With an ageing population and an increase in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, one of the biggest concerns of the 21st century is keeping our brains healthy. To achieve this, we need to exercise our bodies and minds, as well as eat a nutritious diet. In addition, there is also the possibility of taking natural supplements for Alzheimer'ssuch as astaxanthin.
But what is astaxanthin? Astaxanthin is a carotenoid found in bacteria and microalgae in the ocean and freshwater lagoons and is responsible for the colour of salmon, salmon trout, shrimp and lobster, which turn red when they consume it.
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it is considered one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, thanks to its effectiveness in fighting free radicals and preventing oxidative damage that occurs in our body.
Astaxanthin to fight Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's affects one in five adults over the age of 65 worldwide. According to the Alzheimer PortugalThe data on the disease in Europe points to more than 193,500 people with dementia (Alzheimer Europe, 2019).
The disease is characterised by a loss of memory and brain function, which is often accompanied by a change in mood and behaviour. Many studies are currently being carried out to try to find a cure for the problem, and in one of these studies, it was discovered that astaxanthin can pass the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, two of the main areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's.
The hippocampus allows humans to create memories, learn and express emotions. The cerebral cortex protects the brain, which is responsible for thinking, processing and understanding language.
Where to find astaxanthin
Natural astaxanthin can be found in salmon, salmon trout, prawns and lobster. It can also be consumed indirectly through food supplements.
In Portugal, it is produced from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, which can be found in the lagoons of the island of S. Miguel in the Azores and is marketed under the brand name Azora Astaxanthin. It comes in packs of 30 softgels, with 4mg of astaxanthin, non-GMO and highly bioavailable. The therapeutic regimen for Azora Astaxanthin is one capsule a day, during or after a meal.
For the best results, it's also important to eat foods rich in healthy fatty acids, such as chia seeds and linseeds, fish, almonds or walnuts.