by Colleen Russell“>Colleen Russell

Graphics by Kerrie Bross
What’s in Dr. Mercola’s Medicine Cabinet?
Dr. Mercola is a leading expert in the field of natural health. He recently discussed proactive ways to stay naturally healthy. When asked what supplements he personally takes, Dr. Mercola responded that Vitamin D, Probiotics, Ubiquinol, and Astaxanthin were all part of his daily routine.  At Nourishing World we had long been following Dr. Mercola.  We have spent years preaching about the importance of Vitamin D, were equally convinced about the power of probiotics, and had just started looking into a CoQ10 supplement such as Ubiquinol.  Mercola’s Astaxanthin recommendation, though, took us by surprise.  Why hadn’t we even heard of this supplement if it was in fact the “#1 supplement you should be taking?” The answer, it turned out, was simple: Astaxanthin is a relativly new discovery which hit a supplement market already crowded with antioxidant sources and was lost in the shuffle…until now.  After completing our own research into the benefits of Astaxanthin, we added it, along with Mercola Complete Probiotics and Mercola Ubiquinol, to our line of natural health supplements.  Thank you for another excellent recommendation!

Why is Astaxanthin the Best Antioxidant Source?
Astaxanthin is by far the most potent natural antioxidant. When it comes to preventing damage caused by free radicals, Astaxanthin is more potent than Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, and Vitamin E combined. Besides being fat-soluable, the difference that really sets astaxanthin apart from the rest of the pack of antioxidants is its long list of function-specific benefits. After years of increasingly positive research studies, Astaxanthin is now being used with increasing frequency as an anti-aging supplement, cardiovascular support product, eyesight protectant, and neurological booster.

Sunscreen In Pill Form?
Because of its ability to absorb UV rays, Astaxanthin has been called a “natural sunscreen.” It should be noted that the skin-protecting effects of astaxanthin are not as instantaneous as slathering sunblock on your skin. It can take as long as three weeks of astaxanthin supplementation to reach its potential as a skin protectant and UVA absorber. Once this powerful pigment begins to cleanse and repair skin cells, though, the benefits can be seen below and above the surface. Not only does it help to prevent sunburn, astaxanthin enhances the yellow and red tones of the skin, giving it a healthier, more attractive appearance than a suntan.

• Prevents DNA Damage
• Decreases Puffiness
• Reduces the Risk of Skin Cancer
• Stops Susceptibility to Wrinkles
• Improves Signs of Premature Aging

How To Take Astaxanthin
We recommend taking one 4 mg Mercola Astaxanthin capsule once a day with a fatty meal. In order to maximize absorption of this fat-soluable antioxidant, it can be taken in conjunction with Green Pastures Fermented Cod Liver Oil or Rosita Extra Virgin cod Liver Oil. The combination of the vitamin D-rich Omega 3 fatty acid source gives Astaxanthin a binding vehicle for absorption and increased bioavailability.