Carotenoids
Carotenoids are organic pigments found in many plants
and they are also found in some fungi and bacteria. There are more than 600 known
carotenoids. Carotenoids play two key roles
in plants and algae: (1) they absorb light energy for use in photosynthesis,
and (2) they protect chlorophyll from light damage.
Some carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin) in the human body can be
converted to retinal (one form of vitamin A) and some carotenoids can function
as antioxidants. Some carotenoids in the eye (lutein, astaxanthin, and
zeaxanthin) can absorb blue and near UV light and protect the retina.
A number of carotenoids were proven to have anti-carcinogenic
activity and may be useful in cancer prevention. These include α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene,
beta-cryptoxanthin, fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, capsanthin, crocetin and phytoene.
It was reported that women with higher circulating
levels of α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein,
zeaxanthin, lycopene, and total carotenoids may be at lower risk of breast
cancer. Some studies suggest that α-carotene, β-carotene, and
zeaxanthin may inhibit the growth of prostate, breast and head and neck cancers.
© Jiajiu Shaw, 2016
Disclaimer: This blog is written solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other medical professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All contents posted are extracted from the book I am writing, "IS CANCER IN US", to be published in about two months.
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