Carotenoid

A carotenoid is any member of the carotenoid group, which includes about 100 yellow and red pigments, usually of plant origin. Representatives of this group are also called carotenes.

Carotenoids are widely distributed in nature and give yellow, orange or red colors to fruits, vegetables, flowers and bird feathers. They play an important role as pigments in the process of photosynthesis in plants. In animals, carotenoids perform protective functions and are also involved in vision processes.

The most well-known representatives of carotenoids are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin. They have antioxidant properties and have a beneficial effect on human health, preventing the development of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Therefore, carotenoids are often called vitamin-like compounds.

A carotenoid is any member of the carotenoid group, comprising about 100 yellow and red pigments, usually of plant origin. Representatives of this group are also called carotenes.

Carotenoids are organic pigments that are widespread in nature and give yellow, orange or red colors to plants, fungi, bacteria and some animals. The most famous representatives of carotenoids are beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Carotenoids are synthesized by plants, algae, some bacteria and fungi. Animals cannot synthesize carotenoids and obtain them from plant foods. In humans and animals, carotenoids perform important functions - they provide antioxidant protection, participate in immune processes, and promote normal vision.

The main sources of carotenoids in human nutrition are carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, pumpkin, apricots, mangoes and green leafy vegetables. A sufficient intake of carotenoids from food is important for maintaining health and preventing many diseases.

Carotenoids are a group of natural plant pigments widely used in the food industry, as well as other fields such as medicine, cosmetics and electronics. They have a wide range of applications, from adding colorful shades to foods and medicines, to protecting plants, preserving and enhancing their resistance to diseases and pests.

The main representatives of carotenoids include carotene (β-carotene), lutein, astaxanthin, xanthophyll, capsanthin, lycopene and zeaxanthin. These substances have antioxidant properties and can protect the body's cells from free radical damage. Carotenoids, found in most plant foods such as berries, fruits, vegetables, nuts, green leafy vegetables, etc., are essential for health as they tend to participate in the synthesis of vitamin A. Carotenoids are a class of naturally occurring aromatic, polyene hydrocarbons with high biological activity. They are called fat-soluble pigments because they dissolve in oils and fats. The designation “fat soluble” is due to the fact that most carotenoids actively exhibit their biological activity after adding fat or oil to them. At the same time, the oil content should not exceed 50% of the total weight of the product.