Astaxanthin for Sun Protection
How about sunscreen in a pill? Yep! It’s true!
And what if I told you that this incredible food, and can also be found as a supplement can also help with prevention of wrinkles, age spots, freckles and dry skin, as well as reverse the visible signs of aging. Now I have your attention!
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant and omega 3 that is found in wild caught salmon, krill, shrimp, and flamingos! Flamingos?! Yes! Any animal that is bright pink in color, contains astaxanthin. It is in the carotenoid family which gives salmon it’s red-orange color. Research has shown that astaxanthin can reduce oxidative stress, inflammation and enhance the immune system! It is known to heal damaged skin and also increase skin resiliency. Studies show that with regular astaxanthin consumption, sunburn typically happens less quickly and less intensely, when exposed to the damaging rays of the sun. Mind you, note the words “with regular consumption”. Just remembering to eat salmon, or take astaxanthin in supplement form right before your beach trip, won’t cut it. It must be regular use.
Dr. Axe notes that astaxanthin is 550 times stronger than vitamin E, 800 times more powerful than CoQ10 and 6000 times more potent than vitamin C. It was even found to be more than 500 times more powerful than catechins found in green tea!
Here are some of the benefits as given by Dr. Axe:
- Reduce wrinkles and age spots
- Improve vision
- Support joint health
- Reduce signs of aging
- Improve endurance and exercise recovery
- Reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- Improve focus and ADHD
- Helpful for eye tissue, supporting macular degeneration
Astaxanthin also comes in supplement form*, although I highly recommend getting what your body needs from food.
So eat up! Indulge in hearty portions of 3-5 servings of salmon, shrimp and anchovies weekly, and 8-10 servings of fruit and vegetables a day for good health! Just stay away from flamingos, unless you are visiting the Zoo!
Astaxanthin also comes in supplement form*, although I highly recommend getting what your body needs from food.
So eat up! Indulge in hearty portions of 3-5 servings of salmon, shrimp and anchovies weekly, and 8-10 servings of fruit and vegetables a day for good health! Just stay away from flamingos, unless you are visiting the Zoo!
References:
The School of Applied Function Medicine – Sunburn, Salmon, and Skin Healing
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/07/21/sunburn-treatment-prevention.aspx
