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.
One of the most well known benefits of all carotenoids is that they have antioxidant properties. This enables them to rid the cell of reactive oxygen species. Failure to get rid of such reactive species puts the cells at risk of DNA damage. While cells have a natural mechanism in place to undertake get rid of the species, these mechanisms may be overwhelmed at times.
Because of the antioxidant properties, astaxanthins also have a benefit in cancer prevention. Cancer is the result of cell mutation of which oxidative damage is a major cause. Another mechanism that may contribute to this benefit is the fact that it supports the immune system. One of the cancers likely to benefit in the near future is some types of 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 visual impairment that sets in with advancing age in some people. It is mainly characterized by a part of the retina which will result in deficits in either central or peripheral vision. There are a number of reports that show the supplement may be helpful in restoring normalcy in the central part of the retina thus markedly improving vision among those affected. This is an observation that has been made for several other types of carotenoids as well.
One of the most well known benefits of all carotenoids is that they have antioxidant properties. This enables them to rid the cell of reactive oxygen species. Failure to get rid of such reactive species puts the cells at risk of DNA damage. While cells have a natural mechanism in place to undertake get rid of the species, these mechanisms may be overwhelmed at times.
Because of the antioxidant properties, astaxanthins also have a benefit in cancer prevention. Cancer is the result of cell mutation of which oxidative damage is a major cause. Another mechanism that may contribute to this benefit is the fact that it supports the immune system. One of the cancers likely to benefit in the near future is some types of 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 visual impairment that sets in with advancing age in some people. It is mainly characterized by a part of the retina which will result in deficits in either central or peripheral vision. There are a number of reports that show the supplement may be helpful in restoring normalcy in the central part of the retina thus markedly improving vision among those affected. This is an observation that has been made for several other types of carotenoids as well.
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