Astaxanthin is a type of pigment belonging to the carotenoids group of nutrients. It has a number of sources that include, among others, microalgae, salmon, trout, yeast and shrimp among others. It gives a characteristic red colour to each of these organisms. A commercially available form can be used in a number of ways. We will explore some of the major astaxanthin benefits that have made the supplement quite popular.
One of the most well known benefits of all carotenoids is that they have antioxidant properties. This enables them to rid the cell of reactive oxygen species. Failure to get rid of such reactive species puts the cells at risk of DNA damage. While cells have a natural mechanism in place to undertake get rid of the species, these mechanisms may be overwhelmed at times.
Having antioxidant properties means that this supplement may indeed also have anticancer effects. This is because the genesis of most, if not all, cancers is a genetic mutation that ultimately leads to uncontrolled growth of cells. If DNA damage is minimized, the risk of cancer is also greatly reduced. One of the cancer types that appears to show a lot of promise is breast cancer.
Various musculoskeletal problems are said to show a positive response in symptoms. Those that feature most prominently include rheumatoid arthritis and the carpal tunnel syndrome. There is a need to combine it with other forms of treatment such as pain relieving g medication and physiotherapy so as to get maximal benefits. Studies on how well the supplements work in managing arthritis are still in progress.
The treatment of male infertility appears to be another area likely to generate a lot interest. One of the most important studies as far as this indication is concerned was carried out in 2005. A total of 30 subjects were involved. After a few weeks of therapy, the number and quality of sperm cells greatly improved. It is important to have follow up studies to confirm or refute these findings since the initial number was rather small.
Reduction of total cholesterol is another major benefit of astaxanthin. Other related desirable effects include increased HDL cholesterol and a reduction in LDL cholesterol. All these serve to reduce the risk of conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. There is also a direct reduction of blood pressure which serves to further reduce the risk of these conditions.
Users have reported some improvements in skin appearance. More specifically, there is a reduction in the prominence of wrinkles and coarse lines. The amount of moisture is also increased significantly. Apart from the oral formulations, there are a number of creams available for the same use. Another major benefit is the correction of defects caused by sunburn.
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a visual impairment that sets in with advancing age in some people. It is mainly characterized by a part of the retina which will result in deficits in either central or peripheral vision. There are a number of reports that show the supplement may be helpful in restoring normalcy in the central part of the retina thus markedly improving vision among those affected. This is an observation that has been made for several other types of carotenoids as well.
One of the most well known benefits of all carotenoids is that they have antioxidant properties. This enables them to rid the cell of reactive oxygen species. Failure to get rid of such reactive species puts the cells at risk of DNA damage. While cells have a natural mechanism in place to undertake get rid of the species, these mechanisms may be overwhelmed at times.
Having antioxidant properties means that this supplement may indeed also have anticancer effects. This is because the genesis of most, if not all, cancers is a genetic mutation that ultimately leads to uncontrolled growth of cells. If DNA damage is minimized, the risk of cancer is also greatly reduced. One of the cancer types that appears to show a lot of promise is breast cancer.
Various musculoskeletal problems are said to show a positive response in symptoms. Those that feature most prominently include rheumatoid arthritis and the carpal tunnel syndrome. There is a need to combine it with other forms of treatment such as pain relieving g medication and physiotherapy so as to get maximal benefits. Studies on how well the supplements work in managing arthritis are still in progress.
The treatment of male infertility appears to be another area likely to generate a lot interest. One of the most important studies as far as this indication is concerned was carried out in 2005. A total of 30 subjects were involved. After a few weeks of therapy, the number and quality of sperm cells greatly improved. It is important to have follow up studies to confirm or refute these findings since the initial number was rather small.
Reduction of total cholesterol is another major benefit of astaxanthin. Other related desirable effects include increased HDL cholesterol and a reduction in LDL cholesterol. All these serve to reduce the risk of conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. There is also a direct reduction of blood pressure which serves to further reduce the risk of these conditions.
Users have reported some improvements in skin appearance. More specifically, there is a reduction in the prominence of wrinkles and coarse lines. The amount of moisture is also increased significantly. Apart from the oral formulations, there are a number of creams available for the same use. Another major benefit is the correction of defects caused by sunburn.
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a visual impairment that sets in with advancing age in some people. It is mainly characterized by a part of the retina which will result in deficits in either central or peripheral vision. There are a number of reports that show the supplement may be helpful in restoring normalcy in the central part of the retina thus markedly improving vision among those affected. This is an observation that has been made for several other types of carotenoids as well.
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