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Seven Potential Benefits of ValAsta/Astaxanthin
Under the sea
Fish oil with
omega-3 fatty acids isn’t the only thing from the ocean that can improve
function in the human body. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that
occurs in trout, microalgae, yeast, and shrimp, among other sea
creatures. It’s most commonly found in Pacific salmon and is what gives
the fish its pinkish color.
As you may be aware, antioxidants are
good for you. Astaxanthin’s antioxidant properties provide the main
source of the health claims and benefits of the supplement, particularly
when used to help treat cancer.
It’s been linked to improved blood flow and lowering oxidative stress in smokers and overweight people. A comparison study of astaxanthin and other carotenoids showed that it displayed the highest antioxidant activity against free radicals.
Because of its antioxidant properties, there has been a lot of research on how astaxanthin might help to treat various cancers. One study found short- and long-term benefits for the treatment of breast cancer, including reduced growth of breast cancer cells.
The high cost of purified astaxanthin has limited its use in further studies and cancer treatments.
Astaxanthin can be used topically to promote healthy skin. A 2012 study showed
that combining topical and oral doses of astaxanthin can help to smooth
wrinkles, make age spots smaller, and help maintain skin moisture.
There were positive results in both men and women.
There has been a lot of
study on how astaxanthin can affect endurance, as well as fatigue
levels after exercise. Studies on mice show that it can boost the
body’s use of fatty acids, which helps endurance, and prevent muscle and skeletal damage.
Researchers are also looking into claims that astaxanthin can benefit heart health. A 2006 study examined astaxanthin’s effects on rats with hypertension (high blood pressure), and results indicated that it may help to improve elastin levels and arterial wall thickness.
Other claims include the notion that astaxanthin can prevent heart disease and help lower cholesterol.
Astaxanthin may also
have a future in the treatment of joint pain, including conditions like
rheumatoid arthritis, which affects nearly one in every five Americans, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Some studies show that astaxanthin may be able to reduce inflammation and pain symptoms related to arthritis.
In a 2005 study,
astaxanthin showed positive results for male fertility. Over the course
of three months, the double-blind study examined 30 different men who
were previously suffering from infertility.
The researchers
saw improvements in sperm parameters, like count and motility, and
improved fertility in the group who received a strong dosage of
astaxanthin.