Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that help the body fight oxidative stress. They do so by “scavenging” free radicals, which are harmful byproducts of cell metabolism, and eliminating these reactive molecules before they get a chance to damage healthy cells and their components.

Scientists define oxidative stress as the imbalance between the body’s production of natural antioxidants and the production of free radicals. When too much free radicals is produced, cells suffer from irreparable lipid, protein or DNA damage, which may eventually lead to the development of chronic diseases. Hence maintaining healthy antioxidant levels is crucial for good health.

However, the body’s production of antioxidants isn’t 100 percent efficient, and this efficiency further decreases with age. That’s why the latest studies emphasize the importance of eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are the most abundance sources of antioxidants. Plant-derived nutrients can help boost your body’s antioxidant levels and immune function, so you can be protected from oxidative stress-related conditions, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Astaxanthin offers impressive cardiometabolic benefits

Many compounds present in plant-based foods have antioxidant properties. Hence antioxidants often come in a variety of forms. These include vitamins, such as vitamins C and E; minerals like zinc and selenium; plant pigments like flavonoids, which give fruits their yellow or blue color; carotenoids, which give fruits and vegetables bright yellow, red or orange hues; and many other aromatic compounds.

One carotenoid, in particular, is the subject of a recent study. According to Iranian researchers, astaxanthin, which can also be found in microalgae, yeast and seafood like trout, salmon and shrimp, may provide considerable benefits to people with Type 2 diabetes. In their study, which appeared in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers reported that astaxanthin supplementation not only reduced blood pressure in diabetics, it also enhanced their glucose metabolism, which led to lower blood sugar levels.

The researchers conducted their randomized, placebo-controlled trial for eight weeks with the participation of 44 volunteers with Type 2 diabetes. These volunteers were assigned to either the placebo group or the astaxanthin (8 mg/day) group. After the eight-week trial, the researchers found that diabetics who received astaxanthin experienced a reduction in body fat mass, serum triglyceride levels and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The same volunteers also had lower systolic blood pressures.

In addition, the researchers reported that astaxanthin reduced the levels of glycated proteins in the volunteers’ blood samples, as well as their blood glucose concentrations. Both glycated proteins and glucose (at high levels) are linked to the development of diabetic complications. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that the antioxidant astaxanthin can protect against high blood pressure, high bad cholesterol and high blood sugar levels. This makes a diet rich in astaxanthin beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Dietary sources and health benefits of astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red, fat-soluble plant pigment commonly found in several microorganisms and marine organisms. Despite being classified as a carotenoid together with vitamin A precursors, alpha- and beta-carotene, astaxanthin doesn’t have pro-vitamin A activities. On the other hand, it has powerful antioxidant, anti-fatigue and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some of the most common edible sources of astaxanthin include:

• Salmon (wild caught)
• Trout
• Krill
• Shrimp
• Crab
• Crayfish
• Lobster
• Supplements

Astaxanthin in health supplements is derived from yeast or algae sources. While commercially available astaxanthin comes mainly from Phaffia yeast, a large portion is also derived from the green freshwater microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis.

Because of its many beneficial properties, particularly its powerful antioxidant activity, astaxanthin offers a wide variety of benefits. These include:

• Preventing cardiovascular disease by:
  • Lowering blood cholesterol
  • Regulating blood lipids
  • Improving blood flow and circulation
  • Reducing oxidative stress in the blood
• Preventing hypertension
• Improving diabetes symptoms
• Assisting with heart damage repair
• Enhancing immune response
• Relieving peptic ulcers
• Promoting young-looking, healthy skin
• Protecting against bacterial inflammation
• Preventing/treating fatty liver disease
• Preventing the growth of cancer cells
• Boosting physical performance
• Reducing the risk of brain damage due to stroke
• Accelerating brain recovery from traumatic injury
• Lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
• Slowing down the development of Parkinson’s disease
• Helping with male infertility
• Relieving menopausal symptoms
• Reducing pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis

Antioxidants are important for boosting your immunity and resistance to diseases. These compounds not only offer protection from internal and external threats, but antioxidants also help keep your skin young and healthy and prevent premature aging. To enjoy the full benefits of these amazing natural compounds, switch to a healthy diet that consists of more fruits and vegetables, and complement this with regular exercise and healthy lifestyle changes.

Learn more about what antioxidants can do for your health at Antioxidants.news.

Sources:

ScienceDaily.com

Healthline.com

NutraIngredients-USA.com

AiritiLibrary.com

HealthCareWeekly.com

MDPI.com