Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin (pronounced as-ta-zan-thin) is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in a wide variety of living organisms. It is responsible for the pinkish-red color in salmon, lobster, and some types of algae.
Etymology
The term "Astaxanthin" is derived from the Greek words "asta" meaning crab and "xanthos" meaning yellow. It was first isolated from the lobster Astacus astacus in 1938.
Sources
Astaxanthin is primarily sourced from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, but can also be found in yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, and crayfish.
Health Benefits
Astaxanthin has been studied for its potential health benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Some research suggests that it may also have anti-inflammatory properties, and could potentially support heart health, skin health, and eye health.
Related Terms
- Carotenoid: A type of pigment found in many plants, algae, and bacteria. Astaxanthin is a type of carotenoid.
- Antioxidant: A substance that helps to protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals.
- Haematococcus pluvialis: A species of green algae that is the richest known source of astaxanthin.
See Also
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