During the summertime, spending time outdoors is a beautiful idea. The sun’s warmth on your skin feels fantastic and provides numerous benefits. Sunbathing can strengthen your immune system, quicken your metabolism, and alleviate symptoms of depression. It can also regulate hormones, reducing the effects of menopause, mood swings, and PMS. Additionally, sunlight can act as an antiseptic, eliminating viruses, fungi, yeast, and mold while improving skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, rashes, eczema, and athlete’s foot. By spending just 10-15 minutes in direct sunlight each day, you can experience a sense of revitalization, fortification, and rejuvenation, making it an effortless yet potent source of emotional, physical, and mental restoration.
If you want extra protection for your skin from air pollution and sun damage, consider adding astaxanthin (pronounced asta-zan– thin) to your routine. This natural compound is often called “internal sunscreen” because of its numerous protective and health benefits.
Internal and external measures are necessary to safeguard our skin from damage. Fortunately, astaxanthin is effective in protecting our skin from both. It protects from UV exposure, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Additionally, astaxanthin reduces the risk of skin damage, wrinkles, age spots, dark circles, and other blemishes appearing as we age. Moreover, astaxanthin can prevent skin cancer by limiting free radical damage to our skin cells.
Astaxanthin provides many benefits beyond just protecting the skin from external factors. It can increase energy levels, strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall health. Taking astaxanthin as a natural supplement is a simple way to limit free radical damage and support overall well-being. With astaxanthin, you can protect your body with confidence and enjoy the numerous benefits it has to offer.
Keep reading to discover more about astaxanthin and how it can positively impact your health and well-being.
01. What Is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin (AXT) is a red pigment that occurs naturally in microalgae and marine creatures. It belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids and is best absorbed when consumed with fat due to its lipid solubility. This potent antioxidant is rich in valuable information. These micro-algae pigments are an essential part of the food chain and represent a main component of the diet of shellfish such as krill, lobster, shrimp, and crab, which ultimately makes its way into the flesh of wild salmon, giving it its characteristic and beautiful pink coloration, and even enhances the bright plumage of flamingos.
Over 1500 peer-reviewed studies show that astaxanthin not only helps to scavenge free radicals that can damage the skin but also promotes immune health, reduces cancer risk, mitigates diabesity, and protects the heart, blood vessels, and eyes. Furthermore, it helps slow brain aging and can support overall energy and vitality.
Astaxanthin is a versatile plant-based antioxidant and is likely one of the most potent found in nature. Astaxanthis is:
- 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C
- 800 times stronger than CoQ10
- 550 times stronger than green tea (ECGC)
- 100 times stronger than vitamin E
- and 40 times stronger than beta-carotene
02. Astaxanthin As SPF Sun Protection
Astaxanthin, known as the “Internal Sunscreen,” shields the skin from UV rays which can cause harm, including oxidative stress, premature aging, reddening, and sunburn.
While UVB rays primarily impact the outermost layer of skin, UVA rays penetrate deeper with more extensive damage. However, Astaxanthin combats oxidative stress by acting as a potent antioxidant against active oxygen.
Its benefits include reduced sunburn potential, improved skin healing, and increased tolerance to sun exposure. Furthermore, Astaxanthin penetrates all skin layers and serves as an “inner sunscreen,” offering extensive protection against harmful UVA radiation.
03. How to Take Astaxanthin In the Summer Months?
For optimal results, taking Astaxanthin at least two weeks before sun exposure is advised. Ingesting 4 mg of Astaxanthin daily for 14 days prolongs the duration of staying under the sun without skin damage.
For 12 weeks, supplements in doses of 4 to 40 milligrams daily have been proven safe based on studies. However, taking four to eight milligrams one to three times daily is recommended with your meals. Start with a low dose at the beginning and gradually increase to assess your tolerance.
Furthermore, research on human subjects shows oral intake of 6mg of Astaxanthin daily for 6-8 weeks can decrease the size of crow’s feet, wrinkles, age spots, and water loss while improving skin texture, moisture content, and elasticity, especially when combined with topical Astaxanthin application.
BEFORE USE: If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, as well as those taking medication – be sure to consult with your ND, nutritionist, or functional Med Doctor for guidance.
What are Astaxanthin’s benefits?
Astaxanthin provides incredible benefits beyond just sun protection. Here are the top four ways this super antioxidant enhances your bodily functions (including your immune system):
Immune Health
Astaxanthin is a widely researched carotenoid that acts as a powerful antioxidant vital for immune health.
Medically known as the “King of the Carotenoids,” astaxanthin can be converted into vitamin A, promoting innate and adaptive immune responses against toxins and pathogenic invasions.
Recent clinical studies have shown that astaxanthin supplementation enhances immune cell response and increases the production of antibodies, which are crucial for fighting off pathogens.
Fights Pain and Inflammation
Astaxanthin is a beneficial nutrient that offers a range of advantages. It can lessen neuroinflammation, making it a practical choice for those who suffer from cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Astaxanthin can also alleviate joint inflammation, relieving individuals with conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, it is effective in treating muscle soreness and sports injuries.
ANTI-AGING, EYE, and CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Astaxanthin, an age-defying superstar, counteracts common signs of aging and improves overall health.
This powerful antioxidant can easily cross the blood-retina barrier to reduce eye strain and promote clear vision as one ages. This ingredient also reduces skin oxidation and inflammation to give a healthy, smoother complexion, boosting collagen levels for anti-aging and supporting cell repair.
Astaxanthin supports cardiovascular health by improving lipid metabolism, normalizing blood sugar levels, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
Cognitive Function
Astaxanthin is a trustworthy antioxidant with a reputation for enhancing cognition by alleviating oxidative stress and facilitating optimal body function.
A promising randomized controlled trial published in 2012, involving 96 participants, revealed significant cognitive improvements after daily supplementation with the antioxidant for 12 weeks.
Supplement recommendations I personally use
Maximize the health benefits by seeking a high-quality microalgae-derived astaxanthin extract rather than synthetic astaxanthin containing additives. According to a study, natural astaxanthin eliminates free radicals 20 times more effective than synthetic. The researchers cautioned the latter might not be suitable as a human nutraceutical supplement.
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If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, as well as those taking medication – be sure to consult with your ND, nutritionist, or functional Med Doctor for guidance.
Sources:
- Rx list – Article 1
- Springer Link – Article 1
- National Library Of Medicine – Article 1, 2, 3, 4
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