Carotenoids and Health
Ann Nutr Metab 2013;62(suppl 2): P021 Herbert Jamieson
Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments found in plants, fungi, algae and bacteria. Carotenoids protect plants from sun damage. Hundreds of plant carotenoids have been identified, of which around 50 are present in edible vegetables and fruits.
Astaxanthin, Beta-carotene, Crocetin, Lycopene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin are the most important carotenoids that have beneficial effects on human health.
The consumption of Carotenoids has been associated with reduced risks of cancers, cataract and age related macular degeneration. The primary benefit of carotenoids lies in their antioxidant potential.
Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body’s cells from damage by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals. Carotenoids guard against certain types of cancer, apparently by limiting the abnormal growth of cells. For instance, lycopene appears to inhibit prostate cancer formation.
Researchers at Harvard University found that men who ate 10 or more servings a week of tomato-based foods – tomatoes being the richest dietary source of lycopene – cut their risk of prostate cancer by nearly 45 per cent. In addition, carotenoids fight heart disease by blocking the formation of LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol)
which leads to heart attacks. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin both reduce the risk of macular degeneration (MD).This article analyzes the health benefits of Carotenoids on human