Question: I recently heard that astaxanthin is supposed to be the new superantioxidant of the future. Can you explain its health benefits?
Dr. Blaylock's Answer:
Astaxanthin is one of the hundreds of carotenoids found in plants. Unlike beta-carotene, it is not converted into vitamin A in the body.
Recent studies have found a number of health-promoting effects from astaxanthin. For example, it can correct age-related immune suppression in the elderly — a major cause of death from flu and a cause of pneumonia.
It was also found to offer powerful protection for the brain, especially against Alzheimer’s disease, and protects the heart by improving blood pressure, strengthening the heart muscle, and protecting against free radicals and lipid peroxidation.
While astaxanthin improves all aspects of immune function, most important is that it improves natural killer cell function — which is essential for protecting against cancer and infections.
Even though it improves immune function, studies have shown that it does not worsen autoimmune diseases in animal studies. Most studies suggest that the greatest benefits can be had from taking the supplement for a long time.
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