Concern for health in recent years has helped us find new ways to care for our bodies. The most revolutionary is, without a doubt, astaxanthin.
This substance, whose activity is 6,000 times greater than vitamin C and 500 times more effective than vitamin E, is responsible for interrupt the oxidation process of molecules. This carotenoid is naturally present in some photosynthetic organisms such as the microalgae called Haematococcus Pluvialis.
How does it work?
The key to this whole process is in the free radicals (the atoms of cells) that, for environmental reasons such as contamination, stress or solar radiation, cause the loss of some of their electrons.
This altered state causes free radicals to try to reestablish the deficit with electrons from other atoms, causing a chain reaction that damages the cell and is called cellular oxidation.
Some vitamins have the function of neutralizing free radicals, slowing down the oxidation process. However, they are not as effective as the astaxanthin, capable of neutralizing nineteen free radicals simultaneously, while vitamin C destroys only one.
This is due to its excess electrons, which remain active in the body for longer compared to other substances. Therefore, currently, astaxanthin is considered the most powerful antioxidant in existence.
Why does the body oxidize?
The formation of free radicals in cellular metabolism it causes instability in certain atoms that, when associated with others, can damage cells through oxidation.
This natural occurrence varies in intensity depending on different variables such as individual genetics, lifestyle, diet, and others. It progresses slowly, but leaves very noticeable consequences on our bodies. Other factors can play a significant role, such as stress, smoking, alcoholism, toxic substances, etc.
It is known that several diseases are closely related to this event, such as emphysema, retinopathies, strokes, neoplasms, among many others.
How should Astaxanthin be consumed?
Astaxanthin, found in microalgae, has been the subject of hundreds of medical research studies demonstrating its health benefits. Therefore, choose supplements derived from this source, such as Azora Astaxanthin, from the Algicel.
Its Softgel capsules, which contain all the benefits of astaxanthin, preserve a high degree of purity, since their constitution and formulation lead to a higher rate of absorption by the body.
Its daily consumption contributes to the restoration of visible skin damage, reduction of fatigue, in addition to promoting eye health, increasing the activity and number of immune system cells, protecting the cardiovascular system, improving physical exercise performance, among others.
Astaxanthin can also cross the blood-brain barrier, a highly selective barrier that is impermeable to most substances. This property allows it to contribute to brain health, maintaining normal cognitive function and providing neuronal protection.
Its health and beauty benefits are so many that the use of astaxanthin has been a true revolution. for the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Below are some examples:
1. Immunity
Its daily use can reduce a biomarker of DNA damage, reduce the inflammatory response, increase the activity of Natural Killer immune cells and increase the subpopulation of B and T immune cells.
2. Physical Activity
Increases muscle strength, muscle mass, endurance, and mobility in older individuals. Reduces markers of muscle damage and oxidative stress after exercise, promoting faster muscle recovery. Increases power output and higher exercise speed, as well as increased immunity and reduced markers of inflammation.
3. Neurological Effects
It improves the antioxidant capacity of red blood cells, which can contribute to the prevention of dementia, helps protect neurons against Alzheimer's, and significantly improves recovery from mental fatigue.
4. Cardiovascular Diseases
Increased serum adiponectin concentration (which plays a protective role against metabolic diseases), reduced visceral body fat, decreased LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increased HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”) levels.
5. Skin
Reduction of skin wrinkles and age spots, improvement of skin elasticity, texture and hydration, rejuvenating antioxidant effect and skin protection against UV radiation.
6. Eyes
Several preclinical and clinical evidences support the potential use of astaxanthin in the prevention and treatment of various eye diseases (Age-related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cataracts, Dry Eye Keratopathy, Asthenopia, etc.), promoting an improvement in eye health.