Astaxanthin is a deep red, fat-soluble pigment that is found widely throughout nature. As one of the world's most powerful carotenoids, astaxanthin is considered a super-antioxidant; it is ten to twenty times more powerful than many other carotenoids, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and a hundred-times more powerful than alpha-tocopherol.
Astaxanthin Sources in Protein
There are several natural sources of astaxanthin available right in your own grocery store. Adding certain types of proteins that are rich in this pigment will help you increase your intake of this beneficial antioxidant. Proteins that are high in astaxanthin include sockeye salmon, red trout, red seabream, lobster, shrimp, crawfish, crabs, and salmon roe.
In the animal kingdom, Astaxanthin is found in its highest concentration in Wild Pacific sockeye salmon. It is also found in krill, algae, red trout, shrimp, crab and lobster. Wild-caught Pacific sockeye salmon, for example, has 400% higher levels of astaxanthin than their farm-raised counterparts. The reason for this is that marine life in the wild ingests the truest form of the pigment, microalgae, whereas farm-raised fish get their astaxanthin resources through commercially made food additives containing synthetic astaxanthin which is made from petrochemicals. That's right - the same thing you put into your car's crankcase. Synthetic astaxanthin is completely different chemically than natural astaxanthin, and has been shown to be 20X - 50X weaker in antioxidant strength! So if you buy salmon, make sure you always buy the wild salmon, even though it costs more. You'll be doing your body a big favor.
Additional Natural Sources of Astaxanthin
Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, also known as Phaffia, is a species of yeast that, like microalgae, is a natural producer of astaxanthin. Therefore, it has naturally very high levels of the carotenoid. This natural source of the antioxidant is most commonly used in commercial sector applications, rather than human consumption.
What Kind of Astaxanthin Is Used in Nutrex Hawaii BioAstin Nutrional Supplements?
The astaxanthin that is used to make Nutrex Hawaii's BioAstin comes from microalge grown in controlled fresh water ponds in a BioSecure Zone that's free from pesticides and other genetically modified organisms. High pressure CO2 extraction is used to extract the Astaxanthin from the algae which is then turned into nutritional supplements.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you have heard or read in this article or the internet.
