Heart to Heart
Many people are surprised to learn that a variety of the foods and nutrients that are ‘heart-healthy’ are also great for the skin. Wild salmon is a perfect case in point because two of its key attributes are superior wrinkle smoothers and cardio-protective. I am referring to astaxanthin and omega 3 essential fatty acids.
Astaxanthin—Red Gold from the Sea
Many studies have demonstrated astaxanthin’s unique properties as a powerful and protective anti-aging nutrient. It is also one of the reasons for wild salmon’s status as a leading super star in the realm of anti-aging foods. This is true when we eat a delightful meal of wild salmon and when we take astaxanthin as a nutritional supplement—something I do on a daily basis.
But what exactly is astaxanthin and what makes it so special? Astaxanthin is the carotenoid that gives wild salmon its deep pink or vibrant red color. Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments that give red-orange-yellow color to fruits, vegetables, egg yolks, the aforementioned wild salmon, steelhead trout, shellfish (e.g., shrimp and lobsters), and the feathers of birds, notably brilliant pink flamingos. Fish and fowl alike get their red-yellow-orange hues from eating large quantities of carotenoid-rich aquatic plants, such as algae and plankton.
Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, chard, and collards are also rich in carotenoids, but their red-yellow-orange colors are masked by green-hued chlorophyll, which is a more dominant pigment.
The carotenoid family of antioxidants offers very special and targeted properties for cellular rejuvenation. All of the carotenoids in general and astaxanthin in particular, have outstanding abilities in combating the negative effects of free radicals.
When it comes to affairs of the heart, recent studies have indicated the tendency of astaxanthin to reduce blood pressure. The antihypertensive mechanism may in part be explained by the tendency of astaxanthin to increase blood flow. It is hypothesized by researchers that this results from blood vessel relaxation and dilation. Also, in one study, researchers noted a 50% drop in the incidence of stroke in the astaxanthin-treated group.
Astaxanthin for youthful skin
Additional studies with astaxanthin also show that it improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Omega 3’s healthy heart—beautiful skin
The omega 3’s found in wild salmon and in high quality omega 3 fish oil capsules are also vital in protecting the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of — or who have — cardiovascular disease. Even though I eat a lot of salmon, I also take fish oil capsules for its many health benefits.
At Risk
Women are at a disadvantage (when compared to men) when it comes to treating or even recognizing heart disease. CNN recently reported the findings of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which stated that women may not be diagnosed or treated as aggressively as men.
They go on to report that the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, which discovered that even though more women than men die of heart disease each year, women receive 33 percent of all angioplasties, stents and bypass surgeries; 28 percent of implantable defibrillators; and 36 percent of open-heart surgeries.
These statistics may help us to recognize a serious problem facing women. According to the American Heart Association, this may explain why 75 percent of men survive a first heart attack, while only 62 percent of women do.
This means that women need to be especially vigilant when it comes to their heart health.
When we eat wild salmon, take astaxanthin supplements and fish oil capsules we not only protect our heart, we increase the youthfulness, radiance and beauty of our skin.
Many people are surprised to learn that a variety of the foods and nutrients that are ‘heart-healthy’ are also great for the skin. Wild salmon is a perfect case in point because two of its key attributes are superior wrinkle smoothers and cardio-protective. I am referring to astaxanthin and omega 3 essential fatty acids.
Hi,
I came across Dr Perricone’s books and products recently. I have started the 28-day diet programme and was wondering if you could advise as to what products would be best for me. I am a 37 year-old woman, living in London UK. My skin is combination with oily nose, dehydrated skin on cheeks and forehead. I have enlarged pores all over and old acne scares on my cheeks.
I also have one other question: would eating fruit at the same time/meal as protein caused fermentation in the stomach?
Many thanks.
I’ve been reading a lot about krill oil. It seems to be an even more beneficial form of heart healthy oil. In particular as it applies to blood pressure control. What is your opinion?
Very informative article. Why are the women so much harder to diagnose than men?
Are there any more studies regarding the stroke aspect of this? It seems that so many more people are having strokes, tia’s or related problems. I know my family hx is one.
this is really informative and am impressed. keep me updated on suchlike articles especially the ones that analyze ingredients and their contribution to the human physiology.
Thanks
What is the best wild salmon product to purchase ? Is the salmon sold in markets or does it have to be ordered?
Most fish in the superstores now are farmed so is difficult to the best one.
Thank you
L.Minisofer
Thank you for your connection between nutrition and health. I teach health and wellness at Rowan University and share this fascinating information with my students. This is far beyond what textbooks reveal. I wish that the mainstream medical community would get on board and share this type of information with patients as society in general would be healthier for it.
Thank you for the information. I do take a fish oil supplement daily but I don’t know how potent it is or how much benefit I am getting. Thank you again.
I just had a medical check up. According to my blood test results and the exercise EKG, I am at least 15 years younger than I am in reality. My lifestyle helps me to stay and look young. I supplement aggressively. I do not smoke and I do not expose my skin to the sun unprotected. Among other supplements I take astaxanthin, transreveratrol, and omega-3 daily for a long while now.
In radiant health
Dominique
Are certain essential nutrients missing from a strict vegan diet? Is it possible to get quality EFA’s from plants?
I love to eat salmon. I have had it prepared many ways and I don’t think there is anything the cook can do to ruin the taste except by burning it. It’s good to know that something I really like to eat often is also good for me, which is usually not the case.
Is it possible to eat too much Salmon? I eat 3-6 ounces per day.
Salmon-can’t live without it. People keep telling me I don’t look my age. I think it’s the salmon!
Dr. Perricone, I have been using your products for over five years. I really enjoy your information through emails.
Four months ago I suffer the loss of my significant other after two years of a lung transplant.
This has affected me greatly to the point that I feel pains and aches all over my body. I keep thinking inflamation. Is there anything that you would recommend. I know you have recommendations for different parts of our body. Even my mind sometimes feels that I cannot handle the stress that I used to.
If you have any suggestions, they will be greatly appreciated. At this time, I am going to a chiropractor and also an accupunturist.
Thank you so much.