What Is Astaxanthin?
There’s a new antioxidant in town, and it’s taking the skincare world by storm. Recent research is showing that there’s a super nutrient derived from very unique algae that may help reverse the visible signs of aging and improve your complexion from the inside out. Step aside filters!
Astaxanthin (pronounced "asta-ZAN-thin") is a naturally occurring carotenoid and is found in algae called haematococcus pluvialis. Say that 3 times fast.
Thanks to its high antioxidant capabilities and anti-inflammatory nature, this superfood is incredibly healthy for us to consume. In fact, it turns out astaxanthin has been proven to be up to 6000 more potent than other antioxidants such as Vitamin C.
But, what are antioxidants?
Sure, we’ve all heard the word antioxidant being thrown around a million times, but what exactly are they? And how do they actually benefit your skin?
In our modern day lives, antioxidants are key for preserving a youthful glow. If you ever wondered why some people age visibly different than others, it usually is because of what is going on in the inside. We are constantly bombarded by harmful, free radicals - from sun, pollution, chemicals and stress — that find ways to weaken and damage the cells in our body.
Thankfully, we have antioxidants on our side that protect and prevent our cells from this damage. These are found in plants, vegetables and fruits that we consume. Out of all the different kinds of antioxidants, astaxanthin stands out from all the rest.
What makes astaxanthin unique?
It is able to filter into ever cell of the body
Astaxanthin is unlike any other antioxidant because it is both water and fat-soluble. This allows it to protect both the inside and outside of the cell from damage. You might think of it as giving your cell a full-body shield against outside stressors.
It never becomes a pro-oxidant
Antioxidants, such as vitamin C for example, are well known for mopping up free radicals, but did you know that they can also create them? Astaxanthin is particularly good when it comes to your skin due to the fact that it never becomes a pro-oxidant, meaning it won't cause harmful oxidation over time.
It can neutralize multiple free radicals at once
Another difference is the number of free radicals it can handle. Most antioxidants can typically handle only one free radical at a time. Astaxanthin can address multiple free radicals simultaneously, in some cases more than 19 at a time.
What are the benefits of astaxanthin?
It helps you age gracefully
We can thank wrinkles, sagging and dark spots to the visible proof of skin aging and photoaging. In fact, it's said that 80% of skin aging is caused by UV exposure and only 20% accounts from our genes. In other words, prevention truly makes or breaks whether we appear to age gracefully or not.
As an antioxidant, astaxanthin can protect skin cells from free racial damage. This protection is a critical role in maintaining our ability to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid to support smooth, plump skin. This is exactly why astaxanthin is such a super nutrient in skincare as it helps support youthful, glowing skin from the inside out.
It can boost your workouts
Great skin aside, astaxanthin can be a benefit to our fitness regimen as well. It works by supporting faster recovery from exercise by combating sore muscles and joints. If you have ever found it difficult to walk after a good leg session, astaxanthin might be your new best friend.
Perhaps even more remarkable, when taken daily it's even been shown to boost muscle endurance by 150%, means you can train harder for longer!
It may help with mental fatigue
Brain fog and chronic fatigue are major problems many of us are facing in modern day life. Unfortunately modern medicine just doesn’t have many options for dealing with these type of issues.
Thankfully, a new study published in 2018 showed some promising results! In the randomized, double-blind study, those who were given astaxanthin experienced significantly improved recovery from mental fatigue compared with the placebo group.
Where does astaxanthin come from?
As you can see, astaxanthin is one of the best nutrients we can consume not only for our skin, but for overall health! But great, now where do we find super ingredient?
You can find astaxanthin in wild salmon, especially sockeye salmon, however, to eat the amount of astaxanthin you would need to see any changes you would need to consume about or 2-3 servings a day. That’s a lot of salmon!
This is exactly why we created out Antioxidant Glow Complex. Each gummy is packed with the astaxanthin derived from micro algae (the most stable form) and Vitamin E, to boost your health so you radiant from the inside out. Best part, with a delicious fruit punch flavour these gummies are sure to become your favourite part of your inner beauty routine.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946307/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28751807
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22428137
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14503852
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20219323
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18803658
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165470/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6323061/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25084680
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4584352/
Excellent article explaining the great benefits of astaxanthin. A great investment for the body systems, making you look more youthful and feel great. Awesome to see it helps with muscles and joints and your daily workouts!
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