Regarding our physical health, how many of us would change the decisions we have made if we could go back in time? We would avoid some of the mistakes that led us to where we ended up, right? But what if you could erase the effects of those bad decisions and return your body to a better time? That’s the promise delivered by the manufacturers of so many drugs and supplements who claim that their products will change your body from the inside out. These days one of those supplements that is getting a lot of attention is astaxanthin. What is it astaxanthin and why should we care?

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that is taken in pill form. An antioxidant is a substance that neutralizes free radicals that induce age and oxidation in our body. Free radicals occur naturally, but their number can be increased by factors such as toxins, pollution, and poor diet. These highly unstable oxygen molecules wreak havoc if left unchecked, leading to critically high levels of inflammation, accelerated aging, and multiple health problems.

Backed by renowned health experts, Astaxanthin is believed to seek out and destroy free radicals. By doing so, they reduce the signs of skin aging and wrinkles better than topical solutions like creams, lotions, or spa treatments. Astaxanthin is also touted for its ability to improve joint health, stimulate brain function, increase endurance, reduce recovery time from exercise, and provide an overall surge of youthful energy. Allowing you to jump tall buildings in one jump. It’s a prank. About the last one.

So is it a hype or does astaxanthin do everything they say it does? According to experts (and I’m not an expert even though I studied chemistry in college for a year), astaxanthin is more effective and powerful than vitamins E and C, beta-carotene, green tea, lutein, and even CoQ10 . So far so good. But does this translate to looking better, feeling younger, and even living longer?

The appearance of your skin says a lot about your age. Sunscreen lotion and other topical solutions provide short-term benefits. Your skin is where the first signs of free radical damage appear, as it is especially vulnerable to oxidative stress and inflammation. Soil depletion and genetic modification of foods have reduced the nutritional and antioxidant value of foods, and pollution and toxins have also created free radicals. Astaxanthin enhances cell repair and collagen production, which increases skin moisture, thus providing firmer and more elastic skin. Astaxanthin can also suppress inflammation, which can help reduce swelling and irritation. Research shows that astaxanthin, in fact, repairs and heals the skin from the inside out.

In terms of increased energy, astaxanthin has been shown to positively impact mitochondria, the cellular energy centers that produce energy. Astaxanthin has also been found to improve strength and endurance and accelerate muscle recovery time after exercise. It has become popular with athletes for this reason and they believe it improves performance as well.

There are other benefits of astaxanthin. Laboratory research indicates that it protects the brain, nervous system, and eyes. Astaxanthin is also especially active in the joints and connective tissues.

Astaxanthin is available both naturally and synthetically. The main food sources are microalgae, arctic shrimp and krill, which is a crustacean.

I don’t know about you but … isn’t there a pill I can take instead? Yes there are! Fortunately, both a natural and synthetic version are available. There are 3 elements to consider:

  1. Experts prefer natural astaxanthin, as it is believed to have twice the antioxidant power of synthetic.

  2. They also insist that the daily dose should not be less than 4 mg.

  3. Finally, they warn the consumer regarding cost. If you’re paying more than $ 25 for a one-month supply of astaxanthin, some companies are likely to take advantage of you to raise their prices.

It seems that astaxanthin is worth considering. While some in the medical community call it “miraculous,” “a medical wonder,” and “the alpha antioxidant,” the ultimate proof lies within your own experience. There is no evidence or research to suggest that this product is unsafe. And then there is the backing of the experts. I trust these people. As someone with a passion for physical (and financial) health, my recommendation is to give astaxanthin a try.