Chances are, you've heard of antioxidants - right?
Well, I want to introduce you to a super powerful antioxidant called Astaxanthin. As you know, antioxidants are amazing at reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals which cause SO many health issues from cancer to depression.
Astaxanthin is a substance found in the ocean, and it gives a lot of fish their reddish color. It has been shown to be more potent than both vitamin E and vitamin C, and can help with a myriad of wellness goals such as excercise endurance, reducing oxidative stress, improving skin quality, heart health, and joint pain.
So, how does it do this? Let's take a look...
Few studies have shown that astaxanthin can help improve heart health by assisting in arterial wall thickness and elastin levels. There is a possibility that astaxanthin can help lower cholesterol levels too!
Astaxanthin can help support your healthy skin routine! You might have heard of retinol (vitamin A derivatives), which increases cell turnover in the skin. Astaxanthin has been shown to have several of the same properties of Vitamin A, and can help improve skin when taken internally.
Cancer is a big concern these days, and astaxanthin can play a supporting role in your anti-cancer efforts. Cancer results in a mutation of cells - which can be caused by many different things. Among these causes are free radicals, oxidative stress, and foreign chemicals/pollutants in the body. Antioxidants help to clear out all of this nasty stuff, which can help your body perform at top notch!
As an antioxidant, astaxanthin can help reduce inflammation. This means it can help with joint pain- we all need that, right?
My favorite source of astaxanthin can be found in a product called Kyani Sunset. This product is the perfect bedtime vitamin, packed with vitamin E, omega-3 (from wild caught alaskan salmon), Beta Carotene, and Astaxanthin.
This product is an antioxidant powerhouse that can also help improve sleep, cognitive function, hair and nails, skin health, and all of the other benefits we mentioned before!
If you have questions about which supplements are right for you, feel free to reach out. As a Cognitive Behavioral Coach, I have seen a huge correlation between adequate nutrition and mental health. I offer a free consultation call (over the phone!), schedule now!
-Merilee Ford, M.A.