Carotenoids in Foods and their Effects on Human Health.

Carotenoids, responsible for the red, orange and yellow color in foods, consist a part of the pigment family that naturally present in vegetables and fruits. Six main carotenoids found in human blood serum and taken with the diet are β- and α-carotenes, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. Many studies suggest that carotenoids have a positive effect on several diseases such as certain type of cancers, cardiovascular and ocular diseases, especially age related macular degeneration and cataract. The antioxidant properties of carotenoids may be responsible for their beneficial influence on human health. Human organisms are unable to synthesize carotenoids, therefore these compounds have to be supplied with the diet. Main carotenoid sources include carrots, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, egg yolk and corn. In this study, carotenoids in foods and their effects on human health are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]