Carotenoids
Rainbow Of Anti Aging Nutrients

Carotenoids provide color which is part of natures every changing scene of a rainbow of different colors. Our environment is full of color and this color is primarily from natural pigments. You see this color everywhere and it changes on a daily basis. These pigments carry out biological functions and identify to us where the natural nutrients can be found.

Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments found principally in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. They play a critical role in the biological process known as photosynthesis. They are responsible for over 600 richly colored molecules which are the red, orange, and yellow hues of plant leaves, fruits, vegetables and flowers, as well as the colors of some birds, insects, fish, and crustaceans.
Examples of plant colors are carrots and oranges, the reds of peppers and tomatoes, and the pinks of flamingo's and salmon. The most common types of diet carotenoids are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin are provitamin A carotenoids, meaning they can be converted by the body to retinol carotene and xanthophylls. An example: carrots are carotenes and marigold petals are xanthophyll’s. Scientists must stay awake nights thinking of all these different names.

To this discussion the important part of all this color is that these fruits and vegetables are powerful antioxidants because of these nutrients. The antioxidant anti aging properties are what we are interested in, for they help your body retain “The Fountain of Youth”

One important and well researched nutritional role for this element is it's conversion to vitamin A. Vitamin A is produced within the body from, most notably beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is found in fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, peaches, apricots, and sweet potatoes Another vitamin A element is alpha-carotene found in carrots, pumpkin, and red and yellow peppers. Another is cryptoxanthin found in oranges, tangerines, peaches, nectarines, and papayas.
Lycopene the nutrient that gives tomatoes their red color, is by itself found too be very effective against some specific diseases like prostate cancer. Lutein which is found in corn and leafy greens such as kale and spinach, are believed to be a powerful antioxidant in the fight against eye problems. The antioxidant xanthophyll is found in colorful fish and sea life like salmon and shrimp. Other health benefits that may be related to their antioxidant properties include the enhancement of immune system function and inhibition of the development of certain types of cancers

A German study found strong evidence that just eating more fruits and vegetables full of carotenoids will reduce C-reactive protein in the blood plasma. C-reactive protein is the major indication of inflammation in your body. This inflammation is now being said to be a root of cardiovascular disease (read clogged arteries).

Bottom line eat more fruits and vegetables especially the brightly colored ones and/or take supplements rich in vegetable and fruit essences which contain the antioxidant alpha carotene and beta carotene. It has been found that large doses of beta carotene in non food supplements can cause harm. That is why we recommend food source essences where the food nutrients are left intake so it is as close to eating the tomato as is possible.

Carotenoids to Anti Aging Vitamins