A scientist named Kuhn made an amazing discovery back in 1938. He found a red pigment in lobsters that was subsequently used as a dye for quite some time [1]. Little must have anyone imagined back then that many years later, this extraordinary molecule would prove to be a boon for aiding the human body.
Astaxanthin (AST) ia a linear carotenoid molecule that has a fat-loving core and hydrophilic ends [2]. The unique composition of astaxanthin enables it to interact with a plethora of target molecules within the body and show its beneficial effects. DailyTabTM Nutrition Team has listed the most commonly known ones below.
POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT
Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants found in the world. It is many-fold stronger than most antioxidants like vitamins C and E [2]. The harmful free radicals and “reactive oxygen species” generated in the body cause oxidation of proteins, lipids and DNA. These are removed from the system by astaxanthin.
MUSCLE HEALING FROM SPORTS AND EXERCISE
Excess of anything is never good- so is the case with excess exercise. Burning out your body and pushing it over its limits may cause a lot of damage and inflammation in the muscular tissues. Astaxanthin helps to relieve some of that muscle fatigue through its powerful mode of action [3].
A HEALTHY HEART, LIVER AND BRAIN
Astaxanthin has proven to have cardioprotective properties through regulatory mechanisms that balance the inflammation, lipid and glucose profile. It also exerts a hepatoprotective effect by decreasing lipid accumulation and insulin resistance. Being fat soluble, AST easily passes through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and prevents neurological damage by preventing inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis [3, 4].
ABATED RISK OF DIABETES AND CANCER
This miracle supplement has been reported to prevent the advancement of many cancers through anti-oxidative and anti-cell death pathways Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM) have hyperglycemia due to tissue damage of the pancreatic β-cells. This is averted by astaxanthin [3].
FOR A GREAT IMMUNITY
Astaxanthin greatly restores the defence mechanism offered by the immune system by improving antibody production, activating the immune cells and decreasing the damages by free radicals [2].
HEALTHY BONES AND INCREASED FERTILITY
Inflammation caused by arthritis condition is wonderfully reduced by astaxanthin. Improved fertility by dietary astaxanthin supplementation has been found by increased sperm motility and health observations [3, 5].
ANTI-AGING, ANTI-OBESITY AND A GLOWING SKIN
Obesity is a very common health problem affecting people worldwide. Astaxanthin supplementation prevents weight gain, reduces cholesterol and triglycerides in the system. Studies have also shown the anti-aging and skin nourishment properties of astaxanthin. It prevents UV damage to the skin, helps in collagen level regulation and reduction in wrinkles [6, 7].
PRIZE FOR THE EYES!
Astaxanthin is a wonder molecule for the eyes. It improves visual activity and prevents against macular degeneration [6].
Astaxanthin has been proven to be one of the safest natural food supplements across all-age groups. It is the best possible boost to gift your body, especially in today’s time. Rest assured, it will work miraculously and leave you smiling!
DailyTabTM– Nurture a better you!
References–
[1] R. Kuhn and N. A. Sörensen. Über Astaxanthin und Ovoverdin. Berichte der deutschen chemischen Gesellschaft (A and B Series) 71 (1938) 1879-1888
[2] I. Higuera-Ciapara, L. Felix-Valenzuela, and F. M. Goycoolea. Astaxanthin: A Review of its Chemistry and Applications. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 46 (2006) 185–196
[3] S. Fakhria, F. Abbaszadehb, L. Dargahic, M. Jorjani. Astaxanthin: A Mechanistic Review on its Biological Activities and Health benefits. Pharmacological Research (2018)
[4] M. Guerin, M. E. Huntley and M. Olaizola. Haematococcus astaxanthin: applications for human health and nutrition. TRENDS in Biotechnology 21 (2003) 210-216
[5] G. Hussein, U. Sankawa, H. Goto, K. Matsumoto and H. Watanabe. Astaxanthin, a Carotenoid with Potential in Human Health and Nutrition J. Nat. Prod. 69 (2006) 443-449
[6] K. Tominaga, N. Hongo, M. Karato and E.Yamashita. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects, Acta Biochimica Polonica 59 (2012) 43-47
[7] M. Ikeuchi, T. Koyoma, J. Takahashi and K. Yazawa. Effects of Astaxanthin in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet, Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 71 (2007) 60521-1-7