Carotenoids

from http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/micro/gallery.html

According to the UC Berkeley Wellness letter (Aug 1997), b-carotene,C₄₀H₅₆,shown above, is only one of dozens of beneficial carotenoids in foods. Carotenoids are a group of pigments containing carbon, hydrogen and sometimes oxygen. In leaves they often act as antenna molecules, absorbing light frequencies that chlorophylls cannot use. The energy is then transfered to the main center of photosynthesis. For some reason, these same pigments are synthesized in some roots and fruits. In the latter case it may be easier to explain their presence. While seeds are still immature, it is advantageous for the fruit to be inconspicuous and green in colour. If eaten at this point the plant would lose its progeny. The outer rind of, say, an immature orange, photosynthesizes while the plant's embryos develop. Afterwards, when the seeds are mature, it pays off for the fruit to advertise and increase its chances for seed dispersal. Thus the chlorophyll (which contains nitrogen) is digested, exposing the expendable the nitrogen-free carotenoids in ripe fruit.

Many of the carotenoids have vitamin A activity. They are antioxidants, removing free radicals that have been implicated in cancer, heart disease and aging.

Examples of Other Carotenoids Found in Food

Lycopene

an isomer of b-carotene, C₄₀H₅₆. Structurally very similar to b-carotene, the only difference being that its end rings are open. In decreasing order of importance, the best food sources from raw fruits and vegetables are:

Cryptoxanthin

a hydroxylated version of b-carotene

*According to the Merck index, the husk tomato is the richest source. Since most people do not eat the latter it could explain Berkeley's list.

Lutein and zeaxanthin

(units: mg)