Beta Carotene Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoid family and has over 500 relatives. Carotenoids are yellow-to-red pigments found in all green plant tissues and in some species of algae. So far 21 different carotenoids have been found in human blood. The most abundant ones are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin. A molecule of alpha-carotene, beta- carotene, or cryptoxanthin can be split into two molecules of vitamin A in the body but the conversion
With over 600 carotenoids known to humankind, only 60 carotenoids are known to demonstrate vitamin A activity. When discussing AMD, the carotenoids of particular interest are known as xanthophylls – specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids are lipophilic and as a result they are absorbed via a similar mechanism to fat absorption. Similarly, carotenoids are integrated into chylomicrons and are transported throughout the body via
full range of phytochemicals in your diet. Red fruits and vegetables contain a powerful carotenoid called lycopene. Lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of many types of cancers, particularly prostate cancer. Lycopene is also linked to a decreased risk of heart disease. Tomatoes are one of the best sources of lycopene, especially when tomatoes are cooked. The heating process actually makes carotenoids more easily absorbed by the b...
Johanna M., M.D., et al. Dietary Carotenoids, Vitamins A, C, and E, and Advance Age-Related Macular Regeneration. Journal of American Medical Association. November 9, 1994, Volume 272, No. 18, 1413-1420. Stern, Judith S., Hermann-Zaidins, Mindy G. Fat Replacements: A New Strategy for Dietary Change. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. January 1992, Volume 92, No. 1, 91-94. Weststrate, Jan., Van hef Hof, Karin H. Sucrose Polyester and plasma carotenoid concentrations in healthy subjects
Olestra: or WOE? Introduction Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a way the diet crazed society of America could get around eating fat, but still enjoy the savory taste that accompanies it? Well, miraculously, it is possible through a product called Olestra. This seemingly perfect product created by Proctor and Gamble was recently approved by the FDA for use as a substitute for fat in snack foods such as potato and corn chips. “Olestra is a zero calorie fat replacement intended to replace
Three spined stickle back fishes are small fishes with a deep body with three spines in front of the dorsal fin and are therefore are named stickle back because if the spines on the dorsal fin. These fishes are brownish, green and pale or orange reddish on the underside and are about 6 cm in length. The breeding male fish usually has a red belly and blue eyes. The three spined stickleback fishes are found in Northern Asia, northern America and Europe and some parts of southern and central Europe
Commonly Used and Controversial Food Additives We consume more of them everyday, but many people do not know what additives do to food and the people that eat it. The average person is amazed by the number of additives injected into our food. Through years of scientific research, it is now possible to comprehend the most commonly used and controversial additives. What exactly is a food additive? The technical definition is "any substance the intended use of which results or may reasonably
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Watermelon Did you know that, in the US, July is the National Watermelon Month? It is recognized not only because the refreshing taste of watermelon symbolizes the essence of summer, but because watermelon harvests are at its highest peak on this month. By weight, it is the most consumed melon, followed by honeydew and cantaloupe. A Fruit or a Vegetable? Watermelon is a plant originally from Southern Africa. Although not belonging to the genus Cucumis, watermelon
The Dilemma of Macular Degeneration According to Baily and Hall, while visual impairment early in life is associated with inherited congenital disorders, abnormal fetal devepment, and problems associated with premature birth, most eye conditions are associated with aging. They claim that over 70% of the visually impaired population in the United States is over 65. Age related maculopathy, also called macular degeneration, or AMD, impairs the center of vision in older individuals. The macula
indicated that different treatments of TiO2 and N-TiO2 compared to the control group had no significant effect on germination percentage. However, they had a positive effect on root length, shoot length, and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids). Conclusion: At low concentrations, titanium dioxide nanoparticles and titanium dioxide had a stimulatory effect on all parameters except the germination. Introduction Nowadays as the population grows increasingly, the need for food and medicine
Other common carotenoids found in pumpkins are lutein and zeaxanthin. Pumpkin is a highly nutritious vegetable. One cup of cooked pumpkin (without added salt) contains 49 calories (205 kilojoules), 1.76 grams protein, 0.17g fat, no cholesterol and 12g carbohydrate (including
that brings nutmeg to mind. It also has a hint of pepperiness. Health Benefits of Achiote Carotenoids The waxy coating on achiote seeds contains two carotenoids: bixin and norbixin. These two compounds are responsible for the distinctive reddish orange color of achiote. Bixin is fat soluble while norbixin is water soluble. The ability to dissolve in both lipids and water is rare among carotenoids. The more norbixin is contained in achiote, the more yellow it will appear; the more bixin, the
An apple a day keeps the doctors away. Is that cliché really that far off? Actually, no; that statement holds truth. Everybody knows the importance of fruit as a part of a well-balanced diet, but most people do not know just how good fruit is for health. Not only does fruit aid in good physical health, but it also provides benefits for good mental health. Fruit makes weight loss more efficient and heightens brain functions. Eating a healthy amount of fruit improves the ability for the body to lose
The Basic Needs For Photosynthesis Plants, as well as some Protists and Monerans, can take small molecules from the environment and bind them together using the energy of light. The incoming light energy is transformed into the energy holding the new molecules together, and the organisms use those molecules as an energy "fuel." The basic process can be represented this way: CO2 + H2O light> C6H12O6 + O2 Carbon Dioxide Water (sugar) Oxygen In the case of water organisms, the carbon
form of vitamin A is β-carotene, which is synthesized only by plants, but can be turned into vitamin A in the body as needed. These carotenoids are also termed as 'provitamin A.' Provitamin A caretinoids are mainly found in carrots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, apricots and mangoes. Hence, the nutritional requirements for vitamin A can be met by retinoids, carotenoids, or a mixture of both from plant and animal sources. However, deficiency and excessive intake of vitamin A could lead to serious
active components. This article continues previous research in the field of Biochemistry and Medical Science, mainly trying to study the effective components which can prevent heart disease in edible vegetables. Lycopene Lycopene is a member of the carotenoids pigment family that conveys bright red color to many plants. Its name is obtained primarily from tomato. Lycopene is currently considered one of the most efficient antioxidants, protecting against free radicals that accelerate aging and damage critical
Exposure to food colorants occurs during a majority of the meals that people consume every day, and these colorants can have certain effects on the human body. Many consumers do not show signs of being affected by food colorants; however, some specific diseases and disorders, such as ADHD, can be aggravated by colorants in addition to general ailments such as nausea, headaches, and irritability (Walford, 1984). Both natural and synthetic colorants can cause reactions, and approximately fifty years
The Himalayan Super Berry-Goji Berry: Research Paper and Prospectus What if you heard that simply consuming a handful of a tart little red berries could make you live a longer, lose weight and feel better? Like millions of other consumers you would probably jump at the idea. With these claims, its no wonder the new health craze in the Himalayan Superfruit, the Goji berry, has become prevalent in supermarkets across the globe. The health claims of the Goji berry are endless; from its anti-inflammatory
Brassica oleraceae var. Italica becomes favorable due to the health-promoting compound which benefits to the consumer. Despite various benefit from broccoli consumption, this plant is sensitive to heat where nutrient easily loss. World Healthiest Foods, WHFoods recommended quick steaming method with only 4 minutes total steaming time in order to enjoy broccoli without a significant nutrient loss since broccoli is clearly sensitive to total steaming time. G. Yuan., B. Sun., J. Yuan., and Q, Wang
pathogenesis of a variety of deteriorating diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (Adalid et al., 2010), cancers, and neurological disorders (Galiana et al., 2006). Nutritional value is related to high content of antioxidants (mainly from vitamin C and carotenoids). However, tomato breeders continue to try and improve nutrition quality. Soluble solid content of tomato fruit represents 60% of dry matter in ripe fruits (Galiana et al., 2006). The shelf-life of tomato fruit is critical for marketing, transportation