Tag: Phytofluene

While many colorful carotenoids like lycopene and beta-carotene receive significant attention, a less-known but equally important member of this family is carotenoid phytoene. This colorless precursor to other vibrant carotenoids is naturally present in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and is gaining recognition for its powerful antioxidant and anti-aging properties.

According to a 2021 study published in the journal *Nutrients*, carrots, apricots, and commercial tomato juice were found to have the highest concentrations of phytoene. This colorless carotenoid is gaining recognition for its health benefits, and understanding which foods are highest in phytoene is key to increasing your dietary intake.

While red tomatoes are known for their lycopene, white tomatoes offer a unique nutritional profile centered on colorless carotenoids. A lesser-known variety, white tomatoes have gained attention in the wellness and beauty industry for their potent skin-enhancing properties. This guide explores what is the nutritional value of white tomatoes and how they compare to their red counterparts.

While red tomatoes are well-known for their high lycopene content, some research indicates that yellow and orange varieties contain higher levels of other potent, colorless carotenoids like phytoene and phytofluene. This raises an important question: are yellow tomatoes anti-inflammatory, and how do they achieve this effect differently from their red counterparts?

While standard tomatoes contain some glutathione, specialized white heirloom tomatoes function differently, containing potent colorless carotenoids that stimulate the body's own glutathione production. This process can offer distinct advantages for skin health and overall antioxidant defense, going beyond simply consuming glutathione directly.