Ever wonder why shrimp and flamingos are pink?
It’s thanks to a carotenoid – a type of antioxidant - called astaxanthin (pronouned “asta-zan-thin”), and it’s the talk of the town.
Found in microalgae, krill, salmon and trout, pink-colored crustaceans (such as shrimp and crayfish) and the feathers of some birds, astaxanthin is being praised as the new anti-aging miracle nutrient, among other things.
Research indicates that the antioxidant is ten times more potent than beta-carotene (another type of carotenoid) and almost 500 times more potent than vitamin E. If that isn’t enough, it potentiates the actions of other antioxidants and nutrients. Because of this, astaxanthin is being looked at for its benefits as an immune booster and for its role in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
Antioxidants help to protect our skin from the effects of UV light. In human studies, astaxanthin has been shown to reduce signs of aging within only four to six weeks.
More potent than lutein, another condition where astaxanthin shows promise is age-related macular degeneration, which can cause the loss of vision.
Clinical research has shown that astaxanthin fights infection, reduces gastric inflammation, reduces the pain and swelling of carpel tunnel syndrome, and might even boost muscle strength and endurance. Researchers say these conditions are just the tip of the iceberg.
Take advantage of the health benefits of astaxanthin by eating salmon and pink shellfish (shrimp and lobster) regularly, but protect yourself daily by taking it in supplement form. Although high doses have been shown to be safe for humans, only 1 mg twice daily will provide all the protection you need.
