Astaxanthin is an ingredient or a potent antioxidant and a carotenoid that is, usually, derived from algae. It could be found in wild salmon and other living things as well. Rich green vegetables contain good amounts too. It allows for the rich color of the salmon to develop. It has been established to be one of the most powerful antioxidants that can be protective for your entire body.

These are list of amazing protection that it could provide:

• Fight free radicals in cells and neutralize singlet oxygen
• Strengthen immunity
• Increase strength
• Improve stamina and endurance
• Reduction of joint and muscle soreness
• Assist in protecting skin from too much sun exposure
• Assist with quick recovery
• Mitochondria Booster
• Reduction of wrinkles
• Boost skin health
• Increase Vitality

We have little powerhouses within our body--they are referred to as mitochondria. The little intercellular matter produce up to 95% of the body's energy. Therefore they are found everywhere and are rich in the muscles cells. As important as they are to our energy and functioning, they also could easily be dismayed by highly reactive free radicals that can damage them. In addition to the damage, free radicals have the capability to damage the cell membranes and oxidize the DNA. And example would be working out. The more intense a work out would be, the more energy that is created within the cell mitochondria, which could create more free radicals that can be harmful. As a result extreme fatigue and or muscle soreness comes about.

Taking vital antioxidants, such as astaxanthin are helpful to ward off the free radicals, thus the exhaustion and soreness. This is how this powerful antioxidant is able to give a boost to athletes and your body.

Comparison of Astaxanthin to Other Antioxidants

• 15 times stronger than vitamin E
• 54 times more potent than beta carotene
• 65 times more intense and powerful than vitamin C

In addition, astaxanthin has been shown to be able to do more with singlet oxygen quenching. That would mean that it is more powerful in its function against free radicals--getting rid of them much more effectively in a same given amount of time than other carotenoids and nutrients. The ratio would be from 11 to 6,000 times stronger than beta carotene, green tea catechins, vitamin E, CoQ10, and vitamin C (accordingly).

More Protective Functions

Astaxanthin has impressive affects on particular areas of the body.

• Reduction of DNA damage from free radicals
• Could cross the blood brain barrier and the blood retinal barrier
• Protective of eyes from oxidative stress factors
• Protective of brain and nervous system from oxidative stress factors

How to Obtain Astaxanthin?

Well, one great way would be to eat a diet that is rich in organic vegetables (green in particular), sea vegetables, and wild salmon. Of course the amount of astaxanthin that you could easily obtain from a meal could be quiet minimal. Eating a diet rich in variety of foods rich in astaxanthin, other antioxidants and nutrients would provide you with a good amounts of nutrients that your body needs. The short coming of that may be that you may not be able to obtain large enough doses of astaxanthin or other nutrients that you may need to ward off massive amounts of free radicals. Supplements become a great tool at this point.

Here are list of things you should be looking for in buying astaxanthin supplement:

• Trusted brand that utilizes natural ingredients- not synthetic or chemicals
• Look for one that is made of natural marine microalgae- not from inferior sources, such as fungus.
• Pay particular attention to the ingredient list- it should not contain other fillers or chemicals in general.
• At least 4 mg would necessary. If you are looking for more potent ones, then look for higher potency, but it is not necessary, unless you've been directed to do so by a practitioner. It may be better to take it couple or more times a day at lower dosage. In general, it is best to consult with a natural health practitioner who can guide you as to how much you would need in particular.