If you're an athlete, keep reading! If you are a middle aged lady (like me) trying to fight the aging process, keep reading! This mysterious nutrient will give you an advantage over the competition, even if that competition is just yourself! However, even if you are NOT an athlete you should be taking this nutrient daily.
Recently, I got back into my workout routine and wanted to reduce the soreness from suddenly using my previously very underworked muscles! I found that this supplement goes right to the muscles giving it the ability to protect them from all sorts of degenerative conditions (as well as joint and muscle pain) and can speed recovery while increasing endurance by preventing oxidative stress. Serious athletes should be looking into this nutrient to give them an edge on their gains.
How did I discover this important nutrient? For over a decade I had been extremely cautious when it comes to which sunscreens I use on my family. Then, several years ago during a time my husband was working outside for the largest portion of the day, I started researching options that included internal sunscreens. (My husband has been bald for most of his life and couldn’t wear a hat even though it was necessary for him to be outside most of the day.) That is when I ran across an a little known carotenoid called Astaxanthin (pronounced “asta-ZAN-thin”). From what I was reading Astaxanthin could protect the skin from UV damage and sunburn—from the inside out. This benefit is very important for long-distance runners who train in the sun, especially fair skinned runners like my daughter who loves running and has beautiful snow white skin.
The more I studied this little powerhouse, the more fascinated I became. I discovered that not only can it provide sun protective benefits by internally protecting against sunburn but it also can reduce inflammation, fight fatigue, support eye health, improve reproductive health, reduce the risk of cancer, help stabilize blood sugar, protect the brain from dementia and alzheimer's, boost immune function and improve workout performance! In addition to all this it also boasts of having anti-aging benefits! YES!!! Score!
One of the reasons I personally chose to supplement with Astaxanthin is the anti-inflammatory and pain relieving benefits, because it works much like Celebrex without the risk (have I mentioned I don't like taking prescription medication?) Astaxanthin is also said to “filter into every cell in the body.” One study found Astaxanthin was 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, 800 times stronger than CoQ10, 550 times stronger than green tea catechins and 75 times stronger than alpha lipoic acid.(1) I have had joint pain in my knees for years and had tried every remedy I had read about.
A great benefit of Astaxanthin that gives athletes an advantage is how well it increases the use of fat as an energy source. Therefore, athletes trying to maintain or reduce their BMI should consider supplementing with this nutrient. In addition, researchers have discovered that the athletes taking Astaxanthin had nearly three times more muscular strength and endurance than those given a placebo in clinical trials. (2)
As a matter of fact, Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, lists Astaxanthin as one of the Top 4 nutrients for human health! Also on his list are Vitamin D, Turmeric, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. One note on how to take Astaxanthin, according to Dr. Mercola, the recommendation is to take 10 mg of Astaxanthin daily and because Astaxanthin is fat soluble, so it must be taken with a meal that has some fat in it – otherwise, your body will not be able to absorb it.
Dr. Mercola hails Astaxanthin as one of the most powerful antioxidants ever discovered. Click HERE to see his video where he goes in depth about the subject. He also recommends taking it 4-8 weeks prior to flying because, “Not only does astaxanthin give your immune system an enormous boost, but it's also a potent UVB absorber and can help reduce DNA damage. Hence it can help protect you from the increased radiation you are subjected to while flying, and may even offer protection against any harmful radiation exposure from airport scanners.” (3) Which is why it is the number one supplement I have been using to prepare for my upcoming trip to China (20 days away!).
I am not a doctor, so before taking any supplements please do your own research or check with your doctor. People taking medications should check for interactions before supplementing with astaxanthin or any other nutrient. Astaxanthin can lower blood pressure, so people taking blood pressure lowering medications should consult with their physicians before supplementing with Astaxanthin! Please use your own discretion when adding nutrients to your regiment. There are no affiliate links in this post.
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