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“Eating the rainbow” is more than just a trend to get Instagram-worthy photos at every meal. Vibrant and bright foods contain various phytonutrients that help your body in a number of ways, often thanks to their antioxidant-like and anti-inflammatory properties. There are thousands of these phytonutrients out there, and we’re highlighting one in particular — astaxanthin.
What is it? Hint: It might have you seeing red, so to speak. And in case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced ahs-theh-zan-than.
What Is Astaxanthin?
“Astaxanthin is a carotenoid,” says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, owner of Nutrition Now Counseling. “Carotenoids are what give foods like watermelon and tomatoes their vibrant color.” They come in bright shades of…