WHAT ARE SPECIFIC CAROTENOIDS?
Carotenoids are fat soluble nutrients and categorized as either xanthophylls or carotenes according to their chemical composition. Carotenoids are found in foods such as carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and other deep green, yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables. Most xanthophylls are found in green leafy vegetables and most carotenes are found in yellow vegetables. They are easily destroyed in cooking, particularly xanthophylls. Beta Carotene and other Provitamin A Carotenoids. Beta carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin are carotenes that are converted into vitamin A or retinol (the active form of vitamin A) in the body. They are found in many yellow fruits and vegetables. Beta carotene is the most widely studied carotenoid. Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are both stored in the retina of the eye. Neither converts to vitamin A. Both are powerful antioxidants and may be very important for healthy eyes. They are found in many yellow fruits and veg
