You may not be familiar with Astaxanthin, however, you may
be surprised that the substance is in some of the things you eat, hear or have
seen. Astaxanthin is said to be a dark red pigment found in algae which is
responsible for the natural red color of some aquatic animals such as salmon,
shellfish and wild salmon producing the highest concentration. However, the supplement
of Astaxanthin are mostly derived from algae itself. Astaxanthin in itself is a
powerful anti-oxidant and I believe you know what an antioxidant is?
For the
benefits of those who do not know, antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules.
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons or hydrogen from a substance
to anoxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions. When the chain reaction occurs in a cell, it can cause damage or death to the cell. Antioxidants
terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and
inhibit other oxidation reactions
(source).
Astaxanthin was discovered by a Briton, who was a professor
in chemistry, Basil Charles Weedon. He discovered it in 1970.
Some people have used Astaxanthin as a coloring agent,
however, it is more beneficial health wise than as a coloring agent because of
its biological powerful antioxidant and it is well known to benefit those who
have cardiovascular diseases, low immunity, those with inflammatory conditions,
neurogenerative diseases amongst others. Also work against high cholesterol,
enhance cell membrane and help build up more body tissue.
Some of the benefits of Astaxanthin include:
-
It helps to increase strength and endurance
-
It helps to reduce the symptoms of people who
have pre-ulcer indigestion
-
It helps to protect cells from damages caused by
oxidation
-
It boost the immune system
-
Astaxanthin helps to kill cancer cells which may
be in their early stages in some of the part of the body such as the stomach,
breast, throat, breast, bladder, uterus and the tongue.
-
Astaxanthin reduces cardiovascular diseases by reducing
plaque buildup in the arteries
-
It helps to protect the eyes from UV damages
-
Also help the skin from skin cancer caused by over exposure to sunlight
-
It helps to enhance the liver by reducing
abnormal cell growth in the liver
-
And finally, it is good for athletes who just
suffered from injury and they quickly recover back.
Other references
