We all hear about the benefits of antioxidants, but what are they really?!
Generally speaking, antioxidants include some vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients “aka plant chemicals”. These compounds help to stop cell and DNA damage, thus slowing down aging, fighting off disease, and boosting immune function.
Today we are digging deep into one specific antioxidant called Astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin Facts:
- Astaxanthin falls into the phytonutrient category and can be further classified as a carotenoid. It is a red/orangish pigment that occurs in trout, microalgae, shrimp, and salmon.
- Compared to other carotenoids, astaxanthin has been shown to have the highest antioxidant activity.
- Astaxanthin acts as an antioxidant in the body by removing free radicals and therefore decreasing the risk of chronic disease development.
- When used topically, it may promote healthy skin by smoothing wrinkles and maintaining skin moisture
An easy way to boost your Astaxanthin intake is by consuming more seafood, such as salmon, sustainable trout like that in Mini Fish and other seafood that has the reddish pigment. Particularly, the salmon from Kvarøy Arctic is high in astaxanthin and also contains 2000 mg of omega-3s per 3.5 oz serving. Considering that carotenoids are best absorbed in the body in the presence of a fat, this combination of nutrients is truly optimal for your body.
So now you may be thinking, if this compound is so important, should I just be taking a pill of it everyday?
Just like most things in life, too much of a good thing can turn into a negative. Extremely high doses of antioxidants can actually promote oxidation, instead of reduce it. The high dose can only be achieved by taking supplements, so it’s ideal to stick to a food first approach when trying to get more antioxidants, like astaxanthin, into your diet.
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