5 Possible Benefits of Astaxanthin

The ocean provides us with many things that can be beneficial to our health. This includes Astaxanthin, a type of pigment that occurs in trout, microalgae, yeast, and shrimp and other sea creatures. Most people are familiar with it because of the pinkish color found in Pacific salmon.

Astaxanthin may have a number of health benefits to humans. Included among the benefits are the possibility for healthier skin, heart health, and more. The following are some of the possible benefits.

1. Antioxidant: The antioxidant properties of Astaxanthin may be beneficial in numerous ways. In fact, they are one of the top listed benefits of the supplement and may even be helpful in the treatment of cancer.

Studies show that Astaxanthin can help with blood flow, reducing oxidative stress in smokers and overweight people ¹. When astaxanthin and other carotenoids were compared in a study², astaxanthin was shown to have a higher antioxidant activity than the rest.

2. Your Skin: It is possible to use Astaxanthin topically to keep your skin healthy. According to a study from 2012⁴, using Astaxanthin topically and orally can help reduce age spots, smooth wrinkles and keep the skin moisturized. Both men and women benefited from the use of Astaxanthin but additional study is necessary.

3. Help With Exercise: Some studies look into how astaxanthin can help boost endurance and reduce fatigue after exercise. Those studies⁵ were done on mice that show how the body may more effectively use fatty acids, which can prevent muscle and skeletal damage and improve endurance.

4. Heart Health: According to a 2006⁶ study, the effect of astaxanthin on rats help to reduce high blood pressure. It may also help to improve the thickness of arterial walls and elastin levels.

Another claim was that astaxanthin may even be able to prevent heart disease and reduce cholesterol levels. More studies need to be done to verify that fact.

5. Male Fertility: Astaxanthin use has yielded positive results for male fertility according to a 2005 study⁸. A double-blind study involving 30 men who formerly suffered from infertility and lasting three months was conducted.

According to the research, both count and mobility of sperm was improved. The individuals in the group who had a strong dosage of astaxanthin saw the most benefit. Although the study was somewhat small, it is promising.