In the vast nature, there are countless treasures that are beneficial to human health, and astaxanthin is undoubtedly one of the bright pearls.
As a powerful natural antioxidant, astaxanthin has not only attracted attention for its excellent antioxidant capacity, but also has shown extensive application potential in several health fields.
Sources and characteristics of astaxanthin
Astaxanthin, also known as astaxanthin and lobster shell pigment, is a keto carotenoid with a chemical structure similar to beta-carotene, but its antioxidant capacity is far greater than that of the latter. It is widely found in Marine organisms, such as shrimp, crabs, fish, and some algae and fungi, and plays an important role in color development. Astaxanthin is known as the "king of antioxidants" for its deep pink appearance and strong antioxidant properties.
Astaxanthin is chemically known as 3,3 '-dihydroxy-4,4' -diketo-β,β '-carotene, and is fat-soluble, insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents. The conjugated double bond chain in its molecular structure and the unsaturated ketone group and hydroxyl group at the end can attract the unpaired electrons of free radicals or provide electrons to them, thereby clearing free radicals and playing an antioxidant role.
Health benefits of astaxanthin
Antioxidant and anti-aging: Astaxanthin can neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce the damage of oxidative stress to cells, thereby delaying the aging process. Studies have shown that astaxanthin's antioxidant capacity is 6,000 times that of vitamin C, 800 times that of coenzyme Q10, and 550 times that of green tea catechin polyphenols.
Eye protection: Astaxanthin protects the retina and macular areas of the eye, slowing down eye aging and improving vision. For people who face computer and mobile phone screens for a long time, astaxanthin is a good product to protect eye health.
Anti-inflammatory effect: Astaxanthin can reduce the symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and inhibit the release of chemicals in the inflammatory response, thereby reducing the inflammatory response.
Prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: Astaxanthin can promote vasodilation, improve blood circulation, and prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Its powerful antioxidant properties help to reduce the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and prevent the continued development of atherosclerosis.
Anti-cancer effect: astaxanthin has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and has a certain effect on preventing cancer.
Boost immunity: Astaxanthin can enhance the function of the human immune system, improve the body's resistance, and help prevent colds and other diseases.
Application and prospect of astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is widely used in many fields such as health care products, cosmetics, food additives and aquaculture. In the field of health care products, astaxanthin has become a health care ingredient favored by consumers for its excellent antioxidant capacity and multiple health benefits.
In cosmetics, astaxanthin can protect the skin from UV damage, prevent skin aging, and keep the skin firm and smooth. Among food additives, astaxanthin can enhance the taste and nutritional value of food, and as a natural pigment, add attractive color to food.
As people's pursuit of healthy diet and high quality of life continues to increase, the market demand for astaxanthin continues to grow. In particular, driven by the advancement of microalgae culture technology, the industrialization of algae-derived astaxanthin has become a reality, which has promoted the diversified development of astaxanthin industry. It is expected that the astaxanthin market will continue to maintain rapid growth in the next few years and become one of the important pillars of the health industry.
Astaxanthin, as a powerful antioxidant, is widely found in Marine organisms as well as some specific plants and fungi. Here are some food sources rich in astaxanthin:
1.seafood food
Fish: Astaxanthin is found in many kinds of Marine fish, especially salmon, sardines, tuna, salmon, cod, salmon, etc. These fish are not only delicious, but also rich in high-quality protein and a variety of minerals, making them a good source of astaxanthin and other nutrients.
Shrimp: Both freshwater shrimp and seawater shrimp are rich in astaxanthin. Common freshwater shrimp are green shrimp, grass shrimp, river shrimp and so on; Sea shrimp include red shrimp, shrimp, shrimp, lobster and so on. Astaxanthin is mainly found in shrimp shells and astaxanthin, but some cooking methods (such as braising prawns) can leach out some astaxanthin, making it easier for the body to absorb.
Crabs: Crabs are also an important source of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is found in common Marine crabs such as swimming crab, blue crab and sea crab, as well as freshwater crabs such as hairy crab and hairy crab. Astaxanthin is particularly abundant in crab shells, but it is usually not easily absorbed directly by the human body.
Shellfish: Most Marine shellfish foods, such as scallops, snails, green clams, cockles, sea mussels, oysters, etc., contain relatively rich astaxanthin. These shellfish are not only delicious, but also rich in a variety of minerals and vitamins, making them ideal for astaxanthin and other nutrients.
2. Algae food
Algae food is another important source of astaxanthin. A variety of Marine algae, such as kelp, laver, wakame, reef membrane, Ulva, cauliflower, etc., as well as freshwater algae such as rhodococcus pluvialis, auricularia auriculata, and cauliflower, are rich in astaxanthin. Among them, Rhodium pluvium is known as "natural astaxanthin", and its astaxanthin content can reach 3.0% of dry weight or even higher, which is one of the most abundant astaxanthin organisms in nature.
3. Other food sources
In addition to the seafood and algae foods mentioned above, there are several other foods that also contain astaxanthin. For example, wild bird egg yolks (such as red duck egg yolks) contain astaxanthin in some quantities, because the birds ingest astaxanthin from algae and fungi. In addition, some sea cucumbers, sea urchins, starfish and other Marine organisms also contain astaxanthin.
Matters needing attention
In summary, astaxanthin can be obtained from a variety of foods, including seafood foods (such as fish, shrimp, crabs, shellfish), algae foods, and other foods (such as wild bird egg yolks, sea cucumbers, etc.). In the eating process, you should pay attention to appropriate intake and choose according to your health status.
Intake method
How astaxanthin is ingested also affects how much it can be absorbed in the body. In general, astaxanthin taken by mouth needs to go through the digestive and absorption process of the intestine. In this process, the digestion of food, intestinal peristalsis and bile secretion and other factors will affect astaxanthin absorption.
In order to improve the absorption rate of astaxanthin, it is recommended to take within 30 minutes after a meal. This is because after the intake of a certain amount of fat can promote bile secretion, which is conducive to emulsifying astaxanthin ester, thereby promoting better absorption. Studies have confirmed that the blood drug peak after taking astaxanthin after meals is 2.4-3.0 times that before meals.
Interaction with other nutrients
Astaxanthin absorption in the human body may also be affected by other nutrients. For example, water-soluble antioxidants such as vitamin C can work synergistically with astaxanthin to increase its absorption in the human body. This is because antioxidants such as vitamin C can reduce the damage of oxidative stress to cells, thereby protecting astaxanthin from oxidative damage and improving its bioavailability.
Astaxanthin is unique in nature because of its unique molecular structure and strong antioxidant properties. It has not only shown extensive application potential in a number of health fields, but also won the favor of consumers with its excellent health benefits. In the coming days, astaxanthin will continue to shine in the health industry and contribute more to the cause of human health. Let's look forward to this natural antioxidant treasure to bring us more health and happiness.
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