Carotenoids Super Nutrients

by Kris Pitcher

Some foods just seem to have super powers. Take carotenoids for example, super food. Well, super nutrient found in foods.

Carotenoids have vitamin A activity, meaning they can be converted to retinol. They act as antioxidents fighting off free radicals which damage our cells. These carotenoids enhance our immune function.

There are four we look for: beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, gama-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Bioavailability of carotenoids is believed to be dependant on lipids, they're fat soluble. Combining these super nutrients with some healthy fats makes them a true super hero.

It's the carotenoids which give the color or pigment in red, yellow, and orange peppers. They're also prevalent in tomatoes, papaya, sweet potatoes, mangoes, kale, spinach, and carrots.

Keep the free radicals away and eat yourself younger looking by including carotenoid rich foods in your daily plan. Give yourself a rainbow of nutrients the next time you toss up a salad or add salsa to spice things up, and you'll be getting an important boost of carotenoids.