Astaxanthin: Miracle Drug or Another Hype?
When it comes to our physical health, how many of us would change the decisions we’ve made if we could turn back time? We would avoid some of the mistakes that got us to where we ended up, right? But what if you could erase the effects of those poor decisions and return your body to a better time? That’s the promise of so many drug and supplement makers who claim their products will change your body from the inside out. One such supplement that is getting a lot of attention these days is astaxanthin. What is astaxanthin And why should we care?
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that is taken in pill form. An antioxidant is a substance that neutralizes age-inducing free radicals and oxidation in our body. Free radicals occur naturally, but their number can increase due to factors such as toxins, pollution, and poor diet. These highly unstable oxygen molecules wreak havoc if left unchecked, leading to critically high levels of inflammation, accelerated aging, and multiple health problems.
Endorsed by well-known health experts, Astaxanthin is believed to hunt down and destroy free radicals. In doing so, they reduce signs of skin aging and wrinkles better than topical solutions like creams, lotions, or spa treatments. Astaxanthin is also touted for its ability to improve joint health, stimulate brain function, increase endurance, reduce recovery time from exercise, and provide an overall surge of youthful energy. Which allows you to jump tall buildings in one jump. It’s a joke. About the last one.
So, is it hype, or does astaxanthin do everything it says it does? According to the experts (and I’m not an expert even though I studied chemistry in college for a year), astaxanthin is more effective and potent than vitamins E and C, beta-carotene, green tea, lutein, and even CoQ10 . So far so good. But does this translate to looking better, feeling younger, and even living longer?
The appearance of your skin says a lot about your age. Sunscreen lotion and other topical solutions provide short-term benefits. Your skin is where the first signs of free radical damage appear, as it is especially vulnerable to oxidative stress and inflammation. Soil depletion and genetic modification of foods have reduced the nutritional and antioxidant value of foods, and pollution and toxins have also created free radicals. Astaxanthin enhances cell repair and collagen production, which increases skin moisture and provides firmer, more elastic skin. Astaxanthin can also suppress inflammation, which can help reduce swelling and irritation. Research shows that astaxanthin actually repairs and heals skin from the inside out.
As far as increasing energy, astaxanthin has been shown to positively impact the mitochondria, the cellular power centers that produce energy. Astaxanthin has also been found to improve strength and endurance, and speed muscle recovery time after exercise. It has become popular with athletes for this reason and they believe it improves performance as well.
There are other benefits of astaxanthin. Laboratory research indicates that it protects the brain, nervous system, and eyes. Astaxanthin is also especially active in the joints and connective tissues.
Astaxanthin is available both naturally and synthetically. The main food sources include microalgae, arctic shrimp, and krill, which is a crustacean.
I don’t know about you, but… isn’t there a pill I can take instead? Yes there are! Fortunately, both a natural and synthetic version are available. There are 3 elements to consider:
- Experts prefer natural astaxanthin, as it is believed to have twice the antioxidant power of synthetic astaxanthin.
- They also insist that the daily dose should not be less than 4 mg.
- Finally, they warn the consumer about the cost. If you’re paying more than $25 for a month’s supply of astaxanthin, it’s likely that some companies are taking advantage of you to jack up their prices.
It seems that astaxanthin is worth considering. While some in the medical community call it “miraculous,” “a medical marvel,” and “the alpha antioxidant,” the ultimate proof lies in your own experience. There is no evidence or research to suggest that this product is unsafe. And then there is the endorsement of the experts. I trust these people. As someone who is passionate about physical (as well as financial) health, my recommendation is to give Astaxanthin a try.
