Due to its antioxidant power, astaxanthin benefits many health conditions
Astaxanthin has extraordinary antioxidant properties, as have been demonstrated in hundred of studies, some of which you will find in the links below. Antioxidants disarm dangerous free radicals in our bodies before they have a chance to damage proteins, fats or the genetic material of cells.
Astaxanthin, like other carotenoids, sacrifice themselves in order to protect body cells. Carotenoids absorb the excited energy of singlet oxygen – a highly reactive form of oxygen that if left unchecked can directly damage fats, proteins and DNA in the body. By sacrificing itself, astaxanthin prevents surrounding cells from being damaged.
Below is a brief summary of astaxanthin benefits that are currently known and others that are still under investigation, in alphabetical order. Click on any of the links to read further.
Like two commonly used antihistamines antihistamines, astaxanthin has been shown in a laboratory to suppress activation of certain T cells associated with asthma.
When free radicals damage DNA cells, cancer can be an unfortunate consequence. Astaxanthin has been shown in animal models to prevent cancer of the bladder, colon and mouth.
Astaxanthin’s antioxidant power counteracts the free radicals resulting from high glucose levels in diabetics. It also may prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
Though as yet considered inconclusive, research suggests that astaxanthin can improve endurance and strength, and may decrease the accumulation of fat.
Astaxanthin protects the macula at the center of the retina from degeneration from UV light, heading off Age-Related Macular Degeneration, the world’s leading cause of blindness.
With more astaxanthin in the blood stream, HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind) production goes up and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind) is protected from free radical damage.
Researchers found that astaxanthin significantly reduced heartburn, especially in patients infected with H. pylori, an inflammatory bacteria that causes ulcers.
Astaxanthin raises levels of T and B cells, key cells of the immune system. Also, a marker of DNA damage has been shown to be lower in people taking astaxanthin.