Higher carotenoid intake help improve women’s health

Researchers recently reviewed studies on the effect of diet on autoimmune conditions in women. They discovered that consuming pigmented carotenoids may be beneficial in preventing visual and cognitive decline in women.

The study was published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience.

“This review builds on decades of previous work conclusively demonstrating that a diet high in fruits and vegetables—many of which contain carotenoids, which are responsible for some of the vivid colours of fruits and vegetables—is associated with healthy ageing and longevity, as well as a lower risk of chronic disease,” said Amy Keller Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes at the University of Colorado Denver, who was not involved in the review.

“The reasons why this is so are probably multifactorial, but possible reasons why carotenoids are beneficial are because of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity,” she added.

carotenoids improve health

When asked how pigmented carotenoids like L and Z may benefit health, Prof Billy Hammond of the University of Georgia’s Behavioral and Brain Sciences Faculty, one of the study’s authors, told Medical News Today:

“The old adage that you are what you eat is literally true. What you eat influences the composition of your brain and the chemicals called neurotransmitters and hormones that are involved in its function.”

He explained that the brain is made up of roughly 60% fat, making it particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. To protect the brain from potential damage, our brains typically incorporate lipid-soluble antioxidants from foods such as eggs and leafy greens. Problems arise because modern diets tend to be deficient in these antioxidants.

Research reveals that while carotenoids obtained from food may improve health outcomes, supplementary forms of these nutrients may not have the same impact. This is because consuming a nutrient alone may not have the same physiological effects as consuming it as a component of a fruit or vegetable.

What exactly are carotenoids?

Plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria all contain carotenoids as pigments. These pigments give plants, vegetables, and fruits their bright yellow, red, and orange colours.

Carotenoids function as an antioxidant in humans.

Carotenoids come in over 600 different varieties. When released into the body, some can be converted into vitamin A. Among the most common carotenoids are:

• Beta carotene
• Carotene beta
• Lycopene
• Beta cryptoxanthin
• Lutein, and
• Zeaxanthin

Carotenoids must be obtained through diet. They are best absorbed when combined with fat.

Which foods are rich in Carotenoids?

• yams
• kale
• spinach
• watermelon
• cantaloupe
• bell peppers
• tomatoes
• carrots
• mangoes
• oranges

Include these carotenoid-rich foods in your diet, ladies, and remember that getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet are also important factors in improving health.