Astaxanthin Research Paper

Health Benefits Of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin For Good Health
Many people have heard about various carotenoids like, beta-carotene, lycopene and zeaxanthin, but very few of you are aware about astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid of predominantly marine origin. It occurs in trout, shrimp, yeast, salmon and other sea creatures. The Pacific salmon gets its beautiful pink color from astaxanthin.
Additionally, this carotenoid possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As one of the most potent carotenoids found in nature, astaxanthin aids in the treatment and management of various diseases and benefits the health, from enhancing the skin health to protecting your heart against damage. Its unique structure makes it different

The anti-aging effects of this carotenoid is attributed to the presence of antioxidants in it. Astaxanthin fights signs of skin aging like, wrinkles, reduced elasticity, dark spots and fine lines and further prevents deterioration of the skin.
Overproduction of pro-inflammatory compounds causes signs of premature skin aging. Astaxanthin supplements inhibit inflammation-mediated skin deterioration and prevents accumulation of age-related oxidative stress.
It further restores skin moisture, which is otherwise lost due to free radical attack and premature skin aging.
An interesting study found that women who took astaxanthin supplements had improvements in their skin elasticity and skin moisture content as compared to those who did not take these supplements. It increases the production of collagen in the skin, a protein responsible for smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. (3)
Lowers High Blood Pressure:
It is very well-known that high blood pressure puts an individual at an increased risk of having heart attack and stroke. Astaxanthin supplements help in reducing systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. It further delays the incidence of stroke in stroke-prone

A high generation of free radicals and weakening of the antioxidant defense system contributes to a state of oxidative stress in the brain, which can affect memory, cognition, ability to concentrate and to learn and remember things.
In this regard, astaxanthin is an interesting compound because it protects the brain health by counteracting the negative effects of oxidative stress. It acts as a protective shield and protects the brain cells against damage and death caused by free radical attack.
Astaxanthin protects the neuronal integrity by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory compounds in the brains of older individuals. It further promotes neurogenesis, a process in which, nerve cells are generated in the brain, which enhances memory and improves overall quality of life.
Thus, astaxanthin supplements can be beneficial for older adults with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. (7)
Fights Cancer:
Studies have found anti-cancer effects exerted by astaxanthin, which could possibly be helpful in the treatment and management of cancer. Evidence suggests that astaxanthin has anti-cancer efficacy in various types of cancers, including leukemia, bladder cancer, colon cancer, oral cancer and hepatocellular