By Dr. Elizabeth Yehuda
More and more people adopting a healthier lifestyle and are looking for more natural solutions to maintain their bodies. Astaxanthin can be the answer.
Astaxanthin has a broader medical effect on the body compared to most antioxidants, eliminating problematic mechanisms while strengthening the function of various organs in the body.
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a natural dark red pigment belonging to the carotenoid family and is classified as a xanthophyll. The molecular structure of astaxanthin having hydroxyl (OH) and ketone (C=O) ending on each ionone ring grants the molecule with unique properties among them its high antioxidant potency. It has the unique ability to quench free radicals and reactive species of oxygen and to inhibit lipid peroxidation. The natural astaxanthin is considered as “World’s Strongest Natural Antioxidant”. Astaxanthin is considered more potent than vitamin C, β-carotene and Vitamin E.
Astaxanthin can be found in plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria. It is most frequent in algae and phytoplankton. The freshwater microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis is the richest and the main natural source of commercial astaxanthin production. The producing process of astaxanthin occurs naturally as a defense mechanism against harsh environmental conditions.
Astaxanthin Properties
The following properties and other properties combine to make astaxanthin the most potent antioxidant:
1. Crosses the brain and retinal blood-barrier providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection to the eyes and the brain.
2. Works efficiently as neuroprotection to help prevent a variety of brain-related
illnesses such as dementia and age-related amnesia.
3. Moves efficiently throughout the body providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection at a high-level activity to all the organs in the body and the skin.
4. It attaches itself to the cell membranes and spans the cell membranes bilayer of fat, where the free radical first attack and inhibits the destruction of fatty acids and proteins.
5. Bond with muscle tissue.
6. Works as a super-powerful antioxidant and quickly eliminate free radicals and neutralize singlet oxygen.
Astaxanthin Benefits
For humans, astaxanthin is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants known, with numerous health benefits that are supported by extensive scientific research, including clinical trials. Astaxanthin was shown to decrease the risks of certain chronic diseases related to oxidative stress, supports healthy cardiovascular activity, improves muscle strength, endurance and maintain joint health, and prevent premature skin aging. Additionally, astaxanthin protects the body under stress conditions and has anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating effects. Astaxanthin has been shown to cross the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers, therefore it can positively affect disorders related to eye, brain and central nervous system, among others.
For the past few decades, astaxanthin has important applications in the nutraceutical, cosmetics, natural food, and animal feed industries. Nevertheless, there is a huge potential that hasn't yet been exploited and can be expanded and deepened.
At Puremagics, we believe in spreading the magic to people looking for a healthier life, by developing and producing natural products containing Astaxanthin in a wide range of application.
