Carotenoids – Phytochemical
Carotenoids are a class of phytonutrients (“plant chemicals”)
Carotenoids are plant pigments responsible for bright red, yellow and orange hues in many fruits and vegetables.
Rich in carrots, sweet potatoes, watercress, pees
There are over 1100 known naturally occurring carotenoids which are split into two classes
xanthophylls (which contain oxygen)
1.Lutein – A carotenoid vitamin. It is related to beta-carotene and vitamin A. Foods rich in lutein include broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, orange pepper, kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, and squash. Lutein is absorbed best when it is taken with a high-fat meal.
2. zeaxanthin –
Lutein and zeaxanthin are the eye vitamins as they are used to prevent eye diseases as only carotenoids found in the retina.
3. beta-cryptoxanthin –
carotenes (which are purely hydrocarbons, and contain no oxygen).
1. Alpha-carotene
2. Betacarotenoids
3. Lycopene
Articles:
Lutein for Preventing Macular Degeneration -Lutein May Decrease Your Risk of Macular Degeneration
Research:
The role of carotenoids in human health.
Nature and distribution of carotenoids
Prevention of age-related macular degeneration
Lutein, lycopene, and their oxidative metabolites in chemoprevention of cancer.
Beta-carotene and other carotenoids as antioxidants.
Carotenoids: potential allies of cardiovascular health?
Carotenoids and cardiovascular disease.
Carotenoids and Alzheimer’s disease: an insight into therapeutic role of retinoids in animal models.
Molecular Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms of Retinoids and Carotenoids in Alzheimer’s Disease