There`s a new kid on the block in the world of natural nutrients that promotes optimal health and has a significant impact in preventing chronic disease development. Astaxanthin is a red-orange carotenoid pigment derived from microalgae, fish, and crustaceans that can prevent and even treat conditions that progress from the negative effects of oxidative stress and antioxidant deterioration. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be ten times more powerful than other pigments and carotenoids including resveratrol. Research details published in 
The American Journal of Cardiology provide solid evidence that 
astaxanthin supplemented daily can inhibit the damaging effects of 
oxidative stress that leads to heart 
disease, heart attack and 
dementia.
Researchers discovered that the potent 
antioxidant activity afforded by astaxanthin 
supplementation results in improved cardiovascular 
health. The super nutrient positively influences endothelial function, allowing the delicate 
heart vessels to relax. This lowers 
blood pressure and reduces the number of inflammatory cells that promote deadly arterial plaque known to reduce 
blood flow to the heart muscle.
Astaxanthin is further shown to boost the heart`s pumping capacity to maintain normal blood flow to the muscle and other vital organs throughout the body. Researchers found that astaxanthin inhibits the effects of advanced glycation end products (AGE`s) that form through normal cellular function and that can increase the incidence of 
diabetes by altering glucose metabolism. Scientists have demonstrated that astaxanthin reduces markers of oxidative 
stress and inflammation and improves the way blood flows through the vascular system to lower the risk of 
heart disease and stroke.
Compelling 
research published in the 
British Journal of Nutrition posits the effect of supplemented astaxanthin on development and progression of Alzheimer`s dementia. One of the significant markers of the disease is the proliferation of phospholipid hydroperoxides (PLOOH) in the blood. Excess levels cause free radical damage in the 
brain that can damage neural structures and that are associated with progression of Alzheimer`s dementia.
The study found that supplementing with 6 to 12 mg of astaxanthin daily for 12 weeks lowered blood levels of PLOOH up to 50%. Astaxanthin was found to be a potent antioxidant that could easily cross the blood-brain barrier to dramatically lower oxidative stress.
Study researchers concluded: 
"These results suggest that astaxanthin supplementation results in improved erythrocyte antioxidant status and decreased phospholipid hydroperoxide levels, which may contribute to the prevention of dementia." Based on an ongoing body of 
evidence to support the amazing benefits of astaxanthin, health-minded individuals will want to 
supplement with 4 to 12 mg daily to 
support heart and brain health.
Article References:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/a...http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2011...http://www.ajconline.org/article/S0...About the author
John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and 
improve the quality and length of 
life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit 
My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.