Carotenoid Antioxidants

Carotenoids are a fascinating group of naturally occurring pigments found mainly in colourful fruits and vegetables. They are also important dietary antioxidants.

What are carotenoids?

Carotenoids give foods their yellow, orange and red colours. More than 600 carotenoids have been identified in nature, but only a smaller number are commonly found in the human diet.

Important examples include:

* Beta-carotene — found in carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy greens; the body can convert it into vitamin A.

* Lycopene — abundant in tomatoes and watermelon.

* Lutein & zeaxanthin — concentrated in leafy green vegetables and important for eye health.

* Astaxanthin — a carotenoid found mainly in algae and seafood that consume those algae.

Why are carotenoids called antioxidants?

Our cells are constantly exposed to molecules called free radicals and other reactive compounds. In excess, these can contribute to oxidative stress.

Carotenoids can act as antioxidants, helping to neutralise certain reactive molecules and protect cells from oxidative damage.

However, it is important not to think of antioxidants as a cure or as a guarantee against disease. A varied diet rich in colourful plant foods is the best way to obtain a broad range of carotenoids and other beneficial nutrients.

The simple rule

The more natural colours you put on your plate, the greater the variety of protective plant compounds you are likely to consume.

Think:

Orange — carrots, sweet potato

Red — tomatoes, watermelon

Green — spinach, kale

Yellow/orange — peppers, pumpkin

Orange/yellow — mango, papaya

Eat the rainbow — your plate can be your first line of nutritional defence.

You eat colourful foods—but how well are you getting the carotenoids your body needs?

Discover your carotenoid antioxidant level with Prysm iO and get a clearer picture of your nutrition.

The Prysm iO scanner uses advanced BioPhotonic technology to quickly and safely measure your body’s antioxidant level in 15 seconds.

Message me to arrange a free demo