Where are carotenoids found?

Answer 1

Carotenoids represent one of the most widespread groups of naturally occurring pigments: There are over 600 known carotenoids that are largely responsible for the red, yellow, and orange color of fruits and vegetables, and are also found in many dark green vegetables. The most abundant carotenoids in the North American diet are:

• Carotenes are a large group of intense red and yellow pigments found in all plants that photosynthesize, which are vital for the process of photosynthesis and also protect the plant against damage from the free radicals produced during photosynthesis. They include:
  • Alpha and beta carotene, found in sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, turnip greens, winter squash, collard greens, cilantro, fresh thyme, cantaloupe, romaine lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes, green beans, cilantro, chard, apples, avocadoes and cantaloupe, protect your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, provide a source of vitamin A, enhance the functioning of your immune system, and help your reproductive system function properly.
  • Lycopene, found in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon, guava, persimmon and apricots, protects your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, and helps prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, thereby slowing the development of atherosclerosis.
• Xanthophylls, oxygenated forms of carotenes, form the yellow color in plant leaves. They include:
  • Lutein and zeaxanthin, found in raw and lightly steamed kale, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, corn, garden peas, squash, pumpkin, and Brussels sprouts, defend your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, and protect your eyes from developing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
  • Astaxanthin, found in microalgae and yeast, suppresses the activation of certain T cells associated with asthma, improves "working memory," may contribute to the prevention of dementia, significantly increases peripheral capillary blood flow, reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, prevents cancers of the bladder, colon, and mouth, reduces the severity and duration of carpal tunnel syndrome pain, counteracts the free radicals resulting from high glucose levels in diabetics, may prevent the progression of diabetic kidney damage, may improve endurance and strength, may decrease the accumulation of fat, protects the macula at the center of the retina from degeneration from UV light, heading off Age-Related Macular Degeneration, the world's leading cause of blindness, increases HDL ("good") cholesterol production, protects LDL ("bad") cholesterol from free radical damage, significantly reduces heartburn, especially in patients infected with H. pylori, an inflammatory bacteria that causes ulcers, raises levels of T and B cells, key cells of the immune system, may prevent DNA damage, improves sperm quality and function, may help maintain natural testosterone levels in aging men, and protects your skin from UV damage that would otherwise damage skin DNA.
  • Beta-crpytoxanthin, found in red bell peppers, papaya, cilantro, Oranges, corn, watermelon, serrano pepper, avocados, and grapefruit, protects your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, provides a source of vitamin A, and reduces your risk of lung cancer, rheumatoid Arthritis, and inflammatory polyarthritis.
  • Canthaxanthin, found in chanterelle mushrooms, green algae, and paprika, inhibits the growth of melanoma and colon cancer cells, and induces their self-destruction.

Answer 2

Carotenoids are found in various fruits and vegetables, especially those that are yellow, orange, or red in color such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. They are also present in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale.

Answer 3

chromoplast