Carotenoids - Functions, Sources of Carotenoids

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are plant pigments, responsible for many of the red, orange, and yellow hues of plant leaves, fruits, and flowers, as well as the colors of some birds, insects, fish, and crustaceans. Carotenoids are fat-soluble, which means they are better absorbed in the presence of oil or fat. There are a number of different carotenoids in tomatoes including BETA-CAROTENE and LYCOPENE.

This is the common name for several hundred plant pigments which are powerful antioxidants.

Functions of Carotenoids - Sources of Carotenoids

Act as biological antioxidants
Carotenoids absorb the dangerous sun rays that produce free radicals. These free radicals are extremely harmful, not only to plants, but also to humans where they can cause the degenerative diseases of ageing such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Thus, the inclusion in the diet of plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables containing carotenoids can help to provide protection from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Provitamin A activity
Vitamin A, can be produced within the body from certain carotenoids, notably beta-carotene. Dietary beta-carotene is obtained from a number of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, peaches, apricots, and sweet potatoes. Other provitamin A carotenoids include alpha-carotene (found in carrots, pumpkin, and red and yellow peppers) and cryptoxanthin (from oranges, tangerines, peaches, nectarines, and papayas).

Non-provitamin A dietary carotenoids include lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. There are indications that lycopene, found mainly in tomatoes, may help to lower the risk of prostate cancer, while alpha carotene, found in carrots, may provide protection from other forms of cancer. Lutein and zeaxanthin found in green vegetables such as peppers, spinach, collards green and kale, were found to prevent age-related macular degeneration of the eye (AMD) which can lead to loss of central vision in people over 50.

Carotenoids are also available in capsules as nutritional supplements, particularly in antioxidant formulas.

Are you confused about your DIET and VITAMINS?

Vitamins || Herbs || Minerals || Amino Acids || Nutrients || Healthy Diets || Relieve Symptoms || Health & Nutrition || Articles || Blog || Site Map

BUY VITAMINS - YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING VITAMINS ONLINE

Your feedback and queries are greatly appreciated.

Other Useful Sites for you:

Travel | Utah Classifieds | Hotel Internet Marketing | Discount Area Rugs | Aparaty cyfrowe olympus

This site is for educational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you have, or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

Fri July 22/2005

Nutrients

Apples
Allium
Aspartame
Bee Pollen
Black Seeds
Bromelain
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Carotenoids
Cod Liver Oil
Curcumin
Dolomite
Enzymes
Evening Primrose Oil
Fats and Cholesterol
Fig
Flaxseed Oil
Grape Seed Extract
Honey
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lecithin
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Papayas
Phosphatidylserine
Protein
Pycnogenol
Quercetin
Royal Jelly
Spirulina