15 health benefits of AstaFactor

The primary ingredient in AstaFactor is Astaxanthin (pronounced asta-zan-thin) -- a potent

antioxidant found in nature, with several health benefits. Part of a group of nutrients called
carotenoids, Astaxanthin has a reddish color and has been shown to speed up treatment of
complex diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

We look into the history of this ingredient, various current applications and its perceived health
benefits. The health effects of astaxanthin have been well documented in more than 1000 peer-
reviewed healthcare publications and journals.

What is astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is the reddish pigment belonging to the xanthophyll group of carotenoids. The
substance occurs naturally in some algae and is what causes the reddish/pink color in salmon,
lobster, trout and other seafood.

Astaxanthin is often referred to as ‘the king of carotenoids’ because of its reputation as one of the
most powerful antioxidants found in nature. The substance is of particular significance because it
never converts to become a pro-oxidant. This means that it can never cause harmful oxidation in
the body, making it perfect for health related benefits and performance.

Supplementing a healthy diet or focusing on eating foods high in astaxanthin provides huge
number benefits. Documented benefits range from the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
disease to the reduced risk of a heart attack and cardiovascular diseases.

 mitigation of oxidative effects of diabetes

 reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
 reduced heart damage upon heart attack
 modulation of immune response
 protection of the stomach lining from H. pylori and ulcers
 protection against UV damage
 protection of the eyes from bacterial inflammation
 assistance with high blood pressure
 assistance with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
 inhibition of cancer
 reduction in exercise fatigue
 reduction in brain damage following a stroke
 assistance of recovery from traumatic brain injury
 protection against Alzheimer’s disease
  protection and treatment of Parkinson’s disease

1. Astaxanthin mitigates oxidative effects of diabetes

Astaxanthin can protect pancreatic β-cells, the cells that produce insulin, from the oxidative
stress that is accompanies high blood sugar. This is enormously important when it comes to the
high levels of oxidative stress found in diabetic patients, stemming from high blood sugar.

The antioxidant also a great help in the recovery of lymph cell dysfunction and the improvement
in insulin sensitivity when testing in rats.

2. Astaxanthin helps reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

Astaxanthin can help reduce LDL cholesterol

and increase HDL cholesterol and
adiponectin. It does this alongside the
prevention of lipid oxidation in the blood
vessels and delays and reduces blood clotting
the blood vessels, increasing blood flow.

3. Astaxanthin can help reduce

heart damage from heart attack

Following a heart attack, astaxanthin has been noted to reduce the expected damage. In rat, rabbit
and dog heart attack models, pre-treatment of the animals with astaxanthin was seen to reduce
the damage – giving credit to the theory of such damage reduction within humans.

4. Astaxanthin modulates the body’s immune response

Astaxanthin also appears to enhance antibody production and decreased immune response. This
has been seen, with accompanied by the assistance of fish oil supplementation, to modulate
lymphocyte function in rats.

5. Astaxanthin may protect the stomach lining from H. pylori and ulcers

Mice display a significant decrease in gastric ulcers when astaxanthin has been used to create a
protective effect against ulcer formation. The number of H. pylori – a bacteria that is known to
cause stomach ulcers – was also drastically reduced with the use of the antioxidant, leading to
increased protection.

6. Astaxanthin protects against UV damage

UV damage can be reduced with skin thickening and collagen reduction against UV-induced skin
damage. Astaxanthin also works to protect against UVA-induced skin photoaging – what we
associate with the aging proceaa

7. Astaxanthin protects the eyes from bacterial inflammation

The reduced inflammation properties found within astaxanthin protect the eyes from bacterial
inflammation.
Bacterial inflammation can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, especially to such a
sensitive area. Although there is little evidence to show that treating this condition with
astaxanthin is indeed effective, this method of the eye protection shows promise.

8. Astaxanthin helps high blood pressureAstaxanthin helps fight high

blood pressure in a variety of ways, by modulating nitric oxide and
relaxing the blood vessel.

High blood pressure can also be reduced through weight

loss, increased exercise, a healthy diet and a limitation on
alcohol. Consumption of astaxanthin as part of a healthy diet
or as a supplement has a minimal effect on high blood
pressure, in comparison to the aforementioned factors.
However, taken in combination with these other activities,
astaxanthin can add a boost to one’s efforts.

9. Astaxanthin helps with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

With the improvement in insulin sensitivity, liver inflammation and the reduction of fatty liver –
astaxanthin can significantly assist in reducing liver disease in humans.

A healthy liver should contain little to no fat. Unfortunately, it is estimated that 1 in 3 people in
the UK are in the early stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Other forms of treatment for
this disease include the reevaluation of life choices such as increased exercise, a healthy and
balanced diet and weight loss.

10. Astaxanthin inhibits cancer cell growth

Astaxanthin is also shown to inhibit tumor formation and growth in rats and mice with
chemically-induced cancers.

The antioxidant does this by activating anti-cancer immune systems, thus showing another added
benefit of the substance. Although it could prove a relatively small indicator and only marginally
effective in some patients, it is a substance from which some patients may edrive benefit. With
such an inexpensive supplement form available – it’s more than worth a shot.

11. Astaxanthin reduces exercise fatigue

Antioxidant effects can significantly delay exhaustion

from exercise, suggesting that the supplementation of
the substance is great for exercise capabilities. This is
partly due to the prevention of oxidative stress from
mitochondria resulting in more available energy, thus
reducing fatigue.

12. Astaxanthin reduces brain damage from stroke

A high dosage of astaxanthin has been shown to reduce brain damage from stroke. The research,
completed in rats shows significantly reduced brain damage from a stroke following astaxanthin
supplementation.
Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant found in nature, with several health benefits. Part of a group
of nutrients called carotenoids, Astaxanthin has a reddish color and has been shown to speed up
treatment of complex diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

In this article, we will cover the main benefits of eating foods rich in astaxanthin – a trend that
has become an overnight sensation with multiple companies listing products that include this
ingredient on popular websites such as Amazon, Ebay or Alibaba.

13. Astaxanthin helps recovery from traumatic brain injury

Astaxanthin appears to help speed up recovery from traumatic brain injuries, but does not have
any effect on cognitive function. The substance has also been shown to reduce brain swelling
following injuries, promoting key brain function.

Following traumatic brain injury, it therefore appears to be beneficial to include astaxanthin in

the diet or to take it as a supplement, to promote recovery. Traumatic brain injuries lead to a
lifetime of recovery, so every little bit helps. The consumption of astaxanthin on a regular, daily
basis just might be the kick required to speed up recovery and accelerate the capabilities of
patients.

14. Astaxanthin may protect against Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a major disease that shows a promising result

when treated with astaxanthin. Cell models show the antioxidant
reduces risk for the disease, adding to astaxanthin’s luster.

Although Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured, protecting

against it for those at high risk is imperative. Lifestyle changes
are also expected to assist with the prevention of the disease, for
instance a brain-healthy lifestyle is often linked with the
prevention and deceleration of the disease.

15. Astaxanthin may protect and treat Parkinson’s

The promotion of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and mitochondrial protective effects leave

experts suggesting that the substance has potential in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Similar to Alzheimer’s disease, there is no cure for Parkinson’s now available, meaning that
protection against the life-altering disease is vital. Astaxanthin has been found to have protective
effects against the disease, potentially preventing or at least slowing down its effects.

It is clear from this huge list of benefits that although the substance does have a variety of health
related pros – it, like every supplement, is not a substitute for a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
As with all supplements, they should always be considered as the last piece of the puzzle to be
used as an optimisation situation, rather than a replacement for other
lifestyle habits and choices.