Life in polluted environments, increased exposure to sun’s harmful rays, frequent consummation of the thermally and industrially processed foods increase the exposure of human body to free radicals. In order not to disturb the balance in the production of free radicals, their neutralization with antioxidants, and the appearance of the antioxidant stress, it is necessary to increase the intake of antioxidants.
These protective substances neutralize the reactive particles and prevent the occurrence of the disease and harmful changes in the body. In recent times, scientific research is being more and more directed towards the examination of substances that originate in nature. Because of spawning, Atlantic salmon swims for hundreds of miles, often in the opposite direction from the sea currents.
This great physical effort causes the production of great amounts of reactive particles – free radicals. However, nature has made sure that the salmon gets a strong antioxidant through the sea plankton that it eats – astaxanthin. Namely, sea plankton contains microalgae called Hematococcus pluvialis, which is extremely rich in astaxanthin.
Stronger than the rest
Astaxanthin belongs to the xanthophyll subsection of carotenoids and, unlike other carotenoids in the body; it does not get turned into vitamin A, which makes its use very safe. Carotenoids are natural pigments that give plants, algae, and animals characteristic colors. Thus, astaxanthin gives the characteristic red color to some algae and animals that feed on them (shrimp, krill, lobsters, salmon…).
The fact that astaxanthin is responsible for the characteristic orange-red color of flamingos’ feathers is very interesting. Even though it can be found in some yeasts, the most widespread source of astaxanthin is the already mentioned Hematococcus pluvialis microalgae.
Research shows that astaxanthin has ten times greater antioxidant power than other carotenoids, and even 550 greater than vitamin E. What gives it such strong antioxidant characteristics is precisely its specific structure, which simultaneously provides it with an optimal accommodation in the double-layered cell membrane, where it stabilizes and protects it from the influences of free radicals. Its chemical structure allows it to pass through the blood-brain barrier and gives it the strong antioxidant effect in the nervous system, which is extremely sensitive to free radicals.
Multiple clinical advantages
Against antioxidative stress and inflammations – In controlled research, astaxanthin lowers the antioxidative stress level in obese persons and smokers, blocks the oxidative cell core damages, and lowers the levels of inflammatory biomarkers. In addition, it lowers the triglyceride levels and increases the HDL cholesterol levels, improves blood flow and substance exchange.
Some research has shown that it also improves cognitive abilities, visual acuity, and the adaptation of the eye. Improvements in the reproductive system in men and the reflux in persons affected by Helicobacter pylori have also been observed. In preliminary research, astaxanthin has shown promising in the improvements of sports performances (football), which is why it is the favorite antioxidant of many athletes.
No matter what, it can be said that the clinical application of astaxanthin transcends its agency on oxidative stress and inflammations, which creates other possibilities in its use for slowing down the physiological processes related to the aging of the body.
Immunostimulative effects – Even the first research done by the prestigious American universities in 1990s has shown that astaxanthin increases the production of antibodies in our organism. Further research has shown that its immunostimulative effect is several times stronger than that of other carotenoids.
Other research has discovered one more benefit of astaxanthin, which is the elimination of the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, which causes the stomach ulcer and is one of the main causes of the stomach cancer.A study conducted in 2002 has proven that astaxanthin not only has antioxidant characteristics in the battle against the free radicals, but that it also has a direct anti-microbial effect against the Helicobacter pylori.
Protection from the sun – According to the hitherto experience, astaxanthin has been confirmed as a revolutionary tool for the protection of the skin and the eyes against the sun’s harmful rays. Even though it does not absorb UVA and UVB rays, it neutralizes the negative oxygen’s bi-products and free radicals caused by photo-oxidation. Regular use of astaxanthin during the sunlight exposure reduces the risk of sunburns, inflammations, and other changes on the skin.
Taken in the recommended doses, astaxanthin prevents the appearance of the uncomfortable allergies and photodermatoses, and it improves the condition of the existing allergies. Besides its effective protective role, astaxanthin also encourages a faster and more beautiful skin tanning.
It has been shown that nature offers an answer to our contemporary problems. This is why astaxanthin is a very efficient nature’s answer to the problems related to the increased amounts of the free radicals. This very strong antioxidant protects the sensitive cell structures and prevents anti-oxidative stress, which is a cause of many diseases and harmful changes within the body. Taking astaxanthin in the form of a food supplement will not only help us to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but it will also strengthen our immune system, improve our vision, and protect all other organic systems.