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Pretty much everyone has heard of antioxidants. “Rich in Antioxidants” decorates packages of everything from green tea to juice. It’s even a critical ingredient of our premium Omega 3 Health supplement.
But what do Antioxidants really do?
They protect our bodies from environmental toxins and the day-to-day biochemical wear and tear that happens with life.
Essentially, antioxidants are a class of chemical that is able to neutralize "free radicals,” unstable chemical compounds that readily destroy other molecules that are critical for our health: proteins, enzymes, and our DNA. This oxidative damage is at the root of dozens of degenerative diseases, aging, even cancer.
Therefore, protecting ourselves from oxidative damage is crucial for our long-term health and longevity.
In our diet, the most abundant antioxidants carotenoids derived from plants, particularly found in the red, orange, and dark-green pigments of vegetables.
Nature's most powerful antioxidant, however, comes from a much older, more primitive source:
Marine Algae
These ancient micro-organisms produce a remarkable antioxidant called Astaxanthin (pronounced asta-zahn-thin). This chemical eventually makes its way up the food chain into Salmon, which is where it gets its red color and how this fish benefits our diet.
So what makes Astaxanthin so special?
The Power's in the Structure
Astaxanthin has a unique chemical structure that sets it apart from other carotenoid antioxidants, allowing it to cross both the blood-brain barrier and the optic barrier into the eye. This same structure allows it to associate with LDL cholesterol molecules and to prevent oxidation leading to cardiovascular disease.
Not only does this give it greater bioavailability than regular antioxidants, it also confers an incredible potency. Studies have shown Astaxanthin is over 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]
Another study showed that it reduced oxidative damage to DNA by 40%! [2] Oxidative damage to DNA is the biochemical cause of cancer.
Scientists have even found taking Astaxanthin supplements, increased performance time and power in athletes, lowered free-radical levels after exercise, and improved recovery time. [3,4,8]. These are very compelling findings.
In fact, there have been over 1500 peer-reviewed scientific articles on this single antioxidant, investigating its potential in preventing and managing diabetes, managing blood pressure, skin health, preventing oxidative damage to the brain in neurodegenerative conditions that lead to forgetfulness and age-related decline. One researcher even called it “Natural Brain Food.” [5]
More than an Antioxidant
This remarkable antioxidant also has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Astaxanthin blocks the action of the Cox2 enzyme, a critical enzyme in inflammation. This is the same pathway targeted by the pharmaceutical drug Celebrex and studies have shown Astaxanthin to be as effective as the prescription drug—but no side effects [6].
Another study showed that taking Astaxanthin lowers C-Reactive Protein levels—one of the most important markers of inflammation— by over 20% [7]. There is no prescription drug on the market that can make claims like this. And again, no side effects.
The evidence is undeniable. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful compounds nature has created for promoting health, longevity, and performance. And again, with zero toxicity or side effects.
Now you can get your supply of Astaxanthin at BodyHealth as a part of our proprietary Omega 3 Health blend, where we combine with some of nature’s most pristine source of Omega 3 fatty acids along with the potent anti-inflammatory plants in the world— Turmeric, Boswellia (frankincense), and Ginger — for maximum effect on your health and vitality.
Nishida Y. et. al, Quenching Activities of Common Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Antioxidants against Singlet Oxygen Using Chemiluminescence Detection System. Carotenoid Science 11:16-20 (2007)
Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans. Park JS, Chyun JH, Kim YK, Line LL, Chew BP. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010 Mar 5;7:18. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-7-18.
Djordevic, B., Baralic, I., Kotur-Stevuljevic, J., Stefanovic, A., Ivanisevic, J., Radivojevic, N., Andjelkovic, M., and Dikic, N. Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress markers in elite young soccer players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2012 Aug;52(4):382-92.
Ikeuchi M, Koyama T, Takahashi J, Yazawa K. Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on exercise-induced fatigue in mice. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Oct;29(10):2106-10.
Liu X, Osawa T. Astaxanthin protects neuronal cells against oxidative damage and is a potent candidate for brain food. Forum Nutr. 2009;61:129-35.
1. Lee SJ, Bai SK, Lee KS, Namkoong S, Na HJ, Ha KS, Han JA, Yim SV, Chang K, Kwon YG, Lee SK, Kim YM. Astaxanthin inhibits nitric oxide production and inflammatory gene expression by suppressing I(kappa)B kinase-dependent NF-kappaB activation. Mol Cells. 2003 Aug 31;16(1):97-105. PubMed PMID: 14503852.
Pearson, Thomas; Mensah, George, et al. Markers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease: application to clinical and public health practice: A statement for healthcare professionals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association.2003 Jan 28; 107(3) :499-511.
Earnest, C.P., Lupo, M., White, K.M., and Church, T.S. Effect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performance. Int J Sports Med 2011 Nov;32(11):882-8.
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by Dr. David MinkoffJanuary 14, 20214 min read0 Comments
If there is anything society has come to realize over the last century, it is that women are just as powerful, smart, ambitious, and capable as men. And while society as a whole is still catching up as far as true equality, the facts are evident when you look at some of the most incredible and influential people today.
When it comes to fitness, however, men and women arenotthe same. The natural, physiological differences necessitate unique approaches to achieve optimal results. While the fundamental science behind attaining a shredded, lean physique is basically the same for both sexes, the exact steps and application require careful consideration.
by Dr. David MinkoffDecember 30, 20205 min read0 Comments
The effects of an unbalanced diet, as well as nutrient deficiencies, accumulate over time. They may not be as visible in your younger years, but the effects are still there.
While every aspect of your diet is important, today we’re going to talk about three of the most important nutritional factors that impact your body over time, each of which can significantly impact your athletic performance.
One thing I've learned is that injuries can be great teachers. There are so many lessons to be learned from the injuries we experience. They force us to slow down and evaluate our bodies on a deeper level. Like many, I'm guilty of sometimes taking my healthy days for granted. When we pick up an injury, we're suddenly motivated to learn everything we can about that specific injury. We're also dedicated to the necessary rehab it will take to overcome the injury and strengthen our weak areas.
As with many injuries, I've learned there are no "quick fixes" for my stubborn Achilles. Over the years, I've also learned there are no "get fit quickly" schemes.
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