Many diverse carotenoids besides beta-carotene play
vital roles in maintaining good health, especially in protecting against
free radical damage. Yet, most Americans don't eat enough vegetables.
Carotenoids
for health benefits
Carotenoids include carotene lycopene lutein
Carotenoids are a group of fat soluble pigments widely distributed in plants
and animals. Dietary carotenoids are thought to provide health benefits in decreasing the
risk of disease, particularly certain cancers and eye disease. The carotenoids that have
been most studied in this regard are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and
astaxanthin. In part, the beneficial effects of carotenoids are thought to be due to their
role as antioxidants. Beta-Carotene may have added benefits due its ability to be
converted to vitamin A. Carotenoids are found in a product that helps with
eyesight called Eyesight
Rx.
Food sources of these compounds include a
variety of fruits and vegetables, although the primary sources of lycopene are tomato and
tomato products, along with watermelon.
Lycopenehas been found to reduce the risk of
prostate cancer. Egg yolk is a highly bioavailable source of
Lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein
and zeaxanthin may be protective in eye disease because they absorb damaging blue light
that enters the eye. Cayenne
pepper has carotenoids.
Carotenoids are available in supplement form.
However, intervention trials with large doses of beta-carotene found an adverse effect on
the incidence of lung cancer in smokers and workers exposed to asbestos. Until the
efficacy and safety of taking supplements containing these nutrients can be determined,
current dietary recommendations of diets high in fruits and vegetables are advised.
However, it is possible that a combination pill containing several carotenoids may be
preferable to taking a high dose of one carotenoid.
Carotenoids from vegetable juices are
able to enhance the immune system in those who normally have a low intake of carotenoids.
Carotenoids ingested as supplements
act as antioxidants.
Carotenoid complex 120 capsules - Now Foods
Many diverse carotenoids besides beta-carotene play
vital roles in maintaining good health, especially in protecting against
free radical damage. Yet, most Americans don't eat enough vegetables.
You can buy Carotenoids here. Astaxanthin is also sold.
Carotenoid Research Update
Supplementation of a low-carotenoid diet with tomato or carrot juice modulates
immune functions in healthy men.
Ann Nutr Metab. 2003;47(6):255-61. Watzl B. Haid-und-Neu-Strasse 9, DE-76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
Dietary supplementation with a natural carotenoid mixture
decreases oxidative stress.
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2003 Sep;57(9):1135-40. Kiokias S, Gordon MH. The
University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, UK.
Additional link
Arginine
amino acid
Ashwagandha plant
Cancer herbal therapy
Co Q10 supplement
Supplements and Herbal Index tongkat ali
carotenoids carotene lycopene lutein zeaxanthin
cryptoxanthin beta-carotene health benefits