Talk About Your Antioxidants: Astaxanthin Combats Chronic Inflammation And Much More
Posted on 31. Oct, 2009 by Kerry D Friesen, M.D. in Heart Health, Prevention
Astaxanthin supports heart health and blood flow!
Chronic inflammation underlies most diet and lifestyle related diseases, including high-blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Antioxidants play a pivotal role in combating chronic inflammation and premature aging by reducing the oxidative damage that occurs when cells are stressed beyond their capacity. When left unchecked for months and years, cellular damage leads to tissue damage and ultimately overt disease.
When combined with a suboptimal diet and low levels of antioxidants the entire process is accelerated and people appear to age prematurely. Fine lines, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin belie the real problem—mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA disrepair and accelerated aging.
Ultimately, our arteries suffer leading to atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, stroke and heart attack. When blood vessel walls are involved, high blood pressure develops. If the brain is involved, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease may evolve.
Astaxanthin (pronounced—”asta-zanthin”), a naturally occurring, fat soluble antioxidant that imparts the pink color to wild salmon, is 500 times as potent as the quintessential antioxidant vitamin E!
More importantly, astaxanthin has a natural affinity for cell membranes and mitochondria, the power-houses that keep our cells alive.
While LDL cholesterol may not be the sole cause of coronary artery disease, a chemical reaction known as peroxidation turns them into extremely reactive and damaging molecules. LDL is then deposited within blood vessel walls ultimately leading to heart disease and stroke.
Astaxanthin possesses unique anti-inflammatory properties that prevents the oxidation of LDL particles and thus reduces the risk for heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Recent studies suggest that astaxanthin may also help support:
- a healthy immune system
- eye health
- joint health
- connective tissue health
- skin health
- cardiovascular health and blood flow
- brain health
- gastrointestinal health
- muscle function
- muscle recovery after exercise
- cellular membrane health after exposure to UV light
- normal oxidant:antioxidant balance
Talk about your antioxidants! At 500 x the potency of vitamin E, astaxanthin has it all.
Shouldn’t you be taking it? I do!
