| What’s With Astaxanthin? |
| Wednesday, 08 June 2011 19:35 | |||
 Everywhere, June 2011— Not only is it difficult to pronounce (“asta-ZAN-thin”), what is it? Astaxanthin is one of a group of natural pigments known as xanthophylls (“ZAN-tho-fils”), a subcategory of the carotenoid family. Which means it has the potential of being good for you. And in this case, very good. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients in the world. It has been shown to be a very effective remedy for all types of tendon, joint and muscle pain, arthritis and tennis elbow. It's also been shown to be a great nutritional supplement for youthful, beautiful skin. Astaxanthin has significant benefits for endurance athletes, as well. One of the most powerful benefits of astaxanthin is best demonstrated by salmon. These fish often go without food for days, drawing on their own reserves while making their way upstream for hundreds of miles to spawn. Where do they acquire such endurance? From their considerable dietary intake of astaxanthin. Carotenoids are phytochemicals (plant chemicals) produced by plants (and some animals, too) as part of their survival mechanisms. Plants use carotenoids for their natural antioxidant properties to protect themselves from the harsh rays of the sun. Sea animals with a red or pinkish color, such as salmon, lobster, shrimp and crab get this color from a diet of krill and other small organisms that eat astaxanthin-rich algae and plankton. Flamingos get their bright pink color from a similar diet, rich in astaxanthin. Astaxanthin has been shown in the lab to be not only “one of”, but the strongest natural antioxidant known. It has been measured to be many times more potent in some ways than vitamin E or vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein or pycnogenol. A combination of factors unique to astaxanthin: • It can reach into every part of the cell, inside and out, similar to lipoic acid. • It can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain and nervous system. • It can cross the blood-retinal barrier and bring protection to the eyes. • It works in every part of your body, organs and skin. Might try some. SOURCE: Various
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