Carotenoids: Functionality And Health Benefits—A Comprehensive Guide

Carotenoids are a type of pigment found in many different types of fruits, vegetables, and other plants. They are responsible for the vibrant red, yellow, and orange colours you see in many of your favourite fruits and vegetables. But these compounds do more than provide colour. They also have a variety of health benefits that can help protect your body and improve your overall well-being.

Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants, meaning they can help protect your body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) which advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.

Free radicals can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA in your body, which can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. "By neutralizing these free radicals, carotenoids can help protect your body from this type of damage," says Chahat Vasdev, nutritionist at Gytree.com

One of the most well-known carotenoids is beta-carotene, which your body can convert into vitamin A. This is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune system function, and promoting healthy growth and development. You may be more susceptible to infections and diseases without enough vitamin A.

"We wanted to ensure that the protein we make is empowered to deliver for women's most important needs - strength, improved energy and immunity. Carotenoids reduce the risk associated with many diseases and we at Gytree are all about prevention," says Swareena Shaw, Head of Product Growth at Gytree.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two other types of carotenoids that are particularly beneficial for eye health. They are found in high concentrations in the retina, the part of the eye that is responsible for vision. These carotenoids help protect your eyes from damage caused by blue light, which can lead to age-related macular degeneration and other vision problems.

Research has also suggested that carotenoids may have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or illness, but chronic inflammation can contribute to diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. By helping to reduce inflammation, carotenoids may help protect against these and other chronic diseases.

As Hippocrates said let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. 

Some studies have suggested that carotenoids may help improve cognitive function. While more research is needed to fully understand this relationship, it's possible that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of carotenoids could help protect the brain and improve mental performance.