Astaxanthin, what is this word? It sound like some weird ingredient that we read from the back of bath products like shampoo or tooth paste but actually it's not.
Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family, a class of more than 750 naturally occurring pigments synthesized by plants, algae, and bacteria.
But wait a second, Carotenoid, what is this word? It sounds like some sort of mixture or child between a carrot and an asteroid, but actually it's not.
Carotenoids are pigments in plants, algae and photosynthetic bacteria. These pigments produce the bright yellow, red, and orange colours in plants, vegetable and fruits.
If you want to go deeper on Carotenoids don't miss this article from Healthline.
So how do Carotenoids works? Carotenoids can be divided into two main types: carotenes, which are composed of only carbon and hydrogen; and the xanthophylls, which are oxygenated derivatives.
Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid.
Carotenoids also cause boiled shrimp to turn from gray to pink. Similar carotenoid pigments, such as β-carotene (beta-carotene), give pumpkins and carrots their orange color, while other carotenoids in various fruits and vegetables have a yellow or orange hue.
Studies suggest Astaxanthin may support muscle, nerve, skin, and eye health; reproductive health; gastric function; and exercise capacity, among other potential health benefits.
Astaxanthin may also protect the nervous system and immune system from oxidative stress. Human trials have been conducted in these areas, but more research is needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
So what are some common sources of Astaxanthin?
The most common is from sea food. Astaxanthin is found in crustaceans as well as fish with pink flesh, such as salmon or trout.
Astaxanthin is used in dietary supplementation to help maintain optimal health.
It is used primarily in sports and fitness by athletes who claim Astaxanthin supplements may promote athletic endurance and post-workout muscle recovery, supporting aspects of energy metabolism and athletic performance.
Potential benefits of Astaxanthin
- Promote nerve health (especially in hands and wrists)
- Help protect against muscle damage
- Temporarily soothe sore muscles
- Support athletic endurance
- Support healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range
- Support vascular structure
- Provide antioxidant properties for a healthy immune system
- Help protect the brain from age-related oxidative damage
- Benefit eye health
- Support gastric health
- Temporarily relieve minor discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Support cardiovascular health
- Support reproductive health
- Promote skin elasticity
Maybe you are stumbling upon Astaxanthin for the first time or you are still looking for some sort of product validation.
Either way you should definitely include it as a daily habit if what you are seeking is skin quality and a bunch of benefits from a natural-sourced product.
Stay young, healthy and beautiful!