Help for Aging Skin
Michael Ventresca • May 10, 2017
This is a subtitle for your new post
I must admit, the title for this article is slightly misleading. Not only does the focus of today’s column improve aging skin, it has also been shown to reduce inflammation, support eye health, improve arterial health and much more. So really, the headline ‘Help for Aging Skin’ is selling this nutritional powerhouse more than a little short.
Astaxanthin (pronounced “asta-Zan-thin”) is the naturally-occurring carotenoid found in algae, shrimp and salmon among others. Called the “king of carotenoids”, astaxanthin has significant antioxidant activity. In fact, as a free radical scavenger, it’s 65 times more powerful than vitamin C and 54 times more powerful than beta-carotene.
When it comes to skin health, numerous studies show astaxanthin improves the appearance and texture of skin. In as little as 6-8 weeks, it has been shown to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and age spots, improve skin elasticity and enhance moisture. Interestingly, it also acts as an internal sunscreen, protecting the skin from the damaging effects of UV rays thus potentially delaying sunburn.
As if this weren’t impressive enough, the benefits of astaxanthin are beyond skin deep. In fact, because it can cross the blood-brain and blood-retinal barrier, astaxanthin can reduce the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration and dementia. It’s also been shown to help relieve pain and inflammation, reducing a variety of inflammatory markers including COX-2 and CRP.
If you decide to try a supplement, make sure it’s from algae and not synthetic (petrochemical) sources. My favorite product for organic Non-GMO Project Verified astaxanthin is New Chapter’s Perfect Hair, Skin and Nails.
In addition to algae-derived astaxanthin, this comprehensive formula includes fermented biotin to build keratin for healthy hair & strong nails.
Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Healthstore located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Nerve-related pain doesn’t follow a clear pattern and often lingers longer than expected.
Hydration depends on having the right balance of minerals inside and outside your cells, so water moves where it is needed. Without them, water can pass through the body without fully hydrating the tissues.
For many, allergy season doesn’t begin with sneezing. It starts with sinus pressure, headaches and post-nasal drip. By the time classic allergy symptoms show up, the immune system has often been reacting for weeks.
Supporting your body’s stress response can lead to more consistent energy.
Supporting the liver in January can help improve digestion, energy levels and overall balance heading into the new year.
The winter blues: It’s not depression, but a normal response to reduced daylight and a disrupted internal rhythm.
Digestive enzymes aren’t a license to overeat, but they can help you enjoy the season more comfortably.
If you’re watching your blood sugar, there are natural ways to help keep it in check—without feeling deprived.
One of the most exciting areas of research in recent years is the role functional mushrooms play in supporting the body’s defenses.
Once thought of as just a muscle-building supplement, creatine is now gaining attention for its surprising brain-boosting benefits.
