Carotenoids for Better Health


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Carotenoids are a natural substance produced in many natural
foods that are necessary for good health.  People who don't
eat daily servings of vegetables and fruits are likely to be
unknowingly deficient in these wondrous food chemicals.

Studies show that in people who eat high amounts of food
rich in carotenoids the blood samples reveal chemical
markers that are linked to a lower risk of liver disease,
arteriosclerosis, strokes, insulin resistance, and macular
degeneration.

Carotenoids can help strengthen the immune system, thus
reducing the risk of  heart disease and cancer.

Carotenoids  also provide strong anti-inflammatory benefits,
and have the ability to ward off viruses and bacteria.

There are over 600 known carotenoids.  Carotene and lycopene
are the most widely recognized by the general population.
These are the antioxidants found in orange and red fruits
and vegetables such as carrots, and tomatoes.  It is the
carotenoid that gives the food the red, yellow or orange
coloring.  They provide the main source of Vitamin A for
humans.

Dietary consumption of lycopene (mostly from tomato
products) has been associated with a lower risk of prostate
cancer and is important for eye health.

Carotenoids are used as natural colorants for food and
cosmetics in place of artificial colors and dyes.

A United States Department of Agriculture study found that
by consuming carotenoids the health benefits obtained
include an increased immune function by 37 percent in just
20 days.  And the number of natural killer cells in the
blood were increased by 20 percent in the same length of
time.

Carotenoids are found in all leafy plant foods and in a
variety of fruits and vegetables.  The primary source of
lycopene is from tomato and tomato products and watermelon.
All yellow and orange vegetables such as apricots, yams,
squash, pumpkin, carrots, etc. contain high amounts of
carotene.  Carotenoids from vegetable juices are second best
to consumption of the fresh food.

Carotenoids are also found in some animal foods, such as
salmon, egg yolks, milk, and poultry.

Supplements are another choice and from these studies some
doctors recommend that most people supplement their diets
with up to 15 mg per day of beta carotene and 6 mg of lutein
and lycopene.

For more information on carotenoids visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/health/carotenoids.htm

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Author:  Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email:  Current address on website
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