health topics

Your central nervous system, which is made up of your brain, your spinal cord and peripheral nerves is rich in unsaturated fats. The high lipid content of nervous system tissue makes it particularly susceptible to oxidative damage caused by free radicals in the body. (do we want to talk about brain iron?)

There is a good deal of evidence that oxidative stress is a factor in many of the major neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). It has also been pointed out as a contributing factor in cases of stroke and seizures.

A number of studies have shown that antioxidants can protect nervous system tissue from damage caused by oxidative stress. Antioxidants showing positive performance include vitamins A, C and E. The powerful carotenoid family of antioxidants that include astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin and others have also received a substantial amount of study in their effect on neurodegenerative disorders.

One of the more interesting aspects of the compound astaxanthin is that it has been shown to cross the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers, meaning it can positively impact brain, central nervous system and eye health.