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The Benefits of Astaxanthin for Optimal Health

The benefits of astaxanthin as a uniquely potent antioxidant are wide-ranging for health and anti-ageing.  Commonly derived from algae, astaxanthin can be helpful for many issues, including osteoarthritis, menopause symptoms, skin health, diabetes, mental fatigue, brain health and heart health, and may even activate the longevity gene FOXO3. It can also support the immune system by promoting the activation of white blood cells.

Why do we need antioxidants?

Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive. This reactivity allows oxidation, a process where they can damage other molecules and create a chain reaction.

To counteract this damage, antioxidants step in to neutralise free radicals before they can harm other molecules. They do this by adding an extra electron to the unpaired ones.

While both antioxidants and free radicals naturally coexist in the body, an imbalance with too many free radicals and insufficient antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress. This oxidative stress can damage fatty tissues, proteins, and DNA. This damage, in turn, contributes to various health risks, such as heart disease, cancer, and accelerated ageing.

Research indicates that in antioxidant potency, astaxanthin surpasses other carotenoids such as beta carotene, lycopene, and lutein. It is a significant resource for helping protect cells against oxidative stress, offering robust cellular protection.

When a person takes astaxanthin, it is absorbed into all the tissues and cells, creating a shield. The antioxidant has a unique structure that neutralises free radicals in the cell membrane’s inner and outer layers.

Introducing carotenoids

Carotenoids are natural compounds found in plants, crucial for photosynthesis and energy conversion. With over 600 different types, including well-known ones like beta carotene and lycopene, carotenoids boast potent antioxidant properties that combat free radicals.

However, the human body cannot produce carotenoids on its own. Diet or topical application is necessary to harness the immune-boosting and antioxidant benefits, particularly from potent varieties like astaxanthin. Often regarded as the “king of carotenoids,” astaxanthin derives its reddish hue from algae and offers exceptional health-promoting properties.

What Are the Sources of Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin originates naturally from the algae Haematococcus Pluvialis. It is also found in certain marine organisms such as salmon, trout, lobster, and shrimp, contributing to their distinctive pink or red hue. Interestingly, the consumption of algae rich in astaxanthin results in the vibrant colouring of flamingos.

Among natural sources, Haematococcus Pluvialis algae boast the highest concentration of astaxanthin, with approximately 3 per cent of their total mass comprising this compound. Recognised by the FDA as a safe dietary source of astaxanthin, pluvialis algae offers unparalleled potency.

Alternatively, red yeast, or phaffia rhodozyma, serves as another source, albeit with lower levels of the compound. Synthetic astaxanthin is mainly used in food colouring and fish feed production. It is considerably less effective as a supplement.

Incorporating the Benefits of Astaxanthin into Your Routine

While astaxanthin is present in certain foods, obtaining adequate amounts through diet can be challenging. For example, wild sockeye salmon boasts the highest concentration and about four times as much as farmed Atlantic salmon. Even then, relying solely on salmon consumption to meet daily requirements would necessitate consuming a significant amount.

Given the difficulty of obtaining sufficient astaxanthin from food sources, many turn to supplements.

When selecting an astaxanthin supplement, it is advisable to opt for products derived from natural sources, devoid of harmful additives, and subject to third-party testing for purity and potency. Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble compound that is more easily absorbed when taken with oil, such as DHA.

Try to avoid synthetic astaxanthin, which offers markedly lower benefits. Synthetic astaxanthin is known to be approximately 20 times less efficient in combating free radicals.

The Benefits of Astaxanthin for Health

Heart health

High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and oxidative stress can all lead to a diagnosis of heart disease.

Studies have shown astaxanthin has the potential to increase the levels of good HDL cholesterol, reduce levels of LDL, and decrease blood pressure by improving the elasticity and thickness of the walls of the arteries. There is also evidence of reduced blood oxidation and improved clotting.

Joint pains and osteoarthritis

The body constantly replaces old, worn-out cells with new ones, which is also true of cartilage cells. All is well when the new ones keep pace with replacing the old degrading ones. However, as individuals age, this can change. A diminished capacity to replenish new cells as old ones degenerate can result in osteoarthritis, a condition characterised by stiffness, pain, and inflammation in the affected joints.

Emerging research suggests that astaxanthin possesses the potential to help restore this delicate balance by promoting the regeneration of cartilage cells while at the same time mitigating inflammation associated with arthritis. Moreover, it exhibits promise in halting the deterioration of cartilage cells altogether. These findings indicate that astaxanthin supplementation may slow the progression of osteoarthritis and alleviate its symptoms, thereby enhancing one’s overall quality of life with advancing age.

Astaxanthin For Skin Health and Anti-ageing

Astaxanthin is emerging as a natural powerhouse in supporting youthful skin longevity.

The Haematococcus Pluvialis algae naturally produces astaxanthin to protect it from the effects of radiation from the sun.

UV rays damage the skin and can accelerate ageing. A 2018 study demonstrated significant differences in moisture retention and skin damage between subjects who received astaxanthin and those who received a placebo after UV exposure.

Studies have also shown that taking astaxanthin significantly improves the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, and age spots.

Brain Health

Studies indicate that oxidative stress could contribute to the advancement of cognitive decline, suggesting that antioxidant supplementation might offer benefits as we age as our oxidative capacities alter over time.

A recent clinical trial looked at the impact of astaxanthin supplementation on individuals exhibiting mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia. Findings revealed improvements in comprehending and executing complex tasks efficiently and accurately.

There can also be improvements for mental fatigue or foggy brain.

Eye Health

The eyes are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, and that is where astaxanthin excels. There is evidence that it can play a part in helping many common eye issues.

Astaxanthin has demonstrated the capacity to enhance ocular blood flow velocity, facilitating the replenishment of oxygen to retinal and other eye tissues while aiding in efficiently removing toxins and waste products. It even has the potential to protect the retinas from light-induced damage.

Sugar Balance and Diabetes

There have been encouraging results when looking at the impact of astaxanthin on diabetes. Astaxanthin has shown promise in assisting individuals with type 2 diabetes to reduce blood pressure. In addition, a 2018 study revealed that participants experienced improved sugar metabolism.

Menopause

Menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, are frequently linked to elevated levels of cortisol and oxidative stress. Astaxanthin may assist in reducing the oxidative stress burden, thereby potentially alleviating symptoms commonly associated with menopause.

Conclusion

In summary, astaxanthin offers diverse health benefits, making it a valuable addition to one’s wellness routine. As a potent antioxidant, it helps combat oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage and promoting overall health. It has been associated with improved skin health, including moisture retention and reduction in wrinkles, as well as supporting joint function and eye health. Additionally, studies suggest its potential to enhance cognitive function, support heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels, and modulate the immune system. For those experiencing menopausal symptoms, astaxanthin may offer relief by mitigating oxidative stress. Incorporating astaxanthin into your daily protocol is, therefore, worth considering.

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Healthy Liver, Thriving Life: Vital Tips for Liver Health

A healthy liver is vitally important. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is labelled the ‘General’ of the body’s ‘Army’ of organs. This is because it carries out so many critical processes for good health.

The liver undertakes hundreds of essential jobs. For example, it detoxes and purifies the blood, converting the toxins into harmless substances. It also facilitates the removal of other toxins from the body. The liver converts the nutrients from food into substances the body can use. It then stores them ready to supply the cells when needed. A healthy liver plays a vital role in the body’s metabolic processes. It breaks down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It also performs multiple other critical functions needed to keep all the ‘soldiers’ in the body working well by letting them know what to do and where to go.

In short, a happy, healthy liver is vital for a happy, healthy body. On the other hand, a sluggish, overworked, and malfunctioning liver will affect every other organ in the body and overall blood quality. Ensuring the liver has all the support it needs is critical to keeping well and having vibrant energy.

Easy ways to help support a healthy liver

A straightforward way to assist your liver function is to have a cup of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon juice added first thing in the morning. This drink will wake up the liver and help stimulate and flush it out. Then, throughout the day, drink plenty of pure water. The liver needs water to cleanse and purify the blood; dehydration can adversely affect this process.

Certain teas can also provide additional support. For example, peppermint tea helps with digestion and detoxing. Green tea, which is high in antioxidants, can help reduce lipid accumulation.

The herb milk thistle is renowned for general liver support and can be beneficial for inflammation and damage. Whilst it won’t protect against excessive drinking, a few drops of the tincture in a glass of water before and after a ‘party night’ can give added liver protection and may even help with that morning-after feeling.

Boost your glutathione levels

The liver naturally produces glutathione, which is considered the body’s master antioxidant. This antioxidant is so significant that many natural health practitioners now consider glutathione levels to be a better indication of general health than many more popularly used markers. Consequently, foods and supplements that boosts glutathione production can help promote a healthy liver and overall health.

Several studies have shown that curcumin has liver-protecting benefits and can enhance the body’s natural antioxidant system. These benefits, in turn, help increase glutathione levels, thereby contributing to liver detoxification and inhibiting damaging nitrosamine formation.

Some human and animal studies have found that eating sulphur-rich brassica vegetables may increase glutathione levels. Allium vegetables, including garlic, shallots and onions, can also boost the levels. Foods naturally high in glutathione, such as avocados, spinach, pears, and okra, may also be beneficial.

Eating your way to a healthy liver

‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is an adage that has some roots in truth. Apples are a fruit that the liver loves. The malic acid opens the liver ducts, allowing the liver to flush toxins more efficiently. In addition, pectin helps the digestive system release toxins, thereby reducing the liver’s toxic load.

Washing fruit and vegetables thoroughly and avoiding pesticides and other toxins as much as possible is essential to avoid overloading the liver.

Some of the best foods for a healthy liver include cruciferous vegetables. These include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. Other foods that support the organ and help improve bile flow include beets, artichokes, and dandelion leaves. Olive oil, although a fat, is a healthy one and has been shown to decrease the levels of fat in the liver.

Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is converted into the powerful antioxidant Vitamin A by the liver, where it is stored and ready to be used to support cell growth, immune function, foetal development, and vision. Ginger can also help repair liver damage, so a carrot and ginger juice would be a good combination for a healthy liver support drink.

Alpha lipoic acid can help support the liver. It has been shown to have a powerful antioxidant effect on fatty liver and induce liver regeneration by inhibiting apoptosis (cell death). Some studies have even shown it to affect liver fibrosis positively.

A good quality broad spectrum multi-vitamin and mineral supplement is also an excellent choice to help give the body, including the liver, the nutrients it needs, especially when there is limited access to fresh vegetables and fruit.

And finally…

A healthy liver will reap benefits from not being overloaded by alcoholic consumption, unhealthy fats, processed foods, and sugars. Plenty of fresh air, exercise, and quality sleep keep glutathione levels high and help the liver sustain a healthy body and mind.

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