What are carotenoids?
Carotenoids are compounds responsible for the naturally occurring pigments in fruits and vegetables (think red for tomatoes, yellow for summer squash, orange for carrots and cantaloupe, and dark green for leafy vegetables). In recent years, carotenoids have received a lot of attention because of their potential anti-cancer and anti-aging compounds. Over 600 carotenoids have been identified in our food supply; however, the most abundant carotenoids in the American diet are beta carotene, alpha carotene, lycopene, lutein, beta crpytoxanthin, and zeaxanthin.
