimum dose of astaxanthin.
The ideal amount needed for the body depends on various factors such as an individual’s age, medical background and so on. However, generic studies show that beneficial results have noticed at 2mg in humans. No harmful effects have been observed on higher doses.
