8 properties of astaxanthin you wouldn’t imagine

When you hear the word astaxanthin, do you think of a chemical preparation or an artificial substance? Nothing could be further from the truth! Astaxanthin is a natural pigment found in various foods. From red cranberries to salmon, crabs, or shrimp, they’re all ready to offer it to you. A powerful antioxidant that will captivate you as soon as you learn that its benefits don’t stop there—they go way beyond!

1. A super powerful antioxidant

Although the properties of astaxanthin could fill an entire catalog, there’s one that really stands out. In fact, its effect as a potent antioxidant has been studied extensively.

And we’re not talking about just any antioxidant. Do you know what sets astaxanthin apart from the rest? It’s that this substance is found both on the outer and inner parts of the plasma membrane—the barrier that separates the inside of the cell from the outside environment. You can see this property in the image below.

Maybe that’s why astaxanthin has a stronger antioxidant power than lycopene or other carotenoids, with activity between 10 and 100 times greater!

You can learn more about these effects of this substance here – https://www.hsnstore.eu/blog/supplements/antioxidants/astaxanthin/antioxidant/

But the antioxidant perks don’t stop there, since it boosts other defense mechanisms in your body, like increasing the production of T cells and antibodies that act against antigens or foreign substances.

2. Its anti-inflammatory power, your best ally

Got inflammation issues? Astaxanthin supplements can help you say goodbye to them. In fact, one of the most sought-after functions of this pigment is its anti-inflammatory effects on the eyes and kidneys, as well as antibacterial action against strains like H. Pylori, which naturally lives in your gastrointestinal tract but can sometimes cause stomach irritation and even ulcers due to various factors.

This effect is enhanced when it acts as a H, K ATPase pump inhibitor, which increases mucin production.

How does astaxanthin’s anti-inflammatory power benefit you? By easing a range of health issues: it relieves joint pain, lowers arthritis risk, and reduces triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Plus, it supports retina protection.

3. Astaxanthin and its effect on the heart: a dream team

If heart diseases were defeated, life expectancy would increase by seven years. That’s an incredible stat that shows just how important cardiovascular health is today.

Several studies point in this direction. Some of the most striking results show that taking astaxanthin helps significantly reduce fatty acid oxidation and lowers triglyceride levels while raising HDL (the “good” cholesterol), all great news for heart health.

Finally, we can’t overlook a great finding from one study: doses between 12 and 18 mg of astaxanthin increase adiponectin production, a hormone made by fat cells. It has several positive effects on health, especially helping insulin better regulate blood sugar levels.

4. Good news for blood lipids? Absolutely!

Fats or lipids in the blood are the main components of plant and animal cells, vital for your body as they act as fuel. Astaxanthin has stronger antioxidant activity than other carotenoids when it comes to protecting blood lipids.

LDL cholesterol, caused by unstable molecules, contributes to atherosclerosis by damaging the lining of blood vessels. That’s why lowering its levels is so important.

5. Lowers blood pressure, and how!

Astaxanthin’s benefits seem endless, and the circulatory system is another big winner. It’s been shown that taking astaxanthin noticeably increases blood flow in peripheral capillaries.

Also, the results are promising regarding its role in maintaining healthy blood pressure.

6. Astaxanthin, infertility, and testosterone

One in ten men of reproductive age faces infertility issues, often bringing emotional challenges. Sperm are reactive species exposed to oxygen and vulnerable to damage from it.

An increase in free radicals can affect many men, causing infertility. Keep in mind sperm don’t have a defense system against these molecules, so they’re unprotected against their attack. That’s where astaxanthin comes in.

The good news is men who take astaxanthin supplements as a dietary aid improve both sperm quality and function. The result? Higher chances of pregnancy.

A study found that taking one or two daily doses of a combo of astaxanthin and palmetto for two weeks raises testosterone levels, even at low doses.

7. A powerful boost for the immune system

Are temperatures dropping and your colds increasing? Maybe your defenses are a bit low, which is super common nowadays. The immune system is extremely sensitive to damage caused by free radicals, since cell membranes contain a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, a prime target for free radicals.

Antioxidants in general, and astaxanthin in particular, provide strong protection against attacks from unstable molecules, giving your immune system an extra layer of defense it’ll appreciate.

8. A top-notch sports supplement

And in sports, what can astaxanthin do for you? Based on various studies, it can boost your strength and endurance during exercise.

Since astaxanthin’s benefits can’t be explained by muscle mass gain, experts speculate it protects cell membranes, including mitochondrial membranes, from oxidative stress caused by intense workouts.

Did you expect astaxanthin to offer so much for your health? Don’t just read about its benefits—take advantage of them!