Astaxanthin is a reddish-pink carotenoid that has antioxidant action, which neutralizes free radicals that cause cell damage and helps decrease the risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes and cancer.
In addition, Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that also increases the body’s protection against the ultraviolet rays of the sun, maintaining the hydration and softness of the skin, and preventing the emergence of wrinkles and sagging.
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Astaxanthin is found naturally in fish and seafood, such as krill, algae, trout, salmon, shrimp and lobster. This carotenoid can also be obtained through capsule supplements, in supplement and pharmacies stores.
What is Astaxanth for
Astaxantina provides many health benefits and can be used to:
1. Maintain skin health
Astaxanthin has antioxidant action, which protects healthy skin cells against the damage caused by ultraviolet rays in the sun, helping to prevent premature aging and decrease the risk of skin cancer.
In addition, this carotenoid also prevents water loss, keeping the skin hydrated and soft, helping to prevent dryness and sagging. See the best foods for the skin.
2. Decrease the risk of cancer
Because it is a potent antioxidant, Astaxanthin fights excess free radicals, avoiding damage to healthy cells and thus reducing the risk of some types of cancer, such as breast and prostate.
3. Preserve eye health
Astaxanthine helps preserve eye health by improving blood circulation on the retina and protecting the cells from the eye against the UV rays of the sun.
Thus, Astaxanthine helps reduce the risk of situations such as tired view and glaucoma, an increase in eye pressure that can cause headache and difficulty seeing.
4. Decrease “bad” cholesterol
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which prevents inflammation and oxidation of fat cells, thus reducing “bad” cholesterol levels, LDL.
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5. Reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases
Astaxanthin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, that is, preventing the death of healthy cells.
Therefore, this caroteneoid protects cells from the nervous system, helping to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson.
6. Regulate the immune system
Astaxanthine helps regulate the immune system as it increases the amount of cells natural killert and b lymphocytes in the body, defense cells that help combat microorganisms such as viruses, fungi and bacteria.
7. Help prevent diabetes
Because it has potent antioxidant action, Astaxanthine protects the pancreas cells against possible damage, improving the functions of the insulin hormone and avoiding insulin and diabetes resistance.
8. Avoid cardiovascular disease
Astaxantine contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce blood cholesterol and triglycerides, avoiding the formation of fat plaques in the arteries and preventing the emergence of diseases such as atherosclerosis, infarction and stroke.
In addition, Astaxanth also preserves the health of the arteries, improving blood circulation and helping to prevent high blood pressure.
Does Astaxantina lose weight?
Astaxanthin does not lose weight, as this carotenoid has no thermogenic or satiety properties that would help in metabolism and satiety, for example.
Thus, to lose weight it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, prioritizing healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and lean proteins, for example.
Also read: Diet to lose weight: what to eat, avoid (and menu)
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Where to find Astaxantina
Astaxanthin can be found in food and supplements.
1. Foods Source of Astaxanth
The main foods source of Astaxantina are:
- Shrimp;
- Salmon;
- Lobster;
- Trout;
- Longastin;
- Algae and microalgae, such as Chlorella, Wakame, Nori and Spirulina.
In addition, Astaxanthin is also found in large quantities in Krill, a shrimp -like crustacean that is also rich in this caroteneid.
2. Astaxantine supplements
According to Anvisa, in Brazil, Astaxanthin supplements in capsules can be indicated to help protect against the damage caused by free radicals.
In addition, Astaxanthin supplements can also be indicated to help treat eye fatigue.
How to take: It is usually recommended to take a maximum of 6 mg of this supplement per day, preferably near the meals.
However, the daily dosage of this supplement may vary according to the objectives and should be taken according to the guidance of a doctor, or nutritionist.
Possible side effects
Astaxanthin intake in food usually does not cause side effects.
Already the consumption of high quantities of Astaxantine, in the form of supplements, can leave the skin with orange tone and cause pain in the stomach and diarrhea.
Who cannot consume
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children, should not use Astaxanthine supplements.
People allergic to fish and seafood should not consume the supplement of Astaxanth either.
In addition, people with health problems or who are using medications or other supplements should always inform the doctor before using the Astaxantine supplement.
Source: www.tuasaude.com