The King of Carotenoids

Recently, Astaxanthin, a naturally-occurring carotenoid, has become a popular supplement for its unique benefits, particularly its protection against cellular damage, especially in the brain and vascular system. However, what many shoppers may not know or focus on is the vital role Astaxanthin can also play in helping to relieve pain and inflammation, support eye health and even help reduce damage from the sun.

Where Does Astaxanthin Come From?
Astaxanthin is produced by the microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis, when its water supply dries up, forcing it to protect itself from a lack of nutrition and ultraviolet radiation by using astaxanthin as a “force field” (1). Although astaxanthin is produced in algae, it can also be found in marine animals such as salmon, shrimp and lobster, which consume the algae and in turn gives these animals its pink flesh color and even aids in salmon’s strength and endurance to swim up-river and through waterfalls (1). Unfortunately these sources contain only trace amounts of astaxanthin and since humans cannot synthesize the carotenoid, this potent antioxidant must be consumed via a dietary supplement to acheive sufficient benefits (2).

What Are the Benefits of Astaxanthin?
Because astaxanthin is an antioxidant, it naturally neutralizes free radicals, that can harm our cells. However, unlike most antioxidant vitamins and minerals that lose their antioxidant function once a free radical has been disarmed, astaxanthin remains active and can disarm several free radicals at one time, making it a more efficient antioxidant (3).

Skin Health. Radiant, vibrant, and healthy looking skin has long been associated with good health, but while most try and improve the appearance of their skin from the outside alone, the real key to healthy skin is building it from the inside out (2). Shoppers tend to believe one reason — besides normal aging — skin wrinkles and age spots appear is a result of exposure to the elements such as the sun, wind and pollution. However, another factor may be oxidative damage. As we absorb toxins into our bloodstream, from pollution in the air, from pesticides in the food we eat, or any other factor, in cellular oxidation is the result. Cellular oxidation can damage cell membranes and other structures such as the collagen in our skin, which can then become thinner, lose the ability to hold its shape and become less elastic eventually forming wrinkles. Besides trying to avoid toxins to prevent the signs of premature aging, astaxanthin may be able to significantly reduce the oxidative load in the body by protecting the cells against oxidation (4). In a study published in Acta Biochimica Polonica in 2012, two human clinical trials were performed.  In the open-label non-controlled study, which for eight weeks involved 30 healthy female subjects, a combination of 6 mg of oral supplementation and 2 ml of a topical application of astaxanthin per day, lead to an improvement of the patient’s skin texture by week four and improvements in age-spot size, moisture content, elasticity and skin wrinkles by week eight. In the second trial, which was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study that involved 36 healthy males, researchers found that after six weeks of taking 6 mg of an oral astaxanthin daily, patients had an improvement in crow’s feet wrinkles, elasticity and transepidermal water loss.

Eye and Brain Support. To help combat free radicals from enacting oxidative damage in the retina, two carotenoids, zeaxanthin and lutein, are concentrated in the macula of the retina. However as one ages, the body begins to lose the ability to produce high levels of the antioxidants it needs to fight off toxins that are targeting one’s organs and even fight off light damaging exposure such as high-energy light rays called blue light, which can reach deep into the eye, causing damage to the retina and has even be theorized in the development of age-related macular degeneration. While shoppers may believe the simple solution is to head for a supplement containing zeaxanthin and lutein, new research suggests grabbing an astaxanthin supplement  in combination with or even alone. This is due to its ability, unlike other carotenoids, to cross the blood-brain barriers and the blood-retinal barrier to bring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to stop retinal destruction.

In a four-week double-blind study, published in the Journal of Traditional Medicines, researchers found supplementation with 5 mg of astaxanthin resulted in a 46% reduction of eyestrain or fatigue and a higher accommodation amplitude (the adjustment in the lens that allows it to focus) in patients who used visual display terminals (2,5).

Beyond eye health, researchers have also been able to see a vast improvement in brain health. In one study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2011, researchers found patients taking 6 or 12 mg of astaxanthin per day for 12 weeks to have a reduction in levels of phospholipid hydroperoxides (PLOOH), which accumulates abnormally in the red blood cells of people with dementia.

Cardiovascular Health. Cardiovascular disease causes more than 17 million deaths worldwide each year and is also responsible for half of all deaths in the United States (6). Any health problem directly affecting the heart or the blood vessel and arteries can be classified as a cardiovascular disease, such as, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, abnormal heart arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy. In a recent study involving obese adults, astaxanthin has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, ApoB and oxidative stress biomarkers (7). Another study with participants taking 6 mg of astaxanthin per day for 10 days showed an improvement in blood circulation, which may also help those with hypertension, a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries is elevated requiring the heart to pump harder to circulate blood (8).

Inflammation & Pain. Inflammation is the body’s response to fighting infection and repairing tissues. When one sprains their ankle, a muscle or tears a ligament, the body’s inflammatory response kicks in causing inflammation to form around the affected area and the stages of healing begin. But when inflammation lingers, it can cause tissue damage and inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and more. Astaxanthin’s ability to travel throughout the body allows it to target a number of high-stress inflammatory areas such as the joints, the heart, the brain, the eyes, and the skin (2). Unfortunately, research is still ongoing as to how astaxanthin blocks inflammatory COX2 enzymes, while at the same time suppressing serum levels of nitric oxide, interleukin 1B, prostaglandin E2, C Reactive Protein (CRP), and TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha) (9).

If shoppers are worried about the potential for toxicity, astaxanthin, unlike most antioxidants lacks the ability to turn into a pro-oxidant, even at high levels due to its molecular structure (10). Of course shoppers should always consult with a physician before adding astaxanthin to their diets.

YOU can find Astaxanthin supplements at IHERB.COM

References
1. Joseph Mercola. “Astaxanthin: The Most Important Carotenoid for Healthy Eyes (No, it’s Not Carrots),” May 14, 2011, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/14/astaxanthin-the-worlds-strongest-antioxidant.aspx, accessed January 5, 2017.
2. Michael T. Murray. “The Whole Body benefits of Natural Astaxanthin,” November 23, 2016, http://bt.e-ditionsbyfry.com/publication/
?i=360127#{“issue_id”:360127,”page”:0}, accessed January 5, 2017.
3. Brandi Black. “What is Astaxanthin?” https://www.sunchlorellausa.com
/astaxanthin-benefits-a/436.htm, accessed January 5, 2017.
4. Nutrex Hawaii. “Astaxanthin Explained,” http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/astaxanthin-explained, accessed January 5, 2017.
5. Nagaki, Y., Hayasaka, et al. (2002). “Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusion, and pattern visual evoked potential in visual display terminal workers.” Journal of Traditional Medicines. 19(5): 170-173
6. Texas Heart Institute, “Heart Disease Risk Factors,” www.texasheart.
org/HIC/Topics/HSmart/riskfact.cfm, accessed Aug. 25, 2016.
7. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. “Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects,” Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 2011 Nov;66(4):363-9.
8. Miyawaki, H., et al. (2008). “Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheology,” Journal of Clinical Biochemistry Nutrition. 43(2): 9–74.
9. Nutrex Hawaii. “Benefits of Astaxanthin,” http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/benefits-of-astaxanthin, accessed January 5, 2017.
10. Joseph Mercola. “Astaxanthin – Nature’s Most Powerful Antioxidant,” February 10, 2013, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/
2013/02/10/cysewki-discloses-astaxanthin-benefits.aspx, accessed January 5, 2017.

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Make Mom Your “Galentine” for Valentine’s Day With Natural Beauty Products From iHerb

This post is in collaboration with iHerb. All opinions are my own, and do not reflect those of iHerb. 

Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is all about couples — but honestly — I think you can celebrate any love of your life. For a lot of people, that’s Mom! I recently shopped on iHerb (it doesn’t mean what you might think!) for my “Galentine” this year, and I really hope she’s not reading this. Mom, look away!

I chose several products by Andalou Naturals to gift to her, which I found on sale on iHerb’s online storefront. Immediately I thought of roses and hearts — maybe a little cliche, but for some reason that’s what popped in my head. I wanted to make Mom a basket this year, so after I easily placed my order, I gathered all the supplies and got busy.

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The 1000 Roses Floral Toner is one of my favorite Andalou products, I find it pretty soothing and softening. (And its natural rose fragrance is divine!) I also really like the 1000 Roses Heavenly Night Cream for dry winter skin. It’s nice and rich — but absorbed entirely.

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Dark Chocolate & Weight Loss

Introduction:

A new study published in the International Archives of Medicine adds to the growing data supporting the benefits of dark chocolate in promoting weight loss. Of all the foods available on planet Earth, perhaps the most magical (and interesting) is chocolate. This delectably seemingly addictive food is produced from the beans of the cacao tree whose official name Theobroma cacao reflects the long standing love for chocolate (theobroma being the Greek word for “food of the gods”).

Background:

A 2012 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that frequent chocolate consumption was associated with lower body mass index (BMI) – a ratio of height and weight that’s used to measure obesity. It is important to point out, however, that these benefits of chocolate were only apparent with moderate consumption and that consuming large quantities of chocolate would obviously be counterproductive to losing weight. The recommended “dose” of dark chocolate is approximately 30g to 60g/day (roughly 1 to 2 ounces of a bar with a >70% cocoa content).

Other key areas of research into the benefits of chocolate consumption are its effect on cardiovascular disease and brain health. A growing amount of recent research suggests that:

• Chocolate can be a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants that are especially important in protecting against damage to cholesterol and the lining of the arteries.
• Chocolate flavonoids prevent the excessive clumping together of blood platelets that can cause blood clots.
• Unlike the saturated fats found in meat and dairy products, the saturated fats found in chocolate do not elevate cholesterol levels.
• Frequent chocolate consumption is associated with a nearly 40% reduced risk for heart disease and a 30% reduced risk for a stroke.
• Chocolate can provide significant amounts of arginine – an amino acid that is required in the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps regulate blood flow, inflammation, and blood pressure.
• Chocolate may help improve cognitive function and memory as we age.

New Data:

In a new study from the Institute of Diet and Health in Germany, men and women between the ages of 19 and 67 were divided into three groups. One group was instructed to keep a low-carb diet and to consume a daily serving of 1.5 ounces of chocolate with 81-percent cocoa content (chocolate group). Another group was instructed to follow the same low-carb diet as the chocolate group, but without the chocolate intervention (low-carb group). In addition, a third group ate at their own discretion, with unrestricted choice of food.

At the beginning and end of the one month study, all participants gave a blood sample and their weight, BMI and waist-to-hip ratio were determined and noted. During the study, participants were encouraged to weigh themselves on a daily basis, assess the quality of their sleep as well as their mental state.

Results demonstrated that the subjects of the chocolate intervention group experienced the easiest and most successful weight loss. This effect began to be statistically significant at the 3-week mark as the weight loss was 10% greater in the chocolate group. Furthermore, in the last week of the study, the low-carb group started showing a rebound effect with weight gain. In contrast, the chocolate group experienced a steady decrease in body weight. This is confirmed by the evaluation of the ketone reduction. Initially, ketone reduction was much lower in the chocolate group than in the low-carb peer group, but after a few weeks, the situation changed.

Improvements in cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were similar in the chocolate and low-carb group.

Utilizing a detailed questionnaire to assess physical and mental symptoms, the chocolate group experienced significantly higher improvements in well-being compared to the low-carb group. The chocolate group showed significantly less symptoms of fatigue and the sensation of heavy legs.

The researchers concluded consumption of chocolate with a high-cocoa content significantly accelerates weight loss and increases the success of weight-loss diets.

Commentary:

The most significant result from this study was the prevention of rebound weight gain. Considerable evidence indicates that it is very difficult for most people to sustain a low carbohydrate diet and as a result, weight loss. Having a moderate amount of chocolate, in this case 1.5 ounces of a bar containing 81% cocoa, may give people the reward they need to stay on the weight loss course.

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