What are carotenoids?

Carotenoids are chemicals that have nutritional properties and exist in a pigment that dyes plants and animals. As fat -soluble materials, carotenoids are used by people in countless colored fruits and vegetables. They are important as antioxidants and convert them to basic vitamins. Many health experts argue that people should receive carotenoids by eating fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet, rather than using supplements, because they are easier to use for natural foods for the human body.

found in colorful foods

various carotenoids are related to their apparent colors. Two of the general categories are carotene and xanthofyls, with carotenes present in yellow vegetables and xanthofyls are found in green vegetables. Beta-carotene, an essential nutrient that the human body converts into vitamin A, is present in orange carrots, sweet potatoes and squash. Another type of carotenoid, lutein, existedIt is in dark green kale, broccoli, yellow yolk and peppers. Red tomatoes, apricots, grapefruit, melon and papays contain another type called lycopene.

Potential health benefits

In the action as antioxidants, carotenoids have been shown to reduce damage caused by certain molecules called free radicals. A generous amount of these chemicals can prevent cell and tissue damage and genetic damage. This means that they could increase human immunity to infection, reduce the risk of cancer and protect against heart disease.

It is believed that the potential benefits of beta-carotene include preventing the arteries that are associated with an increased risk of heart attack. Beta-carotene also retains the health of the mucous membranes of the body and lung lungs, which are among the first lines of the defense body against infection. However, excessive amounts of beta-carotene can bring a higher risk of osteoporosis or Rako in smokersThe blame of the lungs.

Carotenoids can help fight serious infections in people who have endaled immune systems by increasing the number of white blood cells. Lycopene was associated with a reduced occurrence of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer, colon cancer, bladder cancer and lung cancer. It is believed that zeaxanthin and lutein strengthen their eyes and protect against cataracts and macular degeneration. Although some of these connections have to be clearly established through scientific studies and research, health experts usually recommend that people consume the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables to gain the full benefits of carotenoids.