Company insight Microalgae:
nsustainable food production and consumption practices not only deplete natural resources, but also contribute to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These environmental changes have significant impact on our health and wellbeing.
U
Global climate change and changes in the stratospheric ozone affect ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Decreased stratospheric ozone allows more UVB (the higher- frequency, more harmful type of UV) to reach the Earth’s surface. Furthermore, rising temperatures associated with climate change result in behavioural changes, such as increasing time outdoors and shedding of protective clothing that lead to more UV radiation exposure. This, together with increase in both outdoor and indoor air pollutants, impose excessive oxidative stress on our cells and can weaken our body’s antioxidant defence. Outdoor pollutants are mainly derived from the combustion of fossil fuels by industrial plants and vehicles, and indoor air
The unicellular saviour
Microalgae has the potential to function as a single-celled health saviour in a polluted and digital era. Behnaz Shakersain, scientific affairs manager at AstaReal, explains how the product can benefit the health of both the population and the planet.
pollutants include gases and particles made by burning any fuel, such as wood, natural gas, kerosene, charcoal, or tobacco. It is shown that UV light and smoke induce the formation of free radicals that trigger the breakdown of collagen fibrils, which are essential for the skin’s health and elasticity.
In addition, modern lifestyles and digitalisation has led to increased exposure to blue light rays from the computer screens and digital devices. Blue light can decrease eye contrast, making the ciliary muscles in the eye overwork to keep the eyes able to adjust their focus between near and far objects, causing eye fatigue and so poor accommodation over time. In essence, blue light counts as a type of pollution in the digitalised era, which impairs skin and eye health, an impact comparable to sun damage.
Nature’s green gold Current dietary routines require innovative strategies for natural, healthy
and sustainable nutrition sourcing to maintain our body’s capability to face challenges that exposure to unfavourable environmental factors impose on us. Microalgae, known as nature’s ‘green gold’, address sustainability and environmental protection challenges, while having remarkable biological and health-promoting qualities. The unicellular freshwater microalga, Haematococcus Pluvialis, is a rich source of valuable bioactive compounds, including astaxanthin, one of the most potent natural antioxidants known to science. Clinical studies have revealed astaxanthin’s ability to support hardworking muscles like the eye ciliary body, helping the muscles keep their strength, do their work efficiently and recover faster. With regards to skin health, it is shown that astaxanthin improves circulation and supply of nutrients to the hypodermis – the deepest layer of skin. It also protects collagen integrity in the dermis, neutralises UV-induced free radicals causing skin damage in the epidermis, and prevents roughness by improving moisture retention in the outermost skin layer.
The extensive health benefits of natural astaxanthin are mainly linked to its protection of the mitochondria against oxidative damage. AstaReal, as the global pioneer and expert in microalgae cultivation and natural astaxanthin production, is an authority in both animal and human food supplement categories. As the owner of the most studied astaxanthin brand, AstaReal is committed to contribute to a circular economy and be a sustainable, health-promoting business. ●
Microalgae is known as nature’s ‘green gold’ for its remarkable biological and health-promoting qualities. Ingredients Insight /
www.ingredients-insight.com
www.astareal.se/ 39
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