Astaxanthin is a form of pigment that falls under a group of nutrients refereed to as carotenoids. It gives a red colour to microalgae commonly found under the sea. Other sources include shrimp, trout, yeast and salmon. The nutrient has been isolated and is now commercially available as a supplement. There are several astaxanthin benefits that be derived by consumers.
Most carotenoids have antioxidant properties and astaxanthin is not an exception. DNA damage occurs in a continuous process in the body and the cells have an inherent mechanism of protecting us against this damage. However, the repair mechanism may be overwhelmed leading to cell death and even precancerous states. Antioxidants like the carotenoids help the cells in the repair process.
Having antioxidant properties means that this supplement may indeed also have anticancer effects. This is because the genesis of most, if not all, cancers is a genetic mutation that ultimately leads to uncontrolled growth of cells. If DNA damage is minimized, the risk of cancer is also greatly reduced. One of the cancer types that appears to show a lot of promise is breast cancer.
The supplement us useful in the management of a variety of joint problems. Among the conditions for which it continues to show promising results are rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. In most cases, when being used for these indications, it is combined with other treatments such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapies. Many more studies in relation to its effectiveness in arthritis are still ongoing.
Male infertility is another area generating interesting. A study carried out in 2005 involved thirty men who were confirmed to be suffering from the problem. They were put on this supplement for several weeks and re-evaluated. Indeed, an improvement in the sperm count and quality was noted. It is, however, difficult to generalize these findings hence the need to have more studies in this area.
By reducing the levels of cholesterol in the body, the supplement helps in the reduction of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack. Cholesterol coats blood vessels and reduces their lumen. This in turn contributes to hypertension and may even cause the heart to fail. Astaxanthin reduces hypertension directly as well.
On the skin, taken orally it has been associated with a reduction in wrinkles. It also helps to increase the amount of moisture in the skin. A cream with the same ingredient is available and can be applied directly to the wrinkled part of the skin and achieve even greater effects. Another important benefit is that of reducing the effects of sunburn among persons that are susceptible.
Age-related macular degeneration, AMD, is a condition that results from segmental damage of the retina with advancing age. Some of the proponents of this supplement have argued that it may help improve central vision though peripheral vision may continue to be impaired. Other benefits include, among others, the management of symptoms, menopausal symptoms, dyspepsia Parkinsons and Alzheimers disease.
Most carotenoids have antioxidant properties and astaxanthin is not an exception. DNA damage occurs in a continuous process in the body and the cells have an inherent mechanism of protecting us against this damage. However, the repair mechanism may be overwhelmed leading to cell death and even precancerous states. Antioxidants like the carotenoids help the cells in the repair process.
Having antioxidant properties means that this supplement may indeed also have anticancer effects. This is because the genesis of most, if not all, cancers is a genetic mutation that ultimately leads to uncontrolled growth of cells. If DNA damage is minimized, the risk of cancer is also greatly reduced. One of the cancer types that appears to show a lot of promise is breast cancer.
The supplement us useful in the management of a variety of joint problems. Among the conditions for which it continues to show promising results are rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. In most cases, when being used for these indications, it is combined with other treatments such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapies. Many more studies in relation to its effectiveness in arthritis are still ongoing.
Male infertility is another area generating interesting. A study carried out in 2005 involved thirty men who were confirmed to be suffering from the problem. They were put on this supplement for several weeks and re-evaluated. Indeed, an improvement in the sperm count and quality was noted. It is, however, difficult to generalize these findings hence the need to have more studies in this area.
By reducing the levels of cholesterol in the body, the supplement helps in the reduction of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack. Cholesterol coats blood vessels and reduces their lumen. This in turn contributes to hypertension and may even cause the heart to fail. Astaxanthin reduces hypertension directly as well.
On the skin, taken orally it has been associated with a reduction in wrinkles. It also helps to increase the amount of moisture in the skin. A cream with the same ingredient is available and can be applied directly to the wrinkled part of the skin and achieve even greater effects. Another important benefit is that of reducing the effects of sunburn among persons that are susceptible.
Age-related macular degeneration, AMD, is a condition that results from segmental damage of the retina with advancing age. Some of the proponents of this supplement have argued that it may help improve central vision though peripheral vision may continue to be impaired. Other benefits include, among others, the management of symptoms, menopausal symptoms, dyspepsia Parkinsons and Alzheimers disease.
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