Astaxanthin prevents heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s
Astaxanthin prevents heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s
dementia
Article by John Phillip
(Natural News)There’s a new kid on the block in the world of natural nutrients that promotes optimal health and has a significant impact in preventing chronic disease development. Astaxanthin
is a red-orange carotenoid pigment derived from microalgae, fish, and
crustaceans that can prevent and even treat conditions that progress from the
negative effects of oxidative stress and antioxidant deterioration. Astaxanthin
is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be ten times more powerful than
other pigments and carotenoids including resveratrol. Research details published
in The American Journal of Cardiology provide solid evidence that
astaxanthin supplemented daily can inhibit the damaging effects of oxidative
stress that leads to heart disease, heart attack and
dementia.
Researchers discovered that the potent antioxidant activity
afforded by astaxanthin supplementation results in improved cardiovascular
health. The super nutrient positively influences endothelial function, allowing
the delicate heart vessels to relax. This lowers blood pressure and reduces the
number of inflammatory cells that promote deadly arterial plaque known to reduce
blood flow to the heart muscle.
Astaxanthin is further shown to boost the
heart`s pumping capacity to maintain normal blood flow to the muscle and other
vital organs throughout the body. Researchers found that astaxanthin inhibits
the effects of advanced glycation end products (AGE`s) that form through normal
cellular function and that can increase the incidence of diabetes by altering
glucose metabolism. Scientists have demonstrated that astaxanthin reduces
markers of oxidative stress and inflammation and improves the way blood flows
through the vascular system to lower the risk of heart disease and
stroke.
Compelling research published in the British Journal of
Nutrition posits the effect of supplemented astaxanthin on development and
progression of Alzheimer`s dementia. One of the significant markers of the
disease is the proliferation of phospholipid hydroperoxides (PLOOH) in the
blood. Excess levels cause free radical damage in the brain that can damage
neural structures and that are associated with progression of Alzheimer`s
dementia.
The study found that supplementing with 6 to 12 mg of
astaxanthin daily for 12 weeks lowered blood levels of PLOOH up to 50%.
Astaxanthin was found to be a potent antioxidant that could easily cross the
blood-brain barrier to dramatically lower oxidative stress.
Study
researchers concluded: “These results suggest that astaxanthin
supplementation results in improved erythrocyte antioxidant status and decreased
phospholipid hydroperoxide levels, which may contribute to the prevention of
dementia.” Based on an ongoing body of evidence to support the amazing
benefits of astaxanthin, health-minded individuals will want to supplement with
4 to 12 mg daily to support heart and brain health.