Carotenoids, Natural Coloring Foods with Various Benefits

Carotenoids are natural compounds that give fruits and vegetables their color. Not only giving color, carotenoids are one of the antioxidants that are useful for maintaining eye health and even preventing cancer.

Without realizing it, you may have often consumed carotenoids, both in the form of fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are natural compounds that give fruit and vegetables their red, orange or yellow color. This compound is fat soluble, so its nutritional content can be easily absorbed by the body.

Carotenoids, Natural Coloring Foods with Various Benefits

Apart from plant-based foods, carotenoids can also be found in animal-based foods that consume carotenoid-source foods. You can also find this substance in egg yolks produced by chickens that eat carotenoid-rich feeds

Various Benefits of Carotenoids for Health

Of the 600 types of carotenoids found in fruits and vegetables, the 6 most common types of carotenoids are beta carotene, beta cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin. Besides containing antioxidants, several types of carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A which is beneficial to health

The following are some of the benefits obtained from consuming carotenoids:

1. Prevents macular degeneration

Research shows that beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin play an important role in maintaining eye health and preventing macular degeneration. This is because carotenoids are able to protect the retina and lens of the eye from possible damage caused by excessive light exposure

In addition, carotenoids also contain antioxidants that can protect eye cells from damage caused by free radicals, pollution, sun exposure, and cigarette smoke.

2. Prevents wrinkles

Not only able to maintain eye health, carotenoids also have the benefit of preventing the appearance of wrinkles. Research shows that the antioxidant content in lutein and zeaxanthin can prevent skin damage from UV exposure

As is well known, long-term exposure to excessive sunlight can cause premature aging, including the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. In order to prevent damage to the skin, regularly consume fruits and vegetables that contain carotenoids

3. Prevent coronary heart disease

Free radicals can increase the sticking of bad cholesterol or LDL to the artery walls, thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart disease. However, you can prevent it by consuming carotenoids which contain antioxidants. This compound is effective in reducing free radicals, thereby protecting the heart from clogging and accumulation of fat in the arteries

4. Reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis

Research shows carotenoid consumption can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This is due to the antioxidant content in beta carotene, beta cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin which are able to block free radicals that cause bone loss.

5. Reducing the risk of getting cancer

Consuming foods rich in carotenoids can also increase the amount of antioxidants in the body. This can help protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals, including preventing lung cancer

In addition, carotenoids which can be broken down into vitamin A are also useful for nourishing the skin and protecting it from sun exposure which can increase the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer.

However, the benefits of carotenoids in reducing the risk of cancer still require further research to ensure the effectiveness and exact dosage.

Not only the various benefits above, several studies have shown that the antioxidant content in carotenoids can also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes.

To get the health benefits of carotenoids, you can eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in these nutrients. Some types of fruit that are rich in carotenoids are oranges, mangoes, papayas, watermelons, and melons, as well as apricots. Meanwhile, to get carotenoids from vegetables, you can eat pumpkin, bell peppers, tomatoes, corn and kale

Apart from food, you can also meet your intake of carotenoids from supplements. However, you should first consult with your doctor to find out the proper dosage, especially if you are pregnant. If consumed in large quantities, some carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A and can cause fetal defects

Excessive consumption of carotenoids can also cause several side effects in the form of yellowish skin (carotenemia), red stool discoloration, and abdominal pain. When consumed in excess, carotenoids can also increase the risk of fractures in the elderly Label : Healthy living cat_Healthy living

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