Tag: Carotenoid

Derived from carotenoids found in plants like carrots and violets, beta ionone is more than just a fragrance molecule. This organic compound possesses a variety of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer and antimicrobial actions, making the benefits of beta ionone surprisingly diverse.

Astaxanthin is a potent carotenoid antioxidant, famously responsible for the red hue of salmon and flamingos. Unlike other antioxidants, its unique molecular structure allows it to provide cellular protection from the inside out, offering a comprehensive defense against oxidative stress and inflammation. But exactly how does astaxanthin work in the body to deliver its wide-ranging health benefits?

Astaxanthin is a natural pigment found in microorganisms and marine animals. While known for its powerful antioxidant properties, it is also referred to by a number of other names depending on its origin, chemical structure, and commercial application.

Lycopene is a potent carotenoid antioxidant, with research indicating its capacity to neutralize singlet oxygen is twice that of beta-carotene and ten times that of alpha-tocopherol. This powerhouse nutrient is fundamentally used to combat oxidative stress by scavenging harmful free radicals in the body.

Lycopene, a potent antioxidant, is a bright red carotenoid pigment responsible for the vibrant color of ripe tomatoes and other red fruits. In its isolated, pure form, lycopene typically appears as a deep red solid or crystalline substance.

Lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid found in the human body, but it is known by several other chemical names. This natural antioxidant pigment, which gives tomatoes and other red fruits their color, is also scientifically referred to as all-trans-lycopene and psi-psi-carotene.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin A is naturally present in many foods and is essential for vision, immune function, and reproduction. You can find beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, in several types of dietary supplements, including stand-alone formulas and various multivitamins.

According to extensive research, astaxanthin has been found to be significantly more powerful than many common antioxidants, with studies suggesting it can be up to 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C. This powerhouse carotenoid, sourced from marine microalgae, is widely regarded as the strongest antioxidant in nature due to its exceptional cellular protection capabilities.

While over 600 types of carotenoids occur naturally, lutein and its close isomer, zeaxanthin, are the only two concentrated in the human retina. This powerful antioxidant and plant pigment is most commonly classified as a xanthophyll, which is a subcategory of the broader carotenoid family.

Lutein is one of over 600 naturally occurring carotenoids synthesized exclusively by plants and microorganisms. This critical nutrient, the subject of 'What is lutein made of?', is a type of pigment called a xanthophyll, crucial for eye and skin health.