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What is the role of carotenoids?
Classification:
【Summary Description 】Carotenoids are compounds with nutritional properties that provide natural pigments to plants and animals. As a fat-soluble substance, humans can ingest it by consuming a variety of different colored vegetables and fruits. They are important antioxidants and have the ability to convert to essential vitamins.
Carotenoids are compounds with nutritional properties that provide natural pigments to plants and animals. As a fat-soluble substance, humans can ingest it by consuming a variety of different colored vegetables and fruits. They are important antioxidants and have the ability to convert to essential vitamins.
As an antioxidant, carotenoids are known to reduce the damage caused by free radical molecules. High intake of carotenoids also helps prevent cell, tissue and gene damage. This means that they have the effect of strengthening the body's immune system against infection, reducing the risk of cancer and protecting the heart.
Different carotenoids depend on the color they exhibit. The two most common types are carotene in yellow vegetables, and lutein in green vegetables. Beta carotene is an essential nutrient that the body converts into vitamin A and can be found in orange carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Foods such as kale, bell peppers and egg yolks contain lutein. Tomatoes, apricots, grapefruit, watermelon and papaya contain lycopene. It is important to note that carotenoids are best consumed through the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are more effective than vitamin supplements because they are more easily absorbed by the body.
Although the research is preliminary, carotenoids have been linked to a number of health benefits. Among them, B- carotene is the best, which has the potential benefit of preventing arteriosclerosis associated with heart attacks. B- carotene also protects the health of the human mucosa and lung mucosa and acts as a first barrier against infection. However, excessive consumption of this nutrient also has side effects of osteoporosis or increased risk of lung cancer (smokers).
Carotenoids can help serious infections caused by a deficiency in the immune system by promoting an increase in the number of white blood cells. Lycopene is known to be associated with a reduction in cancers such as prostate, colon, bladder and lung cancer.
Zeaxanthin and lutein can enhance eye health and prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. Although not all of these carotenoids have been proven, it is recommended to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables daily in order to get all its benefits.