Astaxanthin:
The Antioxidant That Makes You See Red
By Jordan Rubin – ExtraOrdinary Health Article
 Have
you ever wondered why you see red when you look at some sea-faring
creatures? It’s because of a red carotenoid pigment called
astaxanthin which is produced by micro algae called
Haematococcus pluvialis--a big name for such small organisms. In fact,
astaxanthin is found in marine sea animals who dine on these micro
algae such as salmon and is what gives salmon and other catches from
the sea, such as lobsters and crabs, their red pigment.
But let’s back up the train a little bit and talk
about carotenoids. They are naturally-occurring, fat-soluble pigments
found in plants that give color to red, yellow, orange fruits and
vegetables as well as several dark green vegetables. And while there
are a number of them, the most abundant carotenoids in the North
American diet are beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene,
lycopene, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and our topic for
today--astaxanthin.
And while astaxanthin may have us seeing red, that’s
not all this carotenoid can do.
Closely related to beta-carotene and lutein,
astaxanthin provides antioxidant benefits and, therefore, may play a
role in defending cell membranes from free radical attack.
Additionally, some findings have also indicated that astaxanthin can
support a healthy heart and healthy cholesterol levels already in the
normal range. Its antioxidant effects extend beyond this, however, and
astaxanthin is purported to maintain eye health and support the skin
structure during sun exposure.
Add its ability to support neurological health to
the list of Astaxanthin’s positive benefits, too.
And don’t forget its positive effects on the immune system.
Astaxanthin is said to support a healthy immune system by supporting
normal antibody-producing cells.
An additional plus for astaxanthin is that it may
enhance the burning of fat—especially during exercise—and may support
muscle endurance. That is, at least what was observed in one recent
animal study. Researchers from the Tokyo University of Marine Science
and Technology compiled a report on the astaxanthin animal study in
Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. Lead author Mayuni
Ikeuchi inferred that there may be a causal link from ingesting
astaxanthin and successful weight management.
In short, astaxanthin demonstrated a potential,
positive, weight management effect among the mice that were studied.
More research, particularly human, is warranted for these exciting
findings.
Now that’s a pretty amazing carotenoid--even
if it does have us seeing red.
Astaxanthin is one of the key ingredients in the new
Oceans 3 – Beyond Omega 3 formulas by Garden of Life. Oceans 3
is a great way to get your Omega 3’s and your antioxidants at the same
time because it provides a synergistic blend of three health-promoting
compounds from the sea including only the purest omega-3 fish oil
along with fucoxanthin and astaxanthin.
For more product information on the Oceans 3 products, click here. |
