Carotenoids-Who Wants To Know?

Carotenoids-found mainly in fruits, vegetables and sea plants. They are present in virtually every cell of the human body. Most of us have of beta-carotene, but there are over 600 other carotenoids, some very important in decreasing degenerative disease and boosting immune response. New studies on carotenes like alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptozanthin show a 3 to 1 reduction in strokes and other heart risks when they are added to our diet.

Some of the newest healing benefits attributed to carotenes:

.Cataracts--eating less than 3 servings of carotene-rich foods increases risk of cataracts

.Immune system--carotenes enhance both infection-fighting functions and immunity again tumors.

Healthy Healing - Linda Page - Eleventh Edition.

Lycopene-a carotene in tomatoes, red grapefruit, apricots and watermelon protects plants from the harmful effects of UV rays. it protect the human body in the same way. Lycopene, the body's most common carotene, is concentrated in the prostate gland and is used successfully as preventative for prostate cancer. Lycopene is 56% more powerful than beta-carotene and 100 times more efficient than vitamin E as a free radical scavenger. Lycopene is fat-soluble, so when lycopene-rich tomatoes are cooked with oil, as in spaghetti sauce, their bio-availability improves.

Lutein-is the most abundant carotenoid in fruits and vegetables, especially dark leafy greens like spinach, kale and broccoli, and in egg whites. Lutein and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants, especially concentrated in the macula of the eye, responsible for detailed vision. The macula is covered by a layer of two carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin, natural sunscreens which selectively filter out visible blue light. If blue light is allowed to reach the retina, it can cause photodamage that contributes, over time, to degeneration of the macula. Lutein and zenxanthin help protect again retinal damage and strengthen blood vessels that supply the macular region.

Beta carotene-in red, yellow and dark green vegetables and fruits, and sea plants, protects against cancer, heart disease, cataracts, enhances immune response and lowers cholesterol. Beta carotene reduces tumor cell proliferation and free radical activity in the tumor. Harvard studies say that beta carotene acts like a chemotherapy agent on squamous carcinoma tumor cells. Tufts University studies show that beta carotene changes in to a substance called retinoic acid which can treat bladder cancer with considerable success.

Alpha carotene-found in apricots, carrots, peaches and sweet potatoes, is 30% more powerful than beta carotene in preventing cancer. Alpha carotene studies show it especially inhibits tumor growth.

Canthaxanthin-a carotene in mushrooms which can decrease skin cancer risk and boost immunity.